BOOK7 DRONA PARVA MV SUBRAMANYUM

                             BOOK7 DRONA PARVA

MAHA BHARAT DRONA PARVA FIRST CHAPTER "After Bhishma attaining divinity and laid on the arrow bed, what had happened. Kindly tell me" asked Janamejaya. Vaisampayana continued to tell Janamejaya, the story of Mahabharata. On hearing from Sanjaya about the fall of Bhishma in the battle field, Dhritarashtra was very much distressed. "Sanjaya! Immediately you go back to the battle field, find out what had happened after the fall of Bhishma and tell me.." asked Dhritarashtra. As per the orders of King Dhritarashtra, Sanjaya proceeded to Kurushetra. With the blessings of Veda Vyasa, Sanjaya could see and observe personally every detail in the subsequent days of war. Then he returned to Hastinapura and immediately proceeded to the Palace of Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra welcomed him and offered him a suitable seat. "Sanjaya! After the fall of my father Bhishma, with whose help, my sons continued the war. Who was appointed as Commander-in-Chief. How the war proceeded and in which direction. Kindly tell me in detail." anxiously asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say: "O King Dhritarastra! I have so far told you about the fall of Bhishma in the battle field, and the arrival of both Pandavas and Kouravas to the place where Bhishma was lying on arrow bed. Bhishma reiterated his desire to your son Suyodhana about amicable settlement with Pandavas, even at that stage, so that the remaining Kouravas and other Kings and their armedforces, will survive. But your son, Suyodhana, as usual, paid a deaf ear and left that place with anger. As per your orders, I proceeded to Kurushetra and reached the battle field at the time of dawn. Arragnements were being made for the next day war. All army troops were preparing themselves for war. But the faces of Kourava soldiers and their commanders were gloomy. They were looking at one another. At that time all were waiting for the arrival of Karna, the saviour. All the car-warriors proceeded to Suyodhana and said: "O King Suyodhana! All our army, deprived of your Grandsire, Bhishma, is looking like a wife without husband and fertile land without crop. Pandava armies are enraging. At this juncture, only Karna should come and save us. Suyodhana, you know that Karna abstained from war all these ten days, only on account of the remarks passed by Bhishma, counting him as Ardha Radha. Now we are all waiting for Karna." said those kings. In the meanwhile Karna arrived there. Suyodhana and other kings accorded him a warm welcome. Karna addressed the kings thus: "O Kings of great prowess! Bhishma, who possessed firmness, intelligence, prowess, vigour, truth, self-restraint, humility, modesty, freedom from malice, is now lying on an arrow bed in the battle field. Without his leadership, what is the use of having so many Akshouhinis' army. With the fall of Bhishma, Suyodhana lost everything" said Karna with choked voice. Karna continued: "The fall of Bhishna happened while you were all present in the battle field. Bhishma fell like a mountain. Dont worry. I will save you and your forces. I will attack Arjuna. I will vanquish Pandavas and the entire pandava forces and enthrone Suyodhana as the King and Emperor of this entire universe. If I fail to do so, I will enjoy the heavenly pleasures. I will meet Bhishma in heaven. This is my promise" said Karna with a firm voice. Suyodhana was very happy with the words of Karna. Then Karna proceeded to the place where Bhishma was lying on an arrow bed. He saw Bhishma who was looking like a driedup ocean. He got down from hic chariot at a distance and walked over to Bhishma. Karna touched the feet of Bhishma: "O Grandsire Bhishma! I am Radheya. Kindly open your eyes and bless me. A valiant Hero like you, lying on an arrow bed, is nothing but fate which nobody can avoid. With your blessings, I am taking part in the war from today on wards" said Karna. Bhishma opened his eyes. Karna bowed before him. "O Grandsire, I will conquer Arjuna and the other Pandavas and their forces. Bless me" requested Karna. Bhishma blessed him and said these words: "O Karna! with your support and help only, Suyodhana and his brothers are happy. You are being treated as one among his brothers. Friendship is more greater and thicker than relationship attained by birth.You bear the entire burden of this Kuru Dynasty. There is no difference between Suyodhana and yourself. You both are equal to me. Command the Kourava forces and acquire victory to Suyodhana." said Bhishma. Karna once again bowed before the feet of Bhishma and left that place. He went near the Kourava forces. He gathered all the car warriors, cavalry, elephant warriors and foot soldiers. He encouraged them with his tactful speech. Kourava forces aplauded Karna. Suyodhana priased Karna: "Karna! my friend! with your arrival in the battle field, joy and happiness is seen in the faces of our troops and their commanders. Our troops are ready for war. What is our present task? asked Suyodhana. "Suyodhana! you are our King. Your decision is final. You have to decide the future course of action" said Karna. After thinking for a while, Suyodhana said: "Karna! Hiherto, Bhishma was our Commander-in-Chief. Now he is on arrow bed. Now we want another Commander-in-Chief. We have to find out some suitable and proper person who is fit to hold that position" asked Suyodhana. "Suyodhana! All our commanders in our warriors are suitable to hold that position. All of them are endued with prowess and intelligence, possessed of wisdom and unretreating from battle. But all cannot be leaders at the same time. Only one should be selected as Commander-in-Chief. If one among them is selected, others will be dissatisfied and they may not cooperate with the leader. If we make our Preceptor, Drona, as the leader of the army, nobody can object as he is liked by all. He is our preceptor, revered, Brahmin, wellversed in all sorts of warfare. Though he is older in age, he is more powerful. Hence, you may instal him as our Commander-in-Chief." said Karna. Suyodhana entirely agreed with Karna. Immediatley, Suyodhana, along with his brothers and other Kings went to Drona and said: "By virtue of your superiority of birth, for your nobility, for your learning, intelligence, your prowess, skill, invincibility, knowledge of wordly affairs, and also for your ascetic austerities, all of us have decided to make you as our leader. So far our Grandsire Bhishma was our leader. From today onwards you will be our leader. We all will abide by your words. You have to lead us as Kartikeya led celestlials in the battle with Asuras. This is our wish" said Suyodhana. Dronacharya was very happy with the words of King Suyodhana. "Suyodhana! I am a Brahmin, well versed in Vedas and Upanishads. But I am lacking in courage and prowess which charactersitics are must for a Kshatriya. Still, as you are all requesting me, I am accepting your request. I will lead the Kourava troops, fight with pandavas and acquire victory to you." said Drona. Suyodhana was very much satisfied with the words of Drona. He immediately sent for the Purohits and sacred waters from River Ganges. After following the usual rituals, Drona was made as Commander in Chief of all the Kourava forces. All the commanders in the Kourava army blew their conches. The sound of trumpets and the loud blare of conches reached the sky. The entire Kourava forces were ready for battle. O King Dhritarashtra! Drona fought with Pandava forces for five days. He killed about one Akshouhini army. Several car warriors could not even stand before him and look at him. After fighting vigirously for five days, Drona was killed by Dhrushtadyumna and attained divinity." said Sanjaya. On hearing the news of the death of Drona, Dhritarashtra's eyes filled with tears. He was in great grief. "Sanjaya! Drona was very much wellversed in the skills of archery and was a man of great prowess. How he was killed by Pandavas? Whether his bow was broken by Panchalas? or whether his chariot was broken? Have they killed the charioteer of Drona? Or when Drona was very much tired, that wretched Dhrushtadyumna killed Acharya cruelly? Sanjaya! even afer hearing about the death of Drona, my heart is in tact. Mine is not a human heart. It is a stone." Dhritarashtra, afflicted with excessive grief, fell down on the ground and fainted. After regaining consciousness, he told Sanjaya: "O Sanjaya! while Nara and Narayana were the Radhi (warrior standing on the chariot for fighting) and Saradhi (person driving the chariot), their desires will always be accomplished. Nakula and Sahadeva are brave and invincible. Satyaki is a man of great prowess, incapable of being resisted by celestial bodies. Uttamouja is regarded as a mighty car warrior. Dhrishtaketu is a brave warrior among Chedi Kings. Sikhandi is a tiger among men who was born only to kill Bhishma. Abhimanyu is regarded as Second Rudra. The sons of Droupadi are invincible. The five Kekaya Kings are equal to 50 great warriors each. Yuyudhana is unconquerable. Dhrushtadyumna was born to kill Drona. Ghatotkacha is a terrible destroyer. Yadava warriors are renowned for their prowess. Bhimasena with his mace can massacre the entire Kourava army, single handedly. Dharmaja is a man of virtues, truthfulness and intelligence and unconquerable even by celestial bodies. Sanjaya! I will tell you one more thing. As a saviour of the entire universe, Sri Krishna was born in Yadava clan at Vrepalle. Even during his childhood, he showed several miracles and killed many Asuras. He also killed his uncle, Kamsa. He got Parijatha plant from heaven to earth. He destroyed bad elements and saved the virtutous people. Pandavas are those who gained the favour of Sri Krishna. Therefore, they are invincible. Besides that, the soul of Sri Krishna is Arjuna. Though they are separate in bodies, their souls are one. Sri Krishna and Arjuna are two eyes to Dharmaja, a man of virtues. Therefore, Pandavas are unconquerable. Worst days are ahead of Kouravas. Sanjaya! What is the use of thinking about past. I want to hear how Drona fought with Pandavas. Tell me the war details." asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to tell about the first day war of Drona. " Having been installed as the Commander-in-Chief and leader of the entire Kourava Army, Drona was very happy. He told Suyodhana thus: "Suyodhana! After Bhishma, you regarded me as an equivalent warrior to Bhishma and made me as your leader. I am very happy. Choose anything you like. I will accomplish your desire." said Drona. Suyodhana, after consulting with Karna and Dussasana, told Drona thus: "O our great precept! With all your blessings, I am expressing my desire. Kindly catch Dharmaja alive and hand him over to me." said Suyodhana. Drona was astonished. "Suyodhana! what is this? How strange it is? Without asking me to kill Dharmaja, why you asked me to catch him alive? What is the reason behind it? Do you want to give back his half share in the Kuru kingdom! If I handover Dharmaja to you alive, what will you do/" asked Drona. Suyodhana, with a wicked smile, said thus: "O Drona! What is the use of killing Dharmaja? If we kill Dharmaja, several untoward things may happen. If we kill Dharmaja, Arjuna never keeps quiet. He will massacre the entire Kuru army and take revenge against us. Even if we kill all the Pandavas and their army, Sri Krishna will never keep quiet. He will kill all of us with his Sudarsana Chakra and destroy the entire Kuru clan and handover the entire Kuru Kingdom even to Kunti, as the last heir. Suppose if we catch Dharmaja alive, I will, with the help of Sakuni, play again Dice Game with Dharmaja, defeat him and send him back to forests, throughout his life. He will spend the rest of his life, along with his wife and children, in forests. I will become the King and Emperor of the entire Kuru Kingdom. In that event, even Krishna could not do anything." said Suyodhana. Drona repented for giving such a boon to Suyodhana. He wanted to make it worthless by putting some conditions. "Suyodhana! your desire is just and proper. But there is one difficulty. As long as Arjuna is by the side of Dharmaja, even celestial bodies cannot look at Dharmaja. It is a well known fact. Therefore, you have to make arrangements for keeping Arjuna away from Dharmaja. Then I will catch Dharmaja and hand him over to you." said Drona. On hearing the words of Drona, your sons were very happy. They were jubilant as if Dharmaja was caught alive.This was made known to all the commanders in Kourava Army. They roared like lions. Trumpets were blown. Dharmaja was came to know of all these facts through his spies. Immediately he called for a meeting with his brothers and Sri Krishna. "Arjuna! Have you heard the promise given by Drona to Suyodhana. He gave word that he will catch and hand me over to Suyodhana alive. You have to undo that promise. You have to be by my side alwlays and protect me from our preceptor." requested Dharmaja. Having heard those words from Dharmaja, Arjuna said: "Brother Dharmaja! Leaving you alone in battle field is impossible. It is equivalent to killing my preceptor. I will never resort to such a dreadful sin. I will always be by your side and protect you. It is nothing but the greediness of Kouravas. As long as I am by your side, not only Drona but the entire universe cannot look at you." said Arjuna firmly. Dharmaja was very happy. Pandavas along with their forces moved to the battle field, while trumpets and conches and horns were blowing as a sign of victory. Pandavas arrayed their troops into Krouncha Vyooha.(Krouncha is one kind of bird). Arjuna along with his forces stood at the point of beak. Dhrushtadyumna stood by his side. Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, Abhimanyu, son of Droupadi, King of Panchala, and other prominent warriors in Pandava Army stood in their respective places alloted to them. Yudhishtira stood in the middle of Vyooha. Yours sons also arrayed Kourava Troops in the form of Sakata Vyooha. Kings of Sindhu, Kalinga, Vikarna stood on the southern side. By their side stood Sakuni along with his troops. Kritavarma, Vivimsati, Chitrasena, Dussaasana, stood on the northern side. Kings of Kambhoja, Saka, Yavana stood at their respective places. Kings of Trigartha, Madra, Surasena, along with their respective troops, formed into a protective ring to Suyodhana, in the middle. Karna with his troops stood in the forefront of the vyuha. Looking at Karna at the forefront of the Kourava army, Kourava troops felt very happy. "All these days Bhishma fought with a partisan attitude. Now Karna has come to see the end of Pandavas. Karna is equivalent to Arjuna." Kouravas thought among themselves. Under the leadership of Drona, our troops marched to the battle field. At that time, many bad omens were seen. But Suyodhana did not care for them. Both sides were very anxious to see the dual fight between Arjuna and Karna. Drona entered the battle and gave signal for war. Both sides started fighting with each other. The dust rose due to the movement of chariots, elephants, cavalry and foot soldiers covered the entire sky. Broken heads of elephants, the cut limbs of the horses, broken chariots, deadbodies of foot solders, streams of blood, are dreadfully seen everywhere. Drona, moving speedily on his chariot in the battle field, shooting fierce shafts, began to crush the car warriors and horsemen, elephant warriors and foot soldiers along with elephants and horses. The dead bodies of horses were floating in the streams of blood. Broken chariots are seen everywhere. Unable to face Drona's wrath, Pandava forces were fleeing away. Dharmaja was very much worried with this development. He called Dhruhstadyumna and asked him to attack Drona. Dhrushtadyumna along with his forces attacked Drona. Arjuna rallied the Pandava forces and encouraged them to fight with Kourava troops. All of them surrounded Drona from all sides. Though Drona was old in age, he was fighting like Skandha.(youthful son of Lord Siva and commander of celestial forces). Inspite of that, Pandava troops were attacking Drona with greatest prowess. They shot powerful arrows against the chariot driver and the horses of Drona. They broke the arrows shot by Drona into pieces. They shot sharp edged arrows against Drona. There was a fiercest fight between Drona and Dhrushtadyumna. The entire sky was covered with the arrows shot by both of them. Dharmaja, along with his army, joined Dhrushtadyumna and showered powerful arrows on Drona. Sakuni was fighting with Sahadeva. Sakuni killed the steeds of Sahadeva and broke his flag. Sahadeva in return broke the chariot of Sakuni and cut his flag. Sakuni took his mace and jumped to the ground and killed the chariot driver of Sahadeva. Sahadeva also jumed to the ground with his mace and fought with Sakuni. Bhimasena was showering powerful shafts on Vivimsati. Vivimsati in return broke the bow of Bhimasena into two. Bhimasena along with his mace jumed to the ground and killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Vivimsati. Bhoorisravasa attacked Dhrushtadyumna and pierced sharp arrows throughout his body. Beholding the position of his brother, Sikhandi intervened and attacked Bhoorisravasa. Ghatotkacha and Alambasa were engaged in miracle war. Kshatradeva was fighting with Lakshmana. Chekitana was fighting with Anuvinda. Salya was fighting with Nakula. Nakula broke the flag and the chariot of Salya. Dhrishtaketu was fighting with Kripacharya. Satyaki shot 70 sharp arrows aiming at the chest of Kritavarma. In return, Kritavarma shot 77 shafts against Satyaki. Dhrishtadyumna was fighting with Susharma. Dhrishtadyumna shot powerful arrows on vital parts of Susharma. King Virata attacked Karna. There was a fiercest battle between the forces of Karna and Virata. Karna killed hundreds of elephants and horses in Virata army and broke many chariots. Drupada and King of Trigartha were testing each others' vigour and valour. Pourava king attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu with great wrath broke the bow of PouravaKing. With five keen arrows, he hit the horses and charioteer. When Abhimanyu was about to cut the head of Pourava King with another steep arrow, Kritavarma intervened and cut the bow of Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, armed with his sword , jumped to the ground and broke the chariot and dragged his charioteer to the ground. Abhimanyu caught hold of the neck of Pourava king to cut it. Meanwhile, Saindhava intervened and attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu left Pourava King and fell upon Saindhaya and broke his sword and shield. Unable to fight with Abhimanyu, Saindhava fled away. Abhimanyu attacked the forces of Saindhaya and massacred them. Beholding Saindhaya fleeing away from the battle field, other warriors rushed against Abhimanyu. The Madra King, Salya, launched a dreadful Sakti weapon on Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu caught that Sakti weapon with his hand and hurled it back which smashed the head of the charioteer of Salya. At that time, Virata, Drupada, Dhrishtaketu, Yudhishtira, Satyaki, Kekaya Kings, Bhimasena, Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandi, Nakula and Sahadeva, and sons of Droupadi, rushed to that spot in aid of Abhimanyu. Beholding this, all your sons, at a time showered powerful arrows on Abhimanyu. As his charioteer was killed, Salya jumped down from his chariot and rushed against Abhimanyu with his mace. Abhimanyu also jumed from his chariot and attcked Salya with his mace. Having seen this, Bhimasena dragged Salya aside and challenged him to fight with him. Salya engaged in dual fight with Bhimasena. They were fighting with each with their maces. Unable to sustain the blows of their maces, they both fell down unconscious. Kritavarma speedily came there on his chariot, lifted Salya into his chariot and went away. After regaining consciousness, Bhima searched for Salya. As Salya was taken away by Kritavarma, Bhimasena rushed against the troops of Salya and masscred them. Beholding this, all your sons joined together and surrounded Bhimasena and launched all kinds of Astras and Sastras on Bhimasena. Nakula and Sahadeva joined Bhimasena and all the three Pandavas attacked your sons. It was afternoon. Pandavas gained upperhand on that day. In Pandava troops, all the warriors were roaring like lions, acclaiming their victory. At that time, Vrishasena, son of Karna, along with his troops, rushed into the Pandava troops and was massacring them. Pandava troops were unable to control him. The heads of horses and elephants were rolling on the ground. Charioteers were being slaughtered. Chariots were broken.The number of foot soldeirs was diminishing. Blood was flowing like a stream. None in Pandava troops were able to attack Vrishasena. . Beholding this, Sataaneeka, son of Nakula, with great wrath, jumped against Vrishasena and shot ten sharp arrows against him. Vrishasena broke the bow of Sateeneeka and cut his flag. All the sons of Droupadi joined Sateeneeka and all of them attacked Vrishasena. Asvathaama was fighting with Pandava troops. Dharmaja, Kings of Kekaya, King Virata, King Drupada, with their respective armies were fighting with Asvathaama and Vrishasena. Bhima, Dhrushtadyumna and Virata on one side; Karna, Kripa, Drona and Asvathaama on the other side; were fighting with each other, as if Sun God was fighting in seven human forms. Unable to withstand the wrath of Pandava troops, our troops fled away. Beholding this, Drona, excited with rage, tried to rally Kourava troops. Looking at his charioteer, Drona said: "Look at our troops. They are fleeing away. The face of Dharmaja is glowing with victory. Now we have to rush against Pandava troops and massacre them. Otherwise, we cannot restrain our troops from fleeing. Ofcourse, Dharmaja, Bhima, Satyaki, Virata, Drupada and his sons, could not stand before me even for a minute. It is me who taught archery skills to Arjuna. Now it is time to massacre Pandava troops. Drive our chariot against Pandava army" ordered Drona. The charioteer of Drona was driving his chariot in different directions and thrusted into Pandavatroops. Drona was indiscriminately killing the Pandava troops. One Sukumara from the Pandava troops attacked Drona and shot sharp edged arrows against Drona. Drona, enraged with great wrath, cut the head of Sukumara, with only one steep arrow. All the warriors on Pandava side surrounded Drona at a time. Drona shot Nakula with five arrows, Sahadeva with five arrows, King Virata with nine arrows, Satyaki with seven arrows, sons of Drouadi with three arrows each, Vimsati with twenty five arrows, Dharmaja and Sikhandi, each with twelve arrows. None, who attacked Drona, returned back alive. King Yugandhara intervened between Dharmaja and Drona. Drona killed Yugandhara by cutting his head. Beholding this, Kekaya kings, King Drupada, Simhasena, Vyaghradatta and other great warriors attacked Drona. Simhasena and Vyaghradatta shot powerful arrows against Drona. With two sharp arrows, Drona cut the heads of Simhasena and Vyaghradatta. Their respective troops fled away. Drona roared like a lion. There was a rumour spread like wild fire in Pandava army that Dharmaja was caught by Drona and taken away. All the Pandava soldiers were shivering with fear. On hearing this rumour, Arjuna drove his chariot against Drona and incessantly showered sharp edged arrows on Kourava troops. The heads of Kourava solders were flying in airlike balls. Blood was flowing into streams. The dead bodies were heaped up. Unable to control the invincible Arjuna, Kourava troops fled away. The sun was set and darkness spread all over the battle field. Both sides stopped war for that day and returned to their respective camps." said Sanjaya the first day war details of Drona, to Dhritarashtra. Next day morning, both sides were ready for war. Drona told Suyodhana: "Suyodhana! yesterday, I could not keep up my word given to you. Arjuna did not leave Dharmaja even for a moment. At the end of the day, Arjuna enraged with wrath, massacred our troops. Therefore, depute some warriors to move Arjuna far away from war field. Otherwise, it is not possible to capture Dharmaja. If Arjuna is not by his side, Dharmaja will run away. I will chase him and catch hum. Make those arrangements" said Drona. On hearing these words of Drona, Susarma said thus: "Suyodhana! Arjuna used to insult us always. We bore grudge against him. We are always waiting for an opportunity to take revenge against him. Today, in the battle field, either Arjuna should survive or Susarma should survive. We are in no way inferior to Arjuna in prowess." said Susarma. Susarma along with his brothers, Satyavrata, Satya Karma, Satya Varma, boasted himself that he will easily conquer Arjuna. All the other warriors acclaimed their vigour and valour. Suyodhana felt very happy and approved their plan. All the Trigartha Kings along with their 15 warriors, and their friends viz, Kings of Kerala, Malava, Silindra, and Magadha and other Cities, made arrangements for war against Arjuna. They took a vow before the sacred fire. "We all will fight with Arjuna and kill him. If we are defeated at the hands of Arjuna, we will be afflicted with a great sin for commtting the wrongs, viz., killing of cows, killing of ladies, killing of Brahmins, commiting adultery with preceptor's (teacher's) wife, snatching the properties of Brahmins and others, causing harm to our preceptor, not protecting those who sought refuge, telling lies, consuming intoxicated drinks, not providing food for those who prayed for food, commtting arson. If we are killed by Arjuna, we will attain the heavenly abode. This is our solemn promise" On the second day of war, Drona arrayed Kourava troops in the form of Garuda Vyooha. Drona along with his army stood at the beak of Garuda. Suyodhana along with his brothers stood at the head of Garuda. Kripacharya, Kritavarma formed as the eyes of Garuda. Kings of Simhala, Abheera, Soorasena stood at the neck. Bahlika, Bhoorisravasa, Somadatta, Sala, Salya formed as the right wing. Asvathaama, Sudakshina, Vinda, Anuvinda formed as the left wing. Sakuni, Poundraka, Kalinga, Ambhashta, King of Magadha stood at the back of Garuda. Karna along with his troops took the position at the tail end. Saindhava and other kings took their respective positions here and there. Kourava army was surging like an ocean. Bhagadatta mounting his huge elephant, Suprateeka, stood at the middle of Garuda Vyooha. The Kings of Trigartha, instead of standing as a part of Garuda vyooha, separated themselves and proceeded to the southern side of Pandava troops. From there, they provoked Arjuna for war. Beholding this, Arjuna told Yudhishtira: "Brother Dharmaja! Susarma and his brothers are inviting me for war. It is not proper on my part to refuse their invitation for war. If you permit me, I will go, fight with them and come back with victory. Nothing will happen to you within this short time" said Arjuna, seeking the permission of Dharmaja. "Arjuna! You know much better about the vigour and valour of Drona. He made a promise to Suyodhana that he will catch me alive and hand me over to Suyodhana. You have to make that promise futile. You think for yourself and do as it deems fit and proper to you." said Dharmaja . "Brother Yudhishtira! If I refuse the invitation for war, the rest of the world will heckle me as coward. Therefore, I have to go and fight with Trigarthas. Look at this warrior. His name is Satyajit. A great warrior of Panchala Army. He will be guarding you. As along as he is by your side, you need not worry. In the event of his being killed, you have no other option but to retreat from the war. I hope such situation will never occur." said Arjuna. Dharmaja gave permission to Arjuna to proceed against Samsaptakas. Arjuna, after taking permission from Dharmaja, rushed against Samsaptakas. Observing this development, Kouravas were in a jubilant mood. Looking at Dhrushtadyumna, Dharamaja said: "Drona arrayed Kourava forces in the form of Garuda Vyooha. As a counter move, array our troops in the form of Mandalardha vyooha." said Dharmaja. As per the directions of Dharmaja, Dhrushtadyumna arrayed the Pandava troops in the shape of Mandalardha vyooha. In both the armies, the sounds of trumpets, horns, blowing of conches rose to the sky. Dharmaja told Dhrushtradyumna thus: "You have to guard me carefully from being captured by Drona. You must always be by my side. You have to show your prowess and control the Kourava army, not to proceed a step further." said Dharmaja. "Dharmaja! as long as I am by your side, Drona will never touch you. You need not worry." said Dhrushtadyumna. The second day war began. Dhrushtadyuman rushed against Drona and stood before him. Drona does not want to face Dhrushtadyumna in the early hours of war. Hence he turned aside and began to fight with Panchala forces. Like a hungry lion, Arjuna rushed against Samsaptakas. Samsaptakas arrayed their troops in the form of half-moon. Samsaptakas, with a leonine roar, jumped against Arjuna. Arjuna blew his conche, Devadatta. Samsaptakas surrounded Arjuna and shot sharp arrows against him. Arjuna cut them in the middle and massacred 15,000 car warriors with his sharp edged shafts. Susarma, Subahu, Sudhanva and Suradha were fighting with Arjuna. Arjuna cut their flags. Arjuna killed the steeds of Sudhanva and broke his bow. With one sharp arrow, Arjuna cut the head of Sudhanva and blew his conche as a sign of victory. Unable to stand before Arjuna, the army of Samsaptakas fled away. Susharma was very much annoyed. "Dont fear. We know much about Arjuna. Have you forgotten the word given to Suyodhana. If you flee like this, how can we show our face to Suyodhana." Susarma cried aloud and was trying to to rally the troops against Arjuna. On hearing the encouraging words of Susarma, the army returned back. All the warriors surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna told Sri Krishna: "Krishna! These Trigartas will continue to fight as long as they are alive. Unless I consign them to the abode of Yama, my task cannot be accomplished. Drive our chariot towards them." said Arjuna. Accordingly, Krishna drove the chariot towards Samsaptakas. At that time, army of Samsaptakas consists of ten thousand strong army named Narayana. They belong to Sri Krishna. They are enraged with wrath against Krishna and Arjuna. The reason being.......when Suyodhana and Arjuna approached Sri Krishna for army help, Arjuna chose Krishna instead of ten thousand strong army named Narayana. Hence they were made to fight on behalf of Suyodhana. Hence all of them bore grudge against Arjuna and Krishna. Now they are fighting against Arjuna by showering numerous arrows against Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna does not want to kill them. Hence Arjuna launched a divine Astra given to him by Tvashta Prajapati. Under the influecne of that Astra, thousands of separate forms of Arjuna started appearing before every Narayana soldier. Confounded by those diverse images of Arjuna, the Narayana troops began to strike each other, regarding the other as Arjuna. Deprived of their senses by that mighty weapon, they killed one another. Then the Astra remained peaceful and they returned to normalcy. Arjuna blew his conche Devadatta. By that time, many of them died. The rest of the Narayana army along with the Kings of Magadha, Kerala, excited with wrath, surrounded Arjuna and shot most powerful shafts against Arjuna and Krishna. Arjuna cut those shafts into pieces and cut their heads with most powerful arrows. All the elephants, horses and foot soldiers in their army were massacred. All the Trigartha kings, gathered their scattered army, again surrounded Arjuna and showered sharp pointed shafts against Arjuna. Some of them got down from their chariots and attacked Arjuna from ground. From all sides they were showering arrows relentlessly. Their showers of arrows covered the chariot of Arjuna. Having lost the sight of the chariot of Arjuna, the pandava army thought that Krishna and Arjuna died at the hands of Samsaptakas. Having observed this, Samsapatakas roared like lions and blew their conches. The situation was such that Arjuna was not visible even to Krishna. Krishna shouted "Arjuna... Arjuna..... where are you.... what happened". But Arjuna was completely covered by the arrows showered by Samsapatakas. Arjuna thought that the situation is going out of control. Immediately, he launched Vaayavyaastra. With the influence of that Astra, Samsaptakas, their army, horses, elephants etc were thrown away like dry leaves to a long distance. Now the chariot of Arjuna was made visible to Pandava army. They had a sigh of relief. Pandava army aplauded Arjuna for his prowess. Samsaptakas again gathered their army together and again rushed against Arjuna all at a time and showered numerous sharp arrows against Arjuna. Arjuna broke them into pieces and again shot most cruel shafts against them. The heads of Trigarta troops were rolling on the ground. Dead bodies, hands and legs were scattered everywhere. Innumerable Elephants and horses were killed. Chariots were broken. Still, the trigartha army was fighting with Arjuna with renewed vigour. In this manner, Arjuna was fighting with Samsaptakas. At the main front, Drona was chasing the pandava troops with an intention of catching Dharmaja. He was trying to reach the chariot of Dharmaja. Your son Durmukha rushed against Dhrushtadyumna. Unable to control the prowess of Drona, Pandava troops fled away. Dharmaja was encouraging his forces and rallying them. Drona was massacring thousands of Pandava troops mercilessly. Blood was flowing into streams. Soldiers were being crushed under the wheels of chariots moving in the war field. Infuriated elephants were running hither and thither and crushing the soldiers under their feet. The war was dreadful and awful. Drona was rushing against Yudhishtira along with his forces. Satyajit who was deputed by Arjuna to protect Dharmaja, attacked Drona. Drona cut his bow. Satyajit took up another bow and shot thirty most powerful arrows against Drona. Another Panchala King, Vrishaka also joined Satyajit. Vrishaka shot sixty arrows against Drona. Pandava forces acclaimed both of them. Drona was excited with wrath. Drona showered keen shafts incessantly on Satyajit and Vrishaka. Both of them killed the charioteer of Drona, and also the horses tied to the chariot. They both struck the flag of Drona. Drona shot ten sharp edged arrows against Satyajit and broke his bow. Satyajit took up another bow and shot Silimukhas piercing the body of Drona. Again Drona cut the bow of Satyajit. Drona killed the horses and broke the chariot of Vrishaka. With another arrow, Drona cut the head of Vrishaka. Satyajit took up another bow and incessantly showered arrows on Satyajit. Again Drona broke the bow of Satyajit. Drona was continuously breaking all the bows taken by Satyajit. With a half-moon arrow, Drona cut the head of Satyajit. Beholding the death of Satyajit, Dharmaja was very much worried. He remembered the words of Arjuna. Slowly he retreated from the battle field. Drona was killing all those who have come across him and was vigorously searching for Dharmaja. Sooryadatta brother of King Virata, attacked Drona and shot most cruel arrows against Drona. Annoyed with his attack, Drona killed Sooryadatta with one arrow. Beholding the death of Sooryadatta, Virata forces fled away. Drona became uncontrollable. None was able to stand before him with life even for a moment. Drona was vigorously trying to catch Dharmaja on that day and fulfil his promise. At that time, Yudhamanyu, Uttamouja, Vasudaana, Sikhandi, all at a time, surrounded Drona and shot five arrows each against Drona. Satyaki shot 12 arrows and Kshatradharma shot ten arrows against Drona. Dhrushtadyumna and Chekitana were protecting Dharmaja from the wrath of Drona. With their help, Dharmaja again entered the war field and shot 12 sharp arrows againt Drona. Drona cut the head of Vasudana with one arrow and shot most cruel arrows against Uttamouja, Sikhandi and Satyaki and rushed against the chariot of Dharmaja. Beholding this, Dharmaja against left the battle field. Unable to find Dharmaja, Drona was very much annoyed. With that anger, he was massacring the pandava troops. Chariots were broken. Elephants and horses were killed. Their heads were rolling on ground. Kourava troops were chasing Pandava troops. Collecting their troops, Vardhakshemi, Chitrasena, Senabindu, Suvarchasa, Dhrishtadyumna, Chekitana, Sikhandi, Satyaki, and Sumitra, surrounded Drona at a time. Drona was driving his chariot in a circular form speedily and incessantly poured arrow showers on them. Drona killed Sumitra with one steep arrow. Beholding this, Kekaya kings, and Matsya kings along with their armies, fled away. Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki and Senabindu and other prominent warriors in Pandava army were amazingly staring at Drona and remained motionless. Suyodhana was very happy. He looked at Karna and said: "Karna! see that side. The entire pandava army fled away. None are there in the enemy troops who can withstand the wrath of Drona. Look at that side. Bheema is standing alone in a helpless condition and trying to flee away, relinquishing his desire for kingdom." wickedly laughed Suyodhana . "Suyodhana! Dont under-estimate Pandava troops and Bhima. They are all great warriors. They retreated temporarily. I expect that they all will collect together in a short time and rush against Drona. We have to protect our preceptor, Drona. These words are coming from my heart. At this juncture, I cannot tell words only to please you. Dont think otherwise." said Karna. The expectation of Karna turned to be true. Dharmaja rallied all his troops. He called Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva and asked them to stand in front of the troops. He arrayed Drupada, Matsya, Yadava warriors around the Pandava troops. Satyaki, Virata, Dripada and other great car-warriors were behind them. All of them, at a time, charged against Drona with great speed. When all of them surrounded Drona, Drona's chariot was not visible to kourava troops. A rumour was spread that Drona was killed by Pandava troops. On hearing this, Suyodhana, along with his troops rushed to that spot and was fighting with Pandava forces. There was a dual combat between: Satyaki and Kritavarma, KshathraDharma and Saindhava, Yuyutsu and Subaahu, Nakula and Dussaasana, Sahadeva and Chitravarma, Dharmaja and Salya, Drupada and Bahlika, Virata and Vinda, Anuvinda, Srutakeerti and Vivimsati, Srutasena and Salva, Srutasoma and Chitrasena, Sataaneeka and Srutavarma, Pravindhya and Asvathaama, Abhimanyu and Lakshmana, Sikhandi and Vikarna, Kuntibhoja and Durmukha, Kekaya Kings and Karna, King of Kasi and King Jaya, King of Pandya and Jayatsena, Vardhakshemi and Kripacharya, Manimanta and Bhoorisravasa, Ghatotkacha and Alambasa, in the battle field. While Pandava troops were trying to kill Drona, Kourava troops were trying to capture Dharmaja. There was a terrible, fierce, awful battle between both sides. One is cutting the flag of the other. Horses and elephants and charioteers were being killed. Chariots were broken. Bows were cut. Blood was flowing into streams. Sun was shining in the middle of the sky. Drona was controlling Dhrishtadyumna with the showers of arrows. Your son, Suyodhana, entered the battle field along with his elephant forces. Bhima with his cruel arrows was indiscriminately killing those elephants. In the meanwhile, King of Vanga, mounting on his elephant, rushed against Bhimasena. Bhimasena killed the King of Vanga with only one arrow. The troops of Vanga King fled away. Now entered Bhagadatta, son of Narakaasura, mounting his divine elephant, called Suprateeka in the war field. The elephant, Suprateeka was the divine elephant of Indra. Mounting that elephant only, Indra fought with Danavas and killed them. When Narakasura invaded Devaloka and conquered Indra, Naraka brought Suprateeka to his kingdom. After the death of Naraka at the hands of Sri Krishna, Bhagadatta, son of Naraka, succeeded to the kingdom of his father and the divine elephant Suprateeka. Now Bhagadatta was fighting with Pandava troops mounting on that divine elephant called Suprateeka. It is an elephant with huge body. None can stand before it as it will crush even the chariots, like insects, under its feet. It will throw away another elephant, with its trunk. That Suprateeka rushed against Bhimasena speedily. Pandava troops thought that Bhimasena was crushed under the feet of Suprateeka. There was a hue and cry in Pandava troops. Beholding this confusion, Dharmaja was very much agitated. He went round in the battle field proclaiming that "Bhimasena was safe" and rallied his troops. On hearing the words of Dharmaja, Pandava troops turned back and rushed against Kourava troops. Suprateeka elephant was crushing the Pandava forces under its feet. Hundreds and thousands of soldiers were crushed and killed under its feet. King of Dasarna, mounting on his elephant, attacked Suprateeka. Enraged with wrath, Suprateeka pulled down the elephant of King of Dasarna. The King of Dasarna fell on the ground. Bhagadatta killed King of Dasarna with seven Tomaras. Pandava troops were stricken with fear. Satyaki attacked Bhagadatta and showered steep edged arrows on Suprateeka. Suprateeka moved in a circular form and warded off those arrows. Then Suprateeka lifted the chariot of Satyaki into air and threw it down. Satyaki and his charioteer jumped out of the chariot. In the meanwhile Bhima attacked Bhagadatta. Suprateeka rushed against Bhima. The steeds tied to the chariot dragged the chariot in another direction. Meanwhile, one Suparna attacked Suprateeka and was crushed under its feet. Beholding the death of Suparna, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi, Chekitana, Dhrishtaketu, Yuyutsu surrounded Suprateeka and incessantly poured arrow showers which were made futile. Enraged with great wrath, Suprateeka broke the chariots of all of them. It killed the charioteer of Yuyutsu. Yuyutsu mounted the chariot of Abhimanu. All the Astras shot against Suprateeka touched its body and fell down like flowers. Bhagadatta was driving Suprateeka on four sides and massacring the Pandava troops. None could stand before it even for a moment. Pandava troops were fleeing away with great fear. Beholding this massacre from a distance, Arjuna told Krishna: "Krishna! Suprateeka, the elephant of Bhagadatta, is massacring our troops. Our troops are scattered. Nobody is able to resist it. In our absence, Dharmaja and Bheema might be suffering a lot. Please drive our chariot towards them" asked Arjuna. Krishna turned the chariot towards Pandava forces. Samsaptakas, fourteen thousand in number, surrounded Arjuna and accosted him. "Krishna! let us first see the end of these Samsaptakas. It is our foremost task. We will think about our troops later. Drive our chariot against Samsaptakas" said Arjuna. Krishna drove the chariot against Samsaptakas. Arjuna twanged Gandeeva. Blew Devadatta. He shot divine astras against Samsaptakas. Flags were cut. Chariots were broken. Horses and elephants were killed. The heads of foot solders were flying like balls in air. The hands and legs were scattered everywhere. Krishna also praised the prowess of Arjuna. Arjuna massacred the forces of Samsaptakas. "Krishna! The destructin of enemy forces is complete. Let us go back to protect our troops." said Arjuna. Sri Krishna turned the chariot towards Pandava troops. From behind, Susarma along with his brothers was roaring like a lion. "Hey Arjuna! what is this? When we are inviting you for war, you are fleeing away. Cannot you fight with us? Are you a coward?" said Susarma. "Krishna! Susarma is inviting me for war. But our troops are in a sad and critical position. I am unable to decide where to go. Kindly lead me in proper way" requested Arjuna. Krishna smiled and drove the chariot towards Samsaptakas. Arjuna, excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing Susarma and his brothers along with his army, cut the bow and flag of Susarma and his brothers. Arjuna with sharp arrows cut the heads of all the brothers of Susarma in a moment. Beholding this, King of Trigartha fainted. Meanwhile, Arjuna observed from a distance that Pandava troops were fleeing away from war field. "Krishna! look at that side. Unable to attack Suprateeka, our troops are fleeing away. That elephant, Suprateeka is chasing our troops. Kindly rush to that spot. Our people are in danger" requested Arjuna. With great speed, Krishna drove the chariot towards Suprateeka. Arjuna blew his conche, Devadatta. He shot sharp edged arrows against Bhagadatta. Krishna staioned his chariot in front of Suprateeka. Bhagadatta shot numerous arrows against Arjuna. Arjuna with a smile cut them into pieces and showered arrows on Suprateeka. Suprateeka, enraged with great wrath, rushed against the chariot of Arjuna. There was a hue and cry in the pandava army. There was an uproar. "Arjuna and Krishna were crushed by Suprateeka." Krishna with great skill, just swerved his chariot suddently to otherside. Suprateeka, with that great speed, rushed against the Pandava troops. In that melee, several soldiers in Pandava troops were crushed under its feet. Arjuna grew angry but swallowed it for himself. "Krishna! drive our chariot against Suprateeka" ordered Arjuna. Krishna again staioned his chariot in front of Suprateeka. Bhagadatta shot several keen edged shafts against Krishna, who killed his father, Naraka. Arjuna smashed them in between, and cut the bow of Bhagadatta. Arjuna pierced many cruel shafts into the body of Bhagadatta. With great wrath, Bhagadatta shot 14 tomaras against Arjuna. Arjuna cut them into pieces and broke the armour of Suprateeka.Bhagadatta launched Sakti Astra on Arjuna which was made futile by Arjuna. Bhagadatta hurled a Tomara aiming at the crown of Arjuna. Arjuna shot seven arrows against Bhagadatta. Bhagadatta invoked Vaishnavastra on his Ankusa ( metal rod with a hook used for controlling elephant) and hurled it against Arjuna. That Vaishnavastra, with great speed, was dashing against Arjuna like a dart. At that moment, Krishna rose and stood on his chariot in between Vaishnavastra and Arjuna. Vaishnavastra, with great speed, hit against the chest of Krishna and fell down like a flower. Arjuna could not control his anger. "Krishna! Out of great regard upon me, you have accepted to be the charioteer of mine in this battle. You have also promised not to fight or hold any weapon. Now you have taken part in the battle. Is it proper on your part? How other warriors will think about me? Will they not treat me as a coward? Why so many words. Drive the chariot against Bhagadatta" told Arjuna in a disgusted mood. Krishna smiled and said: "Arjuna! I am your charioteer. The duty of chariot driver is to protect the warrior standing on his chariot. I discharged my duty. Besides that, you should know some thing about this weapon, Vaishnavastra. When Sri Maha Vishnu woke up from his divine sleep, goddess earth approached him and requested for sexual intercoruse with him. Sri Maha Vishnu accepted her request. As a result, Narakasura was born. Sri Maha Vishnu gave Vaishnava Astra, as a gift, to Goddess Earth. She gave that Astra, to his son, Naraka. After the death of Naraka at my hands, that Vaishnavastra passed on to his son, Bhagadatta. Now Bhagadatta launched that Astra to kill you. Vaishnavastra is a powerful astra. None can neutralise it except me. As I was born with the Amsa of Sri Maha Vishnu, I can do it. Hence I kept my chest against it and neutralized it. I never suspected your vigour and valour. You are great warrior . It is a well known fact which need not be reiterated time and again. Now Bhagadatta is in a distressed mood as his Vaishnavastra was made futile. Attack him and kill him as I killed his father, Naraka." said Krishna. Convinced with that reply, Arjuna shot one most powerful shaft piercing the head of Suprateeka. That shaft broke the head of Suprateeka and Suprateeka fell down on the ground. Along with Suprateeka, Bhagadatta also fell down. Arjuna, with a cruel shaft of halfmoon shape, cut the head of Bhagadatta. In this manner, Bhagadatta and his elephant, Suprateeka were killed by Arjuna. Beholding the death of Bhagadatta, Sakuni and his brothers, Vrishaka and Achala rushed against Arjuna. Arjuna cut the flag of Vrushala and killed the horses and broke his chariot. Vrishaka mounted the chariot of his brother, Achala. Arjuna killed 500 car warriors in Gandhara army. With one arrow, Arjuna killed both Vrushala and Achala. Looking at the death of his brothers, Sakuni enraged with great wrath. Sakuni attacked Arjuna. Sakuni started miracle war. He created miracles like showers of stones from sky, falling of huge trees from sky, dreadful snakes and tigers jumping on the soldiers etc. Arjuna, with his divine Astras, destroyed all those miracles and illusions, in a moment. Looking at Sakuni, Arjuna said: "O Uncle, Sakuni! all your miracles and illusions ended with your dice game. This is war field. You cannot play dice games here. Here, only dreadful arrows will speak and play, not dice. Put an end to your miracles and illusions". So saying Arjuna shot many sharp edged shafts against Sakuni. Unable to attack Arjuna, Sakuni, along with his army, fled away. Satyaki and Bhimasena stood by the side of Arjuna. All the three warriors rushed against Drona and Suyodhana. Kourava army divided into two parts and took shelter behind Suyodhana and Drona. Pandava soldiers were shouting "Catch Drona. Kill him. Cut his throat". Kourava forces surrounded Drona and was guarding him. There was a fierce and awful battle. Dhrushtadyumna was almost chasing Drona from all sides. On one side Dharmaja and the other side Suyodhana were encouraging their forces for war. King Neela attacked Asvathaama. With only one shaft, Asvathaama killed King Neela. The forces of King Neela fled away. Pandava forces were taken aback. In the meanwhile, Samsaptakas, rallying their remaining forces, were shouting loudly from the southern side. "Arjuna! Have we fled away from war field! Were we defeated! How can you leave us abruptly? Where is Arjuna? Are you victorius by leaving us in the middle? Are you hiding, having frightened? Come on. Fight with us". They were provoking Arjuna for war. Immediately, Arjuna turned his chariot towards them. Beholding this, Kourava warriors began to shower arrows on Pandava Army. Pandava forces were scattered. Bheema was encouraging Pandava forces with his heroic words. Bhima attacked Bahlika and shot him with most cruel arrows. Suyodhana, Drona, Asvathaama surrounded Bhima and showered arrows on him. Observing that Bhima was surrounded by several Kourava car-warriors, Dharmaja asked Nakula, Sahadeva, Satyaki and Abhimanyu to proceed towards Bhimasena for his help. Accordingly, they proceeded towards Bhimasena. All were fighting with Suyodhana and others. It was afternoon. Chariots were broken. Heads were rolling on the ground. Intestines are coming out from the dead bodies. Broken limbs are seen everywhere. Elephants were rolling on the ground. The warriors mounted on elephants were being crushed by those elephants. Even after the heads are cut, the trunks were fighting for a while, wielding their swords. The entire battle field was filled with dead bodies. Dhrushtadyumna thought that that was the apt time to kill Drona. He attacked Drona and shot many sharp pointed shafts against Drona. After massacring Samsaptaka army completely, Arjuna again joined Pandava army. Along with Dhrishtadyumna, Bhima and Arjuna also were fighting with Drona and destroying the Kourava forces. Incapable of encountering those three great warriors, Kourava forces were suffering a lot. They were shouting and crying "Karna! Karna! You are my saviour. Save us" they cried aloud. All the kourava forces were fleeing away. . "Dont run away. Stop there. Dont fear" Karna was shouting loudly and rallying Kourava forces. Karna, to prove his prowess, launched Agneya Astra on Arjuna. Arjuna, in retaliation, launched Varunaastra, which made Agneyastra futile. Bheemasena, Satyaki, Dhrushtadyumna shot each three shafts piercing into the body of Karna. Karna also cut all the arrows shot by Arjuna. Karna broke the bows of Bhimasena, Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna. All those three warriors launched Shakti arrows on Karna. They cut the heads of three brothers of Karna. Bhimasena, with his mace on his shoulder, got down from his chariot, killed ten thousand soldiers in Karna army and again mounted his chariot. Bhimasena took up another bow and shot most sharp edged arrows throughout the body of Karna. Dhrushtadyumna, Satyaki killed the charioteer of Karna and broke the bow of Karna. Finding Karna in such a dangerous situation, Suyodhana, Drona, and Jayadhradha speedily removed Karna from that point. The battle field became dreadful. Chariots were broken. Horses, elephants were killed. The heads of soldiers were rolling on the ground. Dead bodies were floating in the streams of blood. Heaps of intestines and flesh of human beings and beasts were seen everywhere. The battle became exceedingly awful and fraught with great carnage. Drona and Arjuna were fighting with each other. By that time, Sun was set. Both sides stopped war for that day and returned to their respective camps. While Pandava forces were in a jubilant and rejoicing mood, Kourava forces were afflicted with great distress. The warriors and soldiers on Kourava side were discussing about Drona, not fulfilling his promise even on that day; Arjuna, enraging with great prowess; and Krishna saving Arjuna from Vaishnavastra. Beholding Drona, Suyodhana remarked: "O Great Preceptor! You have promised me to capture Dharmaja and handover him to me. Two days have elapsed. You are unable to fulfil your promise. Though Darmaja was within your reach on several occasions, you could not catch him. In the eyes of the people in the world, we both remained inefficient and uselss. What benefit you derive by cheating me with your wicked and useless promises. Is it desirable for a great preceptor like you to cheat me like this?" Suyodhana shot arrow like words against Drona. Drona was very much annoyed with the pungeant remarks of Suyodhana but he remained peaceful. "Suyodhana! Knowing fully well about the prowess of Nara and the excellence of Narayana, can you speak like this. Yesterday and Today, both Arjuana and Krishna never left Dharmaja even for a moment. Today, you depute somebody to divert the attention of Arjuna and Krishna to some other front. For some reason or other, you are misunderstanding me. I never speak a lie even as a joke. I will keep up my word." said Drona. At that time, Samsaptakas arrived there and overheard the conversation between Drona and Suyodhana. "Suyodhana! who else are there except me to divert the attention of Arjuna. Today, we will take Arjuna far away." said Samsaptakas. "O King Dhritarashtra! In that manner, on the third day of war, Samsapatakas provoked Arjuna to fight with them. Arjuna, blew his conche Devadatta, and engaged in war with Samsaptakas. Here, Drona arrayed Kourava troops in the from of Lotus flower, called Padmavyooha. With the permission of Dharmaja, Abhimanyu entered Padmavyooha. Abhimanyu killed Brihadbala and Lakshmana and other princes, several in number. Abhimanyu was unable to come out of Padmavyooha. All the Kourava warriors surrounded Abhimanyu all at a time and killed him mercilessly. With the killing of Abhimanyu, Kourava troops were jubilant whereas Pandavas were in distressed mood having lost their beloved son." said Sanjaya, the summary of third day war. MAHA BHARAT, DRONA PARVA, FIRST CHAPTER COMPLETED. OM TATSAT... OM TATSAT ....OM TATSAT.
MAHA BHARAT DRONA PARVA SECOND CHAPTER. Saint Vaisampayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata. On hearing that Abhimanyu was killed in the battle field, Dhritarashtra was very much distressed. “Sanjaya! How my grand child, a warrior of great prowess, a virtuous personality, was killed by our wretched warriors in Kourava Army. Kindly tell me in detail” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya explained in detail about Padmavyooha and about the killing of Abhimanyu by all Kourava warriors. “O King Dhritarashra! on the third day, Drona arrayed his troops in the form of Padma vyooha(Lotus flower). It is also called Chakravyooha. In that Padmavyooha, all the Kings and their sons of different kingdoms stood as petals. Karna, Dussaasana along with their respective armies stood inside the Louts flower. In their middle, stood Suyodhana, with his army. Saindhava, Asvathaama, Kripacharya, Sakuni, Kritavarma, Bhoorisravasa, Sala, Salya, all your sons, and grand sons occupied their respective places. In Pandava troops, Bhimasena, Satyaki, Dhrishta- dyumna, Kuntibhoja, Chekitana, Kshatradharma, Kshatra-varma, Dhritaketu, Nakula, Sahadeva, Uttamouja, Sikhandi, Yudhaamanyu, Ghatotkacha, King Virata, King Drupada, sons of Droupadi, Kekaya Kings, Srunjayas, all at a time rushed against Drona. Drona did not care for them. He showered innumerable arrows on all of them. Unable to withold the prowess of Drona, all the Pandava warriors fled away. None of them could penetrate into Padmavyooha. Dharmaja thought that none except Abhimanyu can break Padmavyooha. He drove his chariot towards Abhimanyu and spoke to him thus: “Abhimanyu! Drona arrayed his troops in the form of Padmavyooha. Except yourself, Arjuna, Krishna and Pradyumna, none can break this Vyooha. Is it possible for you to rush into Padmavyooha?” asked Dharmaja. “O Dharmaja! My father, Arjuna, taught me how to enter into Padmavyooha.I do not know how to retreat. I can enter and massacre the Kourava troops.” said Abhimanyu. “That much is enough, Abhimanyu. Soon after you break that vyooha and make way into it, myself, Bheema, Nakula, Sahadeva, Dhrushtadyumna and other Pandava troops will penetrate into Padmavyooha and will stand by your side. What all we desire is to break and make way into that vyooha, which we do not know.” requested Dharmaja. Bhimasena also supported Dharmaja. “Abhimanyu! you need not worry. We are by your side. You just break Padmavyooha and make way for us. Myself, Dhrishta-dyumna, Drupada, Virata, Satyaki will enter Padmavyooha and massacre Kourava troops.” said Bhimasena. “O Uncle Bhimasena! Why you are plelading like this. I am ready to enter Padmavyooha and win the appreciation of Drona who created this. I will kill all the Kourava warriors and keep the word of Dharmaja. I will show my prowess. My parents will certainly praise me. All should wonder how a youth of my age is combatting with great heroes of Kourava troops. My uncle Sri Krishna also will appreciate my vigour and valour. You do not worry.” said Abhimanyu. Dharmaja offered his blessings to his son, Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu asked his charioteer, Sumitra, to drive his chariot towards Drona. Sumitra cautioned Abhimanyu thus: “Abhimanyu! You are an infant before the great warrior, Drona. They are not only great warriors but also more cruel. They will never die at the hands of others. Think before entering into Padmavyooha.” said Sumitra. “Sumitra! Even if Devendra along with his celestial army, Parama Siva with his divine forces, my father, Arjuna and my uncle Sri Krishna, stand against me, I will conquer them. Don’t doubt by prowess. Proceed against Drona.” said Abhimanyu. With several doubts lingering in his mind, Sumitra drove the chariot against Kourava army. Beholding this, all the chief warriors in Kourava Army rushed against Abhimanyu. There was a fierce battle between them. As a thunder bolt, Abhimanyu forcefully entered into Padmavyooha. Having entered Padmavyooha, Abhimanyu, enraged with wrath, like wild fire in a dried up forest, was massacring the Kourava troops. He was breaking the chariots, killing the steeds, destroying the foot soldiers, cutting the flags and bows, and sending the charioteers to the abode of Yama. He was planting most cruel shafts on the bodies of Kourava soldiers. Entire battle field was filled with dead bodies of humans and animals. Kourava troops were scattered and fleeing away. Looking at this horribel situation, Suyodhana, along with his army, rushed against Abhimanyu. Drona observed this from a distance. He gathered mighty warriors in Kourava army. “Look! Suyodhana is rushing against Abhimanyu. Proceed to that spot and help Suyodhana” said Drona. Kripacharya, Asvathaama, Kritavarma, Karna, Sala, Pourava, Vrushasena all rushed towards Suyodhana. All of them at a time showered arrows incessantly on Abhimanyu. Enraged with great wrath, Abhimanyu showered sharp shafts against them. Unable to attack Abhimanyu, Kourava troops again fled away. Having seen this, Drona drove his chariot against Ahimanyu and showered most cruel arrows against Abhimanyu. Kourava troops also joined Drona and were fighting with Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, was skilfully breaking those arrows into pieces in the middle and in return pierced most cruel shafts into the bodies of all the Kourava heroes. Suyodhana calling his warriors by name and requested them not to flee away. Suyodhana, Kripacharya, Bhoorisravasa, Drona, Vivimsati, Asvathaama, Brahadbala, Salya, Kritavarma, Sakuni, Dussaasana, Dussaha, surrounded Abhimanyu and shot numerous arrows against Abhimanyu at a time. Abhimanyu broke all those shafts into pieces and shot each of them with three arrows into their bodies. He cut the flag of Asmaka and broke his bow. With another arrow, Abhimanyu cut the head of Asmaka. Having seen the death of Asmaka, Kourava troops, with great fear, fled away. Drona was shouting with encouraging words and tried to rally the kourava troops. He gathered all the remaining Kouravas and shot numerous Astras against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, without any fear, cut those shafts in the middle. Then, Abhimanyu drove his chariot against Karna. Abhimanyu broke the coat of mail of Karna and planted most cruel shafts into the chest cavity of Karna. With that blow, Karna fainted and fell down on his chariot. Abhimanhu drove away all your sons from the battle field. In the meanwhile, Salya attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu shot most cruel shafts against Salya. Salya also fell down and fainted. Abhimanyu roared like a lion. Without heeding the words of Drona, Kourava troops were running away. Salya’s brother attacked Abhimanyu and shot ten narachas against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu cut them in the middle, and broke his chariot and killed the horses. Abhimanyu cut the hands of the brother of Salya and cut his head with another arrow. Beholding this. all were frightened. Drona, Kripacharya, Asvathaama, Kritavarma, Brihad-bala, Karna, and other mighty warriors, were calling each other, encouraging themselves, and surrounded Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu roared like a lion. Every body was frightened as if Arjuna was before them. While Abhimanyu was shooting shafts from his bow, the bow remained in a circular form always. That was the speed with which Abhimanyu was shooting incessantly shafts from his bow. Abhimanyu was shooting Bhallas, Anjalakas, Kshurapas, Koormanakhas etc. (various kinds of arrows) against Kourava army. Unable to withhold the vigour and valour of Abhimanyu, Kourava warriors were running away with fear. Abhimanyu was chasing them, making rounds, around them on his chariot. With this great massacre caused by Abhimanyu, the entire battle field was filled with dead bodies. Beholding the prowess exhibited by Abhimanyu, Drona was very much delighted. He told Kripacharya: “Acharya! Look at that boy, a son of my student, Arjuna. See how he is fighting with our great warriors. He is killing thousands of horses, elephants. None in our army is able to stand before him even for a moment. How great he is!” said Drona. Suyodhana, overhearing these words, told Bhoori-sravasa, Karna and Salya and others, with a wicked smile on his lips, thus: “Have you heard the words of our great preceptor, Drona. He is a preceptor for all those who can hold a bow. Such a great preceptor is now praising a kid but does not try to kill him. As Drona always favours Arjuna, how can he kill Abhimanyu? Not knowing about the soft corner of Drona, Abhimanyu is thinking that it is all due to his prowess. Let us all rush against Abhimanyu at a time and kill him. Come on..... proceed” provoked Suyodhana. Dussaasana intervened and said: “ Brother Suyodhana! for this small task, am I not sufficient? I will kill Abhimanyu before your eyes, in a moment. Having heard that his son is dead, Arjuna and Krishna will also die with great distress. The war will come to an end” Dussaasana boasted himself and rushed against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu cut all those arrows shot by Dussaasana. Abhimanyu shot 26 most cruel shafts against Dussaasana. Abhimanyu cut the bow of Dussaasana and shot Bhalla arrows through his entire body. With a smile Abhimanyu said: “O Dussaasana! On that day, in the open assembly, you have insulted my parents. I will take reveange today. Stand there for a while. I will cut your head and keep it before the feet of my mother, Droupadi.” so saying Abhimanyu shot two sharp edged arrows piercing into the chest of Dussaasana. Dussaasana fainted and fell on his chariot as if he was dead. His charioteer drove the chariot to a safe place. Having seen the fate of Dussaasana, Suyodhana reuqested Karna to attack Abhimanyu. Karna, with his army rushed against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu did not care for the arrows shot by Karna and broke them into pieces in the middle. Abhimanyu shot Karna with numerous arrows until he is tired. In between, Karna’s brother intervened and showered arrows on the horses and charioteer. Abhimanyu, cut his head, with only one arrow. Having seen the death of his brother, Karna tried to run away. Abhimanyu chased Karna and his army. With the fear of life, Karna ran away from the battle field. Behind him, Kourava army also fled away. Drona was very much worried about this. He began to shout: “O Kripacharya, O Karna. stop there. Dont run away. If great warriors like you will run away, who else will fight with Abhimanyu. O Bahlika! O Suyodhana! it is time for you to exhibit your prowess. Stop there. Fight with Abhimanyu” Drona was shouting aloud. Inspite of his shouts, they were running away. Unable to withold the onslaught of Abhimanyu, the entire Kourava army was fleeing away. Abhimanyu was roaring like a lion. He was blowing his conche. Abhimanyu was incessantly showering arrows on Kourava army and was massacring them. There were none to attack him. The entire battle field was filled with the dead bodies of horses, elephants, soldiers, heaps of broken chariots. Broken limbs of horses, elephants and soldiers are scattered everywhere. Broken flags, umbrellas, bows were heaped up. Abhimanyu was shining like a second sun.” said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra. “Sanjaya! you have been telling that only Abhimanyu alone was fighting with our troops. What happened to Pandavas, Virata, Drupada and other warriors on Pandavas side. Why they have not accompanied Abhimanyu to the battle field. What happened to them?” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say: “ OKing Dhritarashtra! with a view to help Abhimanyu, all Pandavas, Drupada, Virata, Satyaki and other warriors along with their armies rushed into Padmavyooha along with Abhimanyu. They were fighting with Kourava army and massacring them. Kings of Panchala, yadava, Pandya, Kekaya, Matsya and other great warriors along with their respective armies were standing by the side of Dharmaja and were fighting vigorously. At that time, Saindhava restrained all the Pandava armies from proceeding further.” said Sanjaya. King Dhritarashtra was very much astonished. “What is this? He may be a great warrior. But how can he restrain the entire Pandava army and great warriors like Dharmaja, Virata, Drupada, Satyaki etc. How he attained such power?” asked Dhritarastra. Sanjaya continued to say: “O King Dhritarashtra! while Pandavas were living in forests, one day Saindhava molested Droupadi. Bhimasena caught him and insulted him. Unable to bear that insult, Saindhava went to forests and did penance. Lord Siva appeared before him and asked him about his desire. Saindhava requested Lord Siva to bless him with the power to conquer all Pandavas. Lord Siva said that it was impossible. But Lord Siva blessed him that he can restrain all Pandavas except Arjuna, only one day. With the power of that boon only , Saindhava could restrain all the Pandavas on that day. Soon after Abhimanyu entered Padmavyooha, Dharmaja along with other warriors tried to enter Padma-vyooha. With the power of the boon of Lord Siva, Saindhava restrained Dhamaja and other warriors from entering the Padmavyooha. Hence, Abhimanyu was left alone in Padmavyooha. Saindhaya shot Satyaki with three shafts, Dhrishtadyumna with eight arrows, Virata with twenty arrows, Sikhandi with ten arrows, Drupada with seven arrows, all the sons of Drouadi with 15 arrows, and Kekaya kings with 25 arrows and Dharmaja with 75 arrows. Dharmaja broke the bow of Saindhaya and shot most cruel shafts on Saindhava. Saindhaya picked up another bow and shot powerful arrows on Dharmaja and other pandava warriors. Bhimasena jumed on Saindhava and broke his umbrella, bow and flag with three arrows. Saindhava took another bow and broke the umbrella, bow and flag of Bhimasena. Saindhaya broke the chariot of Bhimasena. Bhimasena jumped into the chariot of Satyaki and shot innumerable astras against Saindhava. Saindhava broke them into pieces. Saindhava shot most cruel arrows against Pandava army. Unable to withstand the arrows showered by Saindhava, Pandava army fled away. In this manner, Saindhaya, could restrain all the Pandavas and other great warriors from entering Padmavyooha. Pandavas were only fighting with Saindhava at the entrance of Padma-vyooha. With the encouragement given by Drona, Kourava army returned back and surrounded the chariot of Abhimanyu and poured arrow showers on Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, with renewed vigour, killed all of them on the spot and created terror in the hearts of Kourava army. At that time, one Vrishasena along with his army attacked Abhimanyu and shot many cruel shafts against Abhimanyu. Enraged with great wrath, Abhimanyu cut his flag, injured his horses and shot many sharp shafts into his body. Vrishasena fainted. The injured horses tied to his chariot, dragged the chariot sideways. In the meanwhile, one Vasapati shot Abhimanyu with six shafts. With one arrow, Abhimanyu killed Vasapati. Beholding the death of Vasapati, Kourava warriors, with their armies, rushed against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu massacred them like insects falling in fire. Rest of the kourava army fled away. Then, all the Kings of different countries, gathered at one place, attacked Abhimanyu at a time. Abhimanyu, filled with wrath, jumped upon them like a tiger on the herd of deers and killed all of them. With their broken limbs, pieces of meat, dead bodies of horses and elephants the battle field was seen dreadful. Abhimanyu was sending Kourava soldiers to the abode of Yama incessantly.None was dare to stand before him. The Kourava army was fleeing away in all directions. At that time, Rukmaradha, son of Salya, came forward and challenged Abhimanyu. He pierced nine arrows on the right arm, left arm and chest of Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu shot only one single arrow and cut his head. Beholding the death of Rukmaradha, many princely friends of Rukmaradha, stretching their bows, surrounded Abhimanyu and poured their arrowy showers upon him. On seeing Abhimanyu covered with showers of arrows, Suyodhana rejoiced greatly and regarded Abhimanyu as guest of Yama. Then, Abhimanyu, launched Gandharva Astra upon Kourava army. Previously, this Gandharva Astra was given by Tumbura to Arjuna. Arjuna gave it to Abhimanyu. Now Abhimanyu launched it upon his enemies. That Gandharva Astra will create an illusion that everybody will be under the impression as if hundreds and thousands of warriors will be falling upon him. Under the influence of that Astra, the entire kourava army was stricken with fear. Confounding his foes by the illusion caused by Gandharva Astra, Abhimanyu cut the bodies of the kings attacked him by means of his sharp shafts. None remained before him except their dead bodies rolling on earth. Beholding this, Suyodhana was filled with fear. Collecting his courage, Suyodhana attacked Abhimanyu but afflicted with Abhimanyu’s arrows, was mad e to turn back from the fight.” said Sanjaya. On hearing the deeds of prowess of Abhimanyu, Dhritarashtra amazingly said: “O Sanjaya! Is it true that Abhimanyu, a boy, killed so many car warriors? I cannot believe? It is amazing and incredible. Because he is righteous, he is unconquerable.” thought Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say: “Beholding the mass massacre of all the kings and princes and fleeing away of Suyodhana, rest of your sons were frightened. Their mouths became dry and sweat covered their bodies. Suyodhana mustered Asvathaama, Krupa, Karna, Kritavarma, Brihadbala and Sakuni and others and rushed in wrath against Abhimanyu. They were all beaten back by Abhimanyu. At that time, Lakshmana, son of Suyodhana, rushed against Abhimanyu and incessantly showered arrows upon him. Unable to leave his son alone, Suyodhana also was fighting along with his son.Abhimanyu, in return, began to crush all of them. Abhimanyu, with only one sharp arrow, cut the head of Lakshmana. Beholding the death of Lakshmana before his eyes, Suyodhana became filled with rage. He loudly shouted “Kill him, Cut his head” roared like a lion.Then Drona, Kritavarma, Kripacharya, Asvathaama, Karna, Brihadbala -- six warriors -- encompassed Abhimanyu and showered arrows upon him. Abhimanyu pierced sharp arrows and beat them off. Abhimanyu drove his chariot towards Saindhava. Thereupon, Kalingas and Nishadas, along with their elephant forces, attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu was fighting with them and began to destroy the elephant forces. There, Saindhaya was restraining Pandava warriors from proceeding further into Padmavyooham. Abhimanyu shot 50 arrows on Drona, 80 arrows on Kritavarma, 10 arrows on Asvathaama, one arrow on Karna and pained them. Abhimanyu broke the chariot of Kripacharya. Abhimanyu pierced the body of Brihadbala with thirty arrows and killed all the armed forces accompanied him. Abhimanyu killed Krodhalipta and Brindaraka by cutting their heads. Kripacharya boarded another chariot. In the meanwhile. Brihadbala rushed forward and attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu killed the charioteer and the steeds of Brihadbala, broke his bow , and cut his flag. Brihadbala took his sword and shield, jumped down and began to fight with Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, with only one Bhalla arrow, cut the head of Brihadbala. Beholding the killing of Kosala King, Brihadbala, all his friends and relatives, rushed against Abhimanyu, all at a time. In no time, Abhimanyu consigned all of them to the abode of Yama. Then he turned his chariot towards Karna. There was a terrible fight between Karna and Abhimanyu. Both their bodies were drenched with blood. At that time, six army commanders of Karna, attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu killed all of them, each with one arrow. Then, one Asmantaka, son of Magadha King, with great courage, attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu did not care for him, killed his charioteer, steeds and then cut the head of Asmantaka with one arrow. Abhimanyu roared like a lion. The son of Dussaasana could not tolerate this. He rushed foward and killed the horses tied to the chariot of Abhimanyu and shot numerous sharp shafts against the charioteer. Abhimanyu laughed at him: “Your father, ran away unable to stand before him. Now you have come. Stand there and taste my prowess.” so saying Abhimanyu shot one sharp edged shaft against the chest of the son of Dussaasana. Asvathaama cut that arrow before it touched Dussaasana’s son, and saved him. Abhimanyu, without even looking at Asvathaama, killed the charioteer and broke the bow of the son of Dussaasana. He shot six arrows aiming at the chest of the son of Dussaasana. Unable to withhold the prowess of Abhimanyu, son of Dussaasana ran away. It was after noon then. At that time, Satrumjaya, Chandraketu, Suvarchasa, Sooryabhana, Meghavega and others surrounded Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu drove all of them far away. Now it was the turn of Sakuni to attack Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu pained Sakuni with his powerful arrows and then turned towards Suyodhana. Beholding this Karna told Drona: “O Great Preceptor Drona! Look at Abhimanyu. After defeating all of us, he is proceeding towards Suyodhana. Why you are keeping quiet? Do some thing to slain Abhimanyu.” So saying, Karna went to help Suyodhana. Drona addressed all the other mighty warriors thus: “Though Abhimanuyu is younger than all of us, he is fighting equal to his father, Arjuna. He killed several mighty warriors in our army. We cannot ignore him any more. Letus all attack him at a time.” told Drona. By that time, Karna, afflicted with the shafts of Abhimanyu, returned back. “Drona! Look at me, how Abhimanyu beat me with his sharp arrows. I will remain here as there is no other safest place. I heard much about the prowess of Arjuna. But his son is more than his father.” said Karna. Then Drona said Karna thus: “Karna! I told Arjuna, an excellent method of warfare, called ‘Kavacha Dharana’.(wearing defensive armour). Arjuna told that method of warfare to his son Abhimanyu. Now he is under the cover of Kavachadharana. None can pierce his body with any arrow. We have to kill him by some wicked and deceitful means. First, one should break his bow. Immediately, another should kill his steeds. Then his charioteer. At the same time, one should break his chariot. All these should happen at a time without any gap. As long as Abhimanyu was holding his bow on his chariot, none can stand before him with life. If you are capable, kill him in this wicked and deceiptful manner” said Drona. Karna thought for a while. He gathered all mighty warriors in Kourava army.All of them at a time attacked Abhimanyu. First, some of them broke his bow. Next moment, Drona killed the horses tied to the chariot. From the other side, Kripacharya killed the driver of the chariot. Abhimanyu remained unarmed, without chariot. Sakuni, Kritavarma, Sala, Bahlika, Asvathaama and others, surrounded him from all sides, incessantly showered arrows on Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu took outhis sword and shield, jumped down from his chariot and was massacring the Kourava troops. He was jumping into air and was cutting the heads of the kourava warriors. Drona took out a spear and cut the sword of Abhimanyu. Next moment, Karna also broke the shield. Ahimanyu took out his Chakrayudha (a weapon in the form of a disc). He was killing the Kourava forces like a whirldwind and roaring like a lion. His entire body was drenched with blood. Massacring the Kouravas with his disc weapon, Abhimanyu was proceeding towards Drona. At that time, Sakuni, Kritavarma, Kripacharya, Salya conspired together. They surrounded Abhimanyu from all sides. They all broke the Chakrayudha into pieces. Then Abhimanyu took out a mace from his chariot and jumped on Asvathama. Beholding the mace upraised, Asvathama jumed down from his chariot and hid behind his chariot. Abhimanyu killed the charioteer and the horses of Asvathama and broke his chariot with his mighty mace. Then Abhimanyu rushed against Sakuni. 27 Gandharva warriors stood before him protecting Sakuni. Abhimanyu killed all of them with his mace. Abhimanyu killed all the Kekaya kings. Then, the son of Dussaasana attacked Abhimanyu and poured arrowy showers on him. Abhimanu smashed all those arrows with his mace and killed his horses and charioteer. The son of Dussaasana got down from his chariot, took out his mace and attacked Abhimanyu. There was fiercest dual fight between Abhimanyu and son of Dussaasana. Both Pandava forces and Kourava forces stooped fighting for a while and were witnessing their dual fight. Each of them struck with the other’s maces, fell down on the earth. Dussasana’s son rose first, struck Abhimanyu with the mace on his head. With the violence caused by that stroke, as also with the fatigue he had undergone, Abhimanyu fell down on earth and died. Thus, O King Dhritarashtra, Abhimanyu was slain by many in battle. The fallen hero was then surrounded by the Kourava warriors. Abhimanyu was looked like an elephant killed by several hunters. The sun was set. Abhimanyu ascended to heaven. Kourava troops repeatedly uttered leionine shouts. They were in transports of joy while tears fell from the eyes of Pandava troops. Even invisible ghosts cried aloud: “Alas! Abhimanyu was killed by many kourava warriors headed byDrona and Karna, unrighteously.” Beholding the death of Abhimanyu, all the Pandava troops fled away. Having seen Abhimanyu being killed by many kourava warriors, Dharamaja said: “Our great hero Abhimanyu gained entry into the invincible Padmavyooha, killed innumerable elephants, horses, soldeirs, many car warriors, fightened many Athiradha and Maharadhas, and assended to the heavenly abode. We need not feel sorry for the death of this mighty hero.” said Dharmaja. As the darkness plunged in, the war ended for that day. Both the troops retired to their respective camps. Your sons with glorious faces returned back to their camps while Pandavas returned back filled with grief. Dharmaja, overwhelmed with grief, sat in his camp and indulged in lamentations: “Why should I send Abhimanyu to break Padmavyooha arrayed and protected by Drona and other great warriors. Why should Abhimanyu, only to satisfy me, penetrate into Padmavyooha. Can it be possible for a boy like Abhimanyu to conquer Kourava warriors like Dussaasana and Karna and kill so many great warriors. If Arjuna comes and enquires about his son, what should I tell? If Krishna asks about his niece what will be my reply? Alas! Abhimanyu is a small and tender boy who does not know about the skills in warfare. Why should I send him to break Padmavyooha, which is not possible even for great warriors. Normally, elders will give children small gifts and eatables. But I sent him to war. I would have also been killed along with him. How can I see the grief stricken face of Arjuna. Arjuna will certainly take revenge upon those who killed his son, Abhimanyu. Even then his grief cannot be extinguished. Even the entire riches on this earth and the heavenly pleasures will not keep pace with the loving smiling face of Abhimanyu.” Dharmaja lamenting himself with great grief. At that time, Bhagavan Veda Vyasa (Krishna Dwaipaayana) arrived there. Dharmaja received him with due honours. Dharmaja said: “O Saint Vyasa! I sent Abhimanyu to massacre the enemy troops. Abhimanyu entered Padmavyooha. We followed him. But in view of the power of the Siva’s boon , Saindhava obstructed us from entering Padmavyooha. Finding Abhimanyu alone in Padmavyooha, all the great warriors in Kourava Army surrounded him and killed him mercilessly. Will there be any sinner like me who sent his own son to war field alone? My mind is full of grief. What can I do?” said Dharmaja. Then Vyasa told Dharmaja thus: “O Dharmaja! Dont feel grief. Is Abhimanyu, who killed several kourava warriors, an ordinary boy? Will enemy warriors will throw flowers on him in battle instead of arrows? Wisemen will never feel grief like you. Death is quite natural for all. Even Garuda, Uraga (snakes),Rakshasa can never escape death. After all, we are humans. Nobody can avoid fate. Be courageous. Think about future.” said Vyasa. “O saint Vyasa! This earth was ruled by many kings, who were courageous with great vigour and valour. But none can escape death. What is the reason?” asked Dharmaja. Veda Vyasa replied thus: “In the ancient past, there was a king called Akampana. Enemies came upon him and fought with him. They imprisoned Akampana. His son, Hari, attacked his enemies and conquered all of them and released his father from prison. Again Hari fought with his enemies and died. Though Akampana gained victory over his enemies, he lost his son. He was suffering with great grief on account of the death of his son. Narada arrived there. Akampana honoured him and told him what had happened. “O Saint Narada! My son is a hero of great prowess. Though I gained victory, I am not happy with his grief. I heard that in this universe, none can escape death. Why so? I want to know about the birth of death and its influence on earth. Kindly tell me” asked Akampana. Saint Narada said thus:”Akampana! At the inception, Prajapati Brahma created this universe and living and non living things, human beings etc. But he did not create death. As there was no decay and death for the human beings and living things, the earth became heavy and unbearable. Brahma could not find any reason for their death. He was thinking about it. Due to heat generated from his thoughts, flames came out of his body and began to destroy the entire universe. As the entire creation is being destroyed, Lord Siva could not tolerate it .Lord Siva immediately proceeded to Bhrama Loka and prayed Brahma to stop destruction of the Universe. “O Lord Siva! what is the reason for your arrival. I will accomplish your desire” said Brahma. “O Brahma Deva! You have created this Universe, living and non living being and human beings etc. Why you are again destroying them with your own hands? What is the reaon? Kindly stop this destruction and save the universe” requested Siva. “O Lord Siva! I am neither angry nor desirious of anything. I created this universe and mankind. I have not created death. The burden of earth became heavy. Mother earth prayed for decreasing its burden. To decrease the same, I have resorted to this destructive act. I could not find anyother way except this. In view of this, my mind is filled with great wrath. In that wrathful fire, the entire creation is being reduced to ashes.” said Brahma. “O Lord Brahma! You have created this universe and ordered me to protect it. As per your direction, I am protecting this universe. Now you are resorting to its destruction. Is it virtuous? Is such kind of anger desirous for you? Even so, in order to decrease the burden of earth, is it desirable to destroy the entire creation at a time? Why cannot you find some other solution, so that the act of destruction may be done in one order? O Brahma! control your wrath and protect this unviverse. Let not the creatures be exterminated like this.” prayed Lord Siva. Hearing the above words of Mahadeva, Brahma extinguished his fire of wrath. While that wrathful fire being extinguished, one lady who was dark and red, whose eyes were red and with red saree, was born out of his limbs. She smilingly looked at those two Lords of the universe and proceeded towards south. Brahma called her, by the name of Death. “O Goddess of Mruthyu, where are you going? Come here.” ordered Brahma. Goddess of Mruthyu returned back and stood before Brahma. “O Goddess of Mruthyu! While I was desirous of destroying this universe, you were born. Kill all the creatures, good and bad, wicked and virtuous, without any discrimination, but in an order. As you are discharing your duty at my command, no sin will be attached to you.” said Lord Brahma. Lord Siva consented for it. Goddess Mruthyu began to weep. Tears from her eyes were falling. Immediately, Lord Brahma caught them with his two hands. Lord Brahma tried to convince her. But she refused to do that job. “O Lord Brahma! You have created me. But why you are commanding me to do this sinful act of destruction? How can I discharge this cruel evil and sinful act? I cannot hear the weeping and cries of the friends and relaltives in view of the death of their kith and kin. I cannot do this cruel, wicked act. Be kind towards me and permit me to do penance in Dhenukaashram.” prayed Goddess Mrutyu. “O Goddess Mrutyu! I created you only for destruction of this mankind . You have to do this act. Dont feel unhappy in your mind. As per my command, commence destruction of mankind.” ordered Lord Brahma. For the present, she agreed for the words of Brahma. Lord Brahma was very happy. The entire world also was very happy with this arrangement. As his desire has been accomplished, Lord Sive returned back to Kailas. Goddess Mrutyu bowed before Lord Brahma and proceeded to Dhenukashram. On the banks of Nanda and Kousiki rivers, she performed many Vratas (rituals). She proceeded to Himalaya mountains and did great penance, about Lord Brahma. Having pleased with her penance, Lord Brahma appeared before her. “O Goddess Mrutyu! Instead of obeying my command, why are you doing this penance? For what purpose?” asked Lord Brahma. “O Lord Brahma! I cannot kill persons by strangling their necks. Kindly dont depute me for this act. Hence I did this penance. I am earnestly praying you.” prayed Goddess Mruthyu. “O Goddess Mruthyu! Why doyou feel that this is a non-virtuous act. You are following my command. You are doing it under my control. It is a most virtuous act. Myself and Lord Siva will bless you that you are freed from sin, perfectly clensed and you may even acquire glory, by following my command.” said Lord Brahma. “O Lord Brahma! I will accept your command. I will do as you like. But kindly do one thing. Let covetousness, wrath, malice, jealousy, quarrel, folly and other stern passions tear all the creatures.Then only I can discharge my duties effectively.” said Goddess Mruthyu. “It will be done. Not only that. When you wept, I collected all the drops of your tears with my hands. Each and every drop of your tears will create one kind of disease to the creatures. They will suffer and die with those diseases. You duty will be just taking away their livesfrom their bodies. Therefore, no sin will afflict you. As you will simply take away their lives, it will be a virtuous act. I am your well wisher. All the lives of the creatures will be under your control. You have to take away their lives impartially and without any fear or favour. In this manner, you have to discharge your duties effectively. Wicked people will die with their own wicked acts. You need not worry about it.” said Lord Brahma. With the fear of curse, Goddess Mrutyu accepted the command of Lord Brahma and started killing the creatures. As per the command of Lord Brahma, several passions, different kinds of diseases were inflicting the mankind and destroying them. At the end, Goddess Mrutyu was taking away their lives. The lives of the creatures were shifting from one body to another. In this manner, the burden of Mother earth was controlled. Besides this, God Vayu is glorious, omnipresent , omnipotent and all pervasive. He is the root cause for the growth of the creatures. The entry and exit of lives into the bodies of the creatures is quite common. Your son is now in heaven enjoying heavenly plealsures. You need not feel sorrow. The entire world is full of sorrows. Your son has left this sorrowful world and attained heavenly pleasures. Wise people will never feel sorrow for the departed souls, because life and death is nothing but creation of Lord Brahma.”said Narada to Akampana about the creation of Brahma and the influence of Goddess Mruthyu on mandkind. “O Narada! I have heard what all you said. My mind is stable now.” said Akampana. Then Narada went to Ashoka Vana. Therefore, O Dharmaja! Abhmanyu fought with his enemies and attained heavently pleasures. Your son attained name and fame in this world. Thereore, you need not feel sorry for his death” said Veda Vyasa, the story of Akampana, to Dharmaja. Dharmaja thought in mind that death is quite common to all the creatures and warriors who die in war will attain heaven and pacified himself. Still some doubts were lingering in his mind. “O Saint Veda Vyasa! What were the penances done by the kings and emperors in the ancient past and what were the results they derived. Kindly tell me.” asked Dharmaja. Veda Vyasa continued to say: “O Dharmaja! several sages and saints, kings and exmperors who have done great penance, meditation, tapas, charities have attained heavenly abodes. Likewise, great warriors like Abhimanyu who lost their lives in the warfield also attained even more highest regions. In the ancient past, there was a king called Srunjaya. He was issueless. For the sake of children, he was worshipping Brahmins. Narada was his best friend. One day, Narada arrived to see Srunjaya. The brahmins who gathered there requested Narada to bless Srunjaya with children. Narada asked Srunjaya what he does he want? “O friend Narada! I want a son, who is handsome, virtuous. His sweat, urine, stool,tears should be gold. Kindly bless me with such a son.” requested Srunjaya. Narada smiled at him and blessed him with such a son. As a result, Srunjaya begot a son through his wife. He was named as Suvarnashteevi. The child was growing day by day and reserves of gold also were growing day by day. In his house, every thing was gold, including beds, tables, chairs, couches, houses, etc. Some miscreants observed this. One day, they kidnapped Suvarnashteevi and took him to the middle of a forest. They killed the boy and tore his stomache and searched for gold but in vain. They left the dead body in the forest and went away. Those miscreants subsequently quarrelled amongst themselves and died. Srunjaya was searching for his son. At last, he found the dead body in the forest. He was suffering with great grief due to the death of his son, Suvarnashteevi. Narada arrived there and consoled Srunjaya. “O Srunjaya! why are you suffering like this. Even if you suffer with grief, will your son come back. No. Not only your son, none will come back from heaven. Even the sixteen great kings and emperors viz., King Maruttu, King Suhora, King Anga, Emperor Sibi, Emperor Sri rama, King Bhagiradha, Emperor Dilip, King Maandhaatha, King Yayati, Emperor Ambareesha, King Sasibindu, King Gaya, King Ranti Deva, King Bharatha, King Prudhu, and Parasuraama. All these six teen Kings and Emperors have ruled this earth. They have performed great penances. They have given many charities to Brahmins. They fed the poor.They all ruled their people with utmost kindness. But, Where are they? Are they alive now.? Have they be permited to live on this earth eternally? No. In passing of time, all of them have died. So none can avoid death. So also your son. Wisemen should not feel grief for those who left this sinful world.” said Narada. Srunajya was convinced with his words. Then Narada asked Srunjaya: “Srunjaya! choose whatever you like?” “O Narada! You are before me. I do not want anything more than this” replied Srunjaya. Narada was very happy. “Srunjaya! your son was killed by some miscreants, though he is not destined to die. I will brink back your son.” said Narada. As per the boon given by Narada, Suvarnashteevi came back alive. Suvarnashteevi lived for long and died as usual. Therefore, Dharmaja! nobody can conquer his death. Your son, Abhimanyu adored Veera Svarga and is enjoying heavenly pleasures. You need not feel grief for his death. As you have heard about the Sixteen Kings and Emperors who ruled this earth, you stabilise your mind and think about the future course of action” said Veda Vyasa. Then Veda Vyasa departed from that place. Though Dharmaja was freed from grief with the consolation of Veda Vyasa, he asked himself with a melancholy heart “What shall we say to Dhananjaya if he asks about his son” . Then Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya: “Sanjaya! Tell me the details of war between Arjuna and Samsaptakas. Who conveyed the message of death of Abhimanyu to Arjuna? Tell me in detail.” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say: “O King Dhritarashtra! With his great vigour and valour, Arjuna massacred the army of Samsaptakas and returned back. While coming back, several bad omens appeared. “ Krishna! Such kind of bad omens appeared never before. I am very much worried. My body is trembling. Drona is not an ordinary warrior. I am apprehending some danger to my brother Dharmaja at his hands” said Arjuna. “Arjuna! Either Dharmaja or his brothers will never land in trouble. If anything happens to anybody, it will be known shortly.” said Krishna. Then Krishna and Arjuna entered their camps and found gloomy atmosphere. “Krishna! beholding me, everybody is lowering their heads. Their faces are filled with sorrow. Jubilant atmosphere is not seen anywhere. Abhimanyu who always greets me on my arrival is not seen . What bad news I have to hear, I am afraid. Tell me Krishna. What would have happened.” persistently asked Arjuna. Krishna did not give any reply. Arjuna entered the camp of Dharmaja. Except Abhimanyu, all are present there with cheerless faces. Arjuna’s legs were shivering. “Brother Dharmaja! what happened. Why you are feeling sorrow. Abhimanyu is not seen anywhere. What happened to my son? Tell me. Yes. Today Drona arrayed his troops in the form of Padmavyooha. I am the only warrior who knows how to enter Padmavyooha. If my apprehension is true, you might have sent him to break Padmavyooha. Is it not? Tell me. Alas! Abhimanyu knows only how to enter but not to come back. As per your request, he might have entered Padmavyooha and lost his life at the hands of Kourava warriors. They would have killed my son with some wicked plan. Otherwise he is unconquerable. I cannot live in this world even for a moment without looking at his lovely face. My son, Abhimanyu, who always sleeps on softest bed is now lying on the bare earth. His face which always shines brightly in the shades of white umbrellas, now is rolling in the dust. He who always has been attended by most beautiful ladies is now in the midst of cruel jackals. The grand son of Devendra and son of Arjuna is no more now. The fate is so cruel. I am so unfortunate. I cannot have such a son like you any more. Even if those Samsaptakas challenged me for war, why should I go, leaving you alone. Oh my son Abhimanyu! Is it proper on your part to leave your mother Subhadra. Your uncle Sri Krishna is calling you. Come on. Talk to him. Your wife, Uttara is weeping. Console her.” Arjuna was indulged in diverse lamentations. Then, Arjuna, afflicted with great grief, asked Yushishtira: “Brother Yudhishtira! How it had happened? What happened to Bhimasena and Dhrushtadyumna? Have you sent them to any other front for fighting? What happened to great warriors like Drupada and Satyaki? Where is King Virata? Atleast why cannot you save my son? Where have you gone? Otherwise, my son would not have been killed in such a helpless situation! Brother Yudhishtira! Tell me how my son was killed. Has he shown his prowess, vigour and valour before his death. While afflicted by Karna, Drona, Kripa and other kourava warriors with sharp shafts of diverse kinds, my son of little strength must have repeatedly thought: “My father will, in this situation, be my rescuer”, I think. No. It cannot be like that. My son is not such a coward. He is a warrior of great prowess. He will only fight till his death. He never seek any other’s help even in critical situations. While killing my son, did they not think in mind about my Gandeevam and the power of Sudarsanam of Sri Krishna. Oh my son! Where are you lying in the midst of streams of blood. How can I pacify my wife Subhadra and Droupadi.” Thus indulging in diverse lamentations, Arjuna was afflicted with great grief. After some time, Arjuna asked Yudhishtira: “Brother Dharmaja! While I was fighting with Samsaptakas, I heard the leonine roars of Kourava warriors and the voice of Yuyutsu. “Unable to fight with the son of Arjuna, you all killed him ruthlessly in a wicked manner. Are you rejoicing? Can you survive on this earth after causing such a harm to Arjuna and Krishna. With this wicked act, you are all afflicted with great sin. It will certainly destory you in near future.” Myself and Krishna overheard these words. We never trust those words. Dharmaja! atleast had you informed me about this critical situation in an appropriate time, I would have come to the rescue of my son.” Then Krishna consoling Arjuna who was afflicted with great grief on account of his son, said thus: “O Arjuna! Are you mad? It is quite natural for a warrior to die in battle field. Your son, Abhimanyu, with great prowess, fought alone, with so many great warriors in Kourava army and died. Instead of rejoicing, you are suffering with grief. You have already learnt what ought to be learnt. Such a wise man like you should not feel grief like this. Look at your brothers and other relations. You have to console them. Shed your sorrow and be brave.” said Krishna. “O brother Dharmaja! Dhrishtadyumna! Satyaki! tell me more about my son. Who killed my son so cruelly and mercilessly? I have to kill them. Kindly tell me about today’s war details! I know you are all endowed with great vigour and valour, equipped with powerful Astras and Sastras. When you are all around my son, how can they kill my son? By any stretch of imagination, it appears to be impossible. Oh! Dharmaja! I trusted you. Knowing fully well that you have no such prowess to save my son, I would have tried otherwise to save my son. Any how, I lost my son. Tell me in detail. While you were penetrating into Padmavyooha, behind my son, who obstructed you without helping my son. Oh. I am mistaken. When you are deprived of your vigour, valour, courage etc. how can you save my son? There is no use of blaming useless warriors like you. Having known fully well that you are all cowards and afraid of war, I left my son in your hands and proceeded to fight with Samsaptakas. I have to blame myself. You all appear to be great warriors but in real you are not. Otherwise, you would have saved my son. All the weapons you wear are nothing but ornamental to you but not to fight.” told Arjuna with great grief, coupled with distress and anger. None of the kings, emperors, relatives, friends assembled there dare not approach Arjuna and console him. At that time, collecting his courage, Dharmaja told Arjuna thus: “Arjuna! When you are engaged in war with Samsaptakas, Drona arrayed his troops in the form of Padmavyooha. Inspite of our great efforts, we were unable to penetrate into Padmavyooha. I know that Abhimanyu only knows about the skill to enter padmavyooha. Hence I approached Abhimanyu and requested him to enter padmavyooha and we will follow him. Abhimanyu accepted my request and entered Padmavyooha. He was massacring the kourava troops. Along with him, we all tried to enter padmavyooha. But Saindhava obstructed us and restrained us from entering Padmavyooha. Sandhava got such a power from Lord Siva to restrain all of us only one day. With that power, he restrained all of us from entering padmavyooha. Unable to attack Saindhaya, we all remained outside. Abhimanyu attacked Karna, and other great warriors. At that time, Drona, Karna, Kritavarma, Kripacharya, Asvathaama etc. at a time surrounded Abhimanyu and seriously injured him. Inspite of his bodily injuries, Abhimanyu killed Lakshmana, Brihadbala and other princes. When the kourava warriors broke his chariot, Abhimanyu took out his mace and attacked them.At that time, son of Dussaasana also took a mace and attacked Abhimanyu. There was a fierceful dual mace fight between Abhimanyu and the son of Dussaasana. After some time, having been inflicted with blows of maces, both fell down and died. Abhimanyu adorned the heaven and has been enjoying heavenly plealsures.” said Dharmaja in sorrowful voice. Having known the details of the death of his son, Arjuna was inflicted with great wrath. “Listen carefully. This is my vow. By tomorrow evening sunset, I will kill Saindhava. I do not spare him even if he implores my protection, protection of my brother Dharamaja or even the protection of Sri Krishna, unless he flees away turning his back to me. Even if the entire Kourava army try to save him, I do not leave him. If I fail to do so, I will become a sinner who commits murder of brahmins and consuming intoxicated drinks. Even if all heavenly bodies, asuras, kimpurushas, gandharvas and others come to his rescue, I will kill him by tomorrow sun set. Otherwise, I will enter the blazing fire and immolate myself. This is my oath” said Arjuna. Arjuna sent for his Gandeevam and worshipped it. Sri Krishna blew his conche, Panchajanya. Arjuna blew Devadatta. Sounds of Trumpets, Drums, horns etc. in Pandava army rose to the sky. Pandava warriors were making leonine roars. “Brother Arjuna! I am by your side. Kill that wretch, Saindhava. The hearts of Kourava warriors will break on hearing our leonine roars and sounds of trumpets and drums. It is certain.” said Bhimasena. The sudden blowing of conches, Panchajanya and Devadatta, the leonine roars of Pandava army and the sounds of trumpets and drums and horns, were heard by the Kourava warriors. They were informed by their spies, about the serious vow taken by Arjuna. Saindhava also heard about this. His body was shivering. Shamelessly, he ran to Suyodhana. “Suyodhana! Have you heard the oath of Arjuna. As if I am the only person who caused harm to him, he promised to kill me. When you are all rejoicing, why should I suffer with distress. I will hide myself somewhere else. Suyodhana! If Drona, Kripa, Karna, Salya, Bahlika etc. think seriously, they will even bring back the souls taken out by Yama. I think they are not seriously thinking about my life. God only should save me.” Saindhava wetting his dried lips with his tongue. His legs were trembling and was unable to stand. “Suyodhana! I take leave and search for a place where I can hide, out of the reach of Arjuna. I will meet you tomorrow after sunset, if I am alive.” Saindhava tried to go away. Suyodhana stopped him and said: “Saindhaya! Are you mad? How can you imagine that we all leave you to your fate? Dont you know about the prowess, vigour and valour, courage and archery skills of Drona, Sakuni, Somadatta, Sala and Asvathaama. Will they leave you helpless? Trust me. Dont be afraid. Myself and all my brothers will always be behind you and protect you.” said Suyodhana. Then Suyodhana, along with Saindhava, went to Drona. Saindhava asked Drona about the difference between him and Arjuna, in archery skills. “Saindhava! you all learnt archery under me. I also taught all the archery skills to all of you equally, without showing any favour to anybody. But Arjuna learnt all the skills, with great pains and sufferings and he did many new experiments in archery. Therefore he is more efficient than all of you. Still, you need not worry about his prowess. As long as you are under my protection, even the heavenly bodies do not stare at you. Tomorrow, I will array our troops in a different vyooha, half Padmavyooha and half in the shape of a Sakata(cart), which is not known even to Arjuna. You fight as usual as a valiant Kshatriya. Besides that, O Saindhava! you have learnt four Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Sastras. You performed many Yajnas and Yagas. Still you are afraid of death. Dont you know that death is certain for all living beings? Do you mean to say that these Yadavas, Pandavas, Kouravas and others will remain on this earth eternally. All are destined to die. No exception. Just time difference. Soon after their time is over, all have to leave this earth. Why you are afraid of this natural event? The warriors who die in war will attain the highest regions, attainable by those sages and saints who performed many Yajnas and Yagas, great Tapas etc. Therefore, do your duty. Dont be afraid of death.” said Drona. Then Suyodhana and Saindhava returned back to their respective camps. The army on both sides were making preparations for next day’s war. Deliberations were going on in Suyodhana’s camp about next day warfare. Dharmaja also assembled the Kings of Panchala, Matsya, Pandya, Yadava, Kekaya kings and discussed with them about arrangements for the next day war. Krishna spoke to Arjuna thus: “Arjuna! Without considering the pros and cons, and without even informing me, you have taken a terrible oath. How disastrous it is, do you know? If for any reason, you are unable to discharge that oath, what would be our fate and hardship? Having learnt about your vow, Saindhava shamelessly approached Suyodhana and told him that none can save him from your wrath and he will go somewhere else for safety. Then Drona, Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Asvathaama, Karna, Salya and others consoled him and assured him of his safety. Drona is arraying his troops in an unbreakable vyooha. If Saindhaya is hidden in the midst of that vyooha, how can you kill him. Think about it with your close associates.” said Krishna. “Krishna! I know pretty well about the prowess of Kourava warriors. They also know about me. Without your help, none can save Saindhava from my wrath. While killing Saindhava, if any body comes in my way, he will be no more. The Astras and Sastras acquired by all the Kourava warriors are not at all equivalent to Astras and Sastras acquired by me. Krihsna! in the presence of Drona and others, I will cut the head of Saindhaya tomorrow. Not only the troops of Suyodhana, but even the entire universe comes against me, I will kill Saindhava. I take this oath, on my Gandeeva, on you, on me, and on all my divine Astras and Sastras. It is certain that the head of Saindhaya will be cut. For that purpose, the instrument is Gandeevam. My charioteer is Sri Krishna. The killer is Arjuna. Even Lord Siva cannot save Saindhava. Krishna! When you are by my side, who else will stand before me. Kindly extend your cooperation and assistance in achieving this object.” prayed Arjuna. “Arjuna! your oath will be discharged. Keep your mind steady and sleep well.” said Krishna. Arjuna returned back to his camp. Krishna accompanied him. There, in the camp of Arjuna, Subhadra and Droupadi were waiting for his arrival. Beholding Arjuna, their grief exceeded its bounds. Krishna consoled Subhadra. “O my beloved Sister Subhadra! Why you are weeping like this? You are a Kshatriya lady. Death of warriors in battle field and attainment of heavenly pleasures is quite common. You need not feel grief about your son. He is a great hero and a brave warrior. He left this sinful world and attained highest regions. You need not worry about your son. The highest regions which will be attained by great sages and saints who performed penances and Tapas, have been attianed by your son, by simply dying in the battle field. Why should you feel sorry for it? Kshatriya ladies will beget great warriors as their children. It is quite natural for those warriors to die in war. You have to rejoice for giving birth to such a great warrior like Abhimanyu. However great warrior he may be, he has to leave this world some time or other. None can stay eternally in this world. Knowing fully well about this truth, why you are feeling grief like this. You are so courageous. You should not weep like this. Console your daughter in law, Uttara. Your husband, Arjuna, will kill Saindhava by tomorrow evening and and keep his head before your feet. Trust me and be brave.” consoled Sri Krishna. Inspite of his consolations, Subhadhra was unable to control her grief. “O my son Abhimanyu! Though I have given birth to you, I could not enjoy your presence for a long time. Having killed so many great warriors in the battle field, you have met your death so cruelly. Our minds are very much disturbed. While you were a child, you slept by my side with half of your body on me. Now you are lying on hard soil, unattended. Daily you wake up from your bed with the praises of Vandi and Magadha. Now you are hearing the howls of jackals. There are several great warriors, Athi Radhas, Maharadhas like Bhima, Satyaki, Drupada, Virata in our army but none could save you from this disastour. O my son!Abhimanyu! without you, this entire universe is nothing but desert. Being the son of a great warrior Arjuna and the niece of Sri Krishna, yours being killed by others is nothing but a wonder. Look at your wife, Uttara. How she is weeping for you. Come on.... my son. Just console her..wipe her tears. wipe her tears........”Subhadra was suffering with an unended grief. Draupadi, swallowing her grief for herslef, hugged Subhadra and Uttara and was silently weeping for her son and fainted. Sri Krishna consoled them. Then all of them retired to their respective places. Krishna along with Arjuna went back to their camps. In the camp of Arjuna, Krishna spread a dharbhaasana (mat) and kept Gandeevam, Devadatta, Panchajanya, Sudarsana and other weapons on that mat and both of them worshipped those weapons with great devotion. Arjuna slept by the side of those weapons. Krishna retired to his camp. Krishna tried to sleep but he did not get sleep. Not only Sri Krishna, every warrior in the Pandava camp did not get sleep on that night. Everybody was thinking only about one thing. “Arjuna’s son was killed by Kouravas. Saindhava was the root cause for this disastour. Arjuna took a oath to kill Saindhaya by tomorrow evening. Kouravas will certainly foil that. In that case, what will happen? Will Arjuna immolate himself? If so, what will happen to other pandavas? What about our fate? So, Arjuna should kill Saindhava.” Everybody prayed God to help Arjuna in fulfilling this task. Sri Krishna also was in the same situation. He was talking to his charioteer, Daruka. “Darukaa! Have you heard about the oath of Arjuna! Is it possible to kill Saindhava by tomorrow evening? In case Arjuan fails to do so, what will happen? Arjuna is half of mine. I cannot live without Arjuna. I have to save Arjuna at any cost. Even Drona, Karna and others are nothing before me. I will show to the entire universe, how much love and affection I got towards Pandavas? If Arjuna fails, I myself will jump into action and kill Saindhava. Even if Suyodhana, his brothers, friends and relatives try to save Saindhava, I will kill all of them and then kill Saindhava. It is certain. Daarukaa! Collect all my weapons and keep them in my chariot. Tie excellent steeds, Saibya and Sugreeva, to my chariot. Erect Garuda flag on my chariot. Be more vigilant. Observe me always from a distance. Soon after I blow my Panchajanya, immediately, with great speed, bring my chariot. Then I will leave the chariot of Arjuna, jump into my chariot and kill Saindhava. This is my plan ” said Krishna to his charioteer Daruka. . “Yes Krishna! I will execute your orders meticulously. I will make ready our chariot and wait for your command. I hope there will not be any such necessity for you to fight. Still I will follow your instructions” said Daruka. While Sri Krishna was talking with Daruka, Arjuna was in disturbed sleep. In that sleep, he got a dream. In that dream, Krishna came to Arjuna. Arjuna worshipped Sri Krishna with flowers and adorned him with garlands. Krishna spoke to Arjuna thus: “Arjuna! Dont agitate. Be brave. A warrior with agitated mind can never get triumph. How can you kill Saindhava by tomorrow evening? Think about it.” said Krishna. “O Krishna! What remains for me except grief. I have taken oath to kill Saindhava by tomorrow evening. Drona also took a vow to save him at any cost. Saindhava will hide behind them till tomorrow evening. He will be out of my vision. What shall I do? Except grief, what remains for me?” said Arjuna. “Arjuna! It is true. But we have to find a way out. You do one thing. Turn to east. Keep Lord Siva in mind. With staunch devotion, pray Lord Sive to bless you with Pasupatha Astra. It has already been given to you formally by Lord Siva. Now pray him to teach you about its Prayoga and Upasamhaara ( launching process). If Pasupatha is under your control, you can certainly kill Saindhava, whereever he is. That is the only way.” said Sri Krishna. Arjuna took his bath, sat on Dharbhasana (special mat), thought Lord Siva in mind, and deeply meditated about Lord Siva. With the blessings of Lord Siva, Krishna and Arjuna were travelling in the sky towards north. They reached Kailash. They entered into a marvellous palace. Surrounded by Nandi, Pramadha Ganas, Lord Siva was sitting along with his wife, Parvathi. Arjuna and Krishna prostrated before them. Lord Siva smiled at Nara and Narayana. “Welcome to Nara and Narayana. What made you to come over here. I will certainly fulfil your desire.” said Lord Sive. Both of them praised Lord Siva in many ways. Krishna spoke to Lord Siva: “O Lord Siva! you please initiate Pasupatha to Arjuna.” Arjuna was staring at Lord Siva and became speechless. He was astonished. Because, all the garlands and flowers offered by Arjuna to Krishna, before they start to Kailash, are seen on the body of Lord Siva. “Oh. There is no difference between Siva and Kesava.” thought Arjuna. (Sivaaya Vishnu roopaaya, Siva roopaaya Vishnave....Sandhyaa Vandanam). Arjuna also prayed Lord Siva to bless him with Pasupatha Astra. Lord Siva spoke to Arjuna: “O Arjuna! look at that lotus pond. In the middle of the pond, there is a bow and arrow. Bring them here.” Accordingly, Arjuna brought the bow and arrow. Arjuna saw a boy, with deep blue colour, standing by the side of Lord Siva. He took the bow and arrow from Arjuna and taught Arjuna the rituals, mantras and the procedure how to launch Pasupatha Astra. Arjuna, with great concentrationand devotion, learnt Prayoga and Upasamhaara of Pasupatha Astra. Then, Arjuna placed the bow and arrow in the middle of the lotus pond, as usual. Though Pasupatha was formally given to Arjuna while he was in the forest, now Lord Siva taught him about Prayoga and Upasamhara and the related rituals and Mantras, of Pasupatha Astra. Again, Krishna and Arjuna prostrated before Lord Siva and returned back to their respective camps. That was the dream of Arjuna.” said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.. In this manner, Soota told Sounaka and other sages and saints, the story of Maha Bharata, assembled in Naimishaaranya. MAHA BHARAT DRONA PARVA SECOND CHAPTER ...COMPLETED. OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT.
MAHA BHARAT DRONA PARVA THIRD CHAPTER. Saint Vaisampaayana continued to tell Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata. On hearing that Sri Krishna paved the way to kill Saindhava, Dhritarashtra was very much annoyed. “Sanjaya! How Pandavas could kill Saindhava? Was Drona unable to save Saindhava? Tell me in detail.” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say. Next day morning, after completing his morning rituals, Dharmaja arrived at his court hall. Then Sri Krishna arrived there. Dharmaja received Sri Krishna with due honors and offered him a suitable seat. Then Bhimasena, Nakula, Sahadeva, Satyaki, sons of Droupadi, Ghatotkacha, King Drupada, King Virata, Kekaya Kings etc., arrived there and adorned their respective seats. Dharmaja told Krishna thus: “Sri Krishna! You have so far been extending your help and cooperation for us in all respects. We earnestly request you to rescue us today from this ocean of grief and rage.” prayed Dharmaja. “Dharmaja! In all the worlds including that of the celestials, there is no boWman equal to Arjuna. Even all the Gods including Indra become his protectors, Jayadradha will be killed by Arjuna. It is certain. Dispel your grief.” said Sri Krishna. In the meanwhile, Arjuna arrived there and bowed before Dharamaja and Krishna and occupied his seat. Arjuna told Dharmaja and Sri Krishna and other courtiers about his last night dream. Everybody was amazed about that dream. Then all of them departed from that place for making arrangements for war. Sri Krishna, Satyaki along with Arjuna went to the pavillion of Arjuna. Sri Krishna mounted the chariot and occupied the seat of charioteer. Arjuna mounted the chariot as a Car-Warrior. Arjuna told Satyaki thus: “Satyaki! Many auspicious omens of various kinds appeared in view indicating our victory. My victory seems to be certain. Indeed, as the slaughter of Saindhava is one of my most imperitive duty, even so is the protection of King Yudhishtira another of my most imperative obligation. You know about the promise of Drona to capture Dharmaja in battle. Hence I request you to protect Dharmaja today.” requested Arjuna. Satyaki accepted the request of Arjuna and remained there to protect Dharmaja” said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra. “Sanjaya! How could our troops venture even to gaze at Arjuna as he himself advanced like goddess of death, burning with grief and anger. I observe the abode of Saindhava to be echoing with sounds of grief and lamentations. O Sanjaya! my son Suyodhana, never paid attention either to my words or to the words of Bhishma, Drona. He only adopted the ill and wicked advises of Dussaasana and Karna. He broke the peace mission of Sri Krishna. One by one, all his brothers and sons are being killed in battle day by day. He bore grudge against Arjuna who was blessed by Lord Siva with Pasupata Astra. While Sri Krishna was driving his chariot, who else can dare to stand before Arjuna. I advised my son not to bear grudge against Pandavas. But Suyodhana followed the path of avarice and destroyed his own kith and kin. What can I do? Tell me what had happened later” said Dhritarashtra. “O King Dhritarashtra! You are building bridges for the water already flowed away. You would have restrained both Suyodhana and Dharmaja from the match of dice game. Or atleast you would have acceded to the words of Sri Krishna and effected mediation between your sons and Pandavas. You failed to do so. Hence all have blamed you for your wickedness and greediness. As you are blind by birth, your brother King Pandu ruled this country and extended your Kingdom. Then what is your objection to divide the kingdom and give the sons of King Pandu their due share. Why you are blaming your sons for your mis deeds? You are reaping the consequences for your mis deeds. Even the celestial army cannot bear the sounds of Panchajanya and Devadatta. After all, your sons and their army are no match for Arjuna. I will narrate to you what had happened.” Sanjaya continued to say. Drona entered the war field. He blew his conche. He told Saindhava thus: “Saindhava! you will be in the midst of Bhoorisravasa, Karna, Salya, Asvathaama, Vrishasena, Kripacharya and others. 14,000 elephants, 60,000 chariots, one lakh horses, ten lakh foot soldiers will be protecting you always. Yourself along with your troops will be three yojanas away from the Vyooha arrayed by me. Unless Pandavas break my Vyooha, they cannot reach you.” said Drona. Then Drona arrayed the troops in the form of Sakata vyooha. In the middle of Sakata vyooha, towards west, Drona arrayed Kourava troops in the form of Padmavyooha. From the entrance of padmavyooha upto the entrance of Sakata vyooha, he arrayed the Kourava troops in the form of Soochee vyooha (in the shape of needle). At the entrance of Scoochee vyooha, Kritavarma and King of Kambhoja stood along with one lakh soldiers. Saindhava, protected by Dussaasana, Vikarna, was standing at a distance of 1500 bows . Dronacharya was standing at the main entrance of Sakata Vyooha. Beholding this mighty Vyooha, Suyodhana was very much rejoiced. Arjuna entered the battle field. Dhrishtadyumna, the leader of Pandava Army arrayed his troops in a different vyooha. Kettle drums and trumpets were played. One Durmarshana along with his army challenged Arjuna. “Krishna! drive our chariot against Durmarshana. I will consume him first.” said Arjuna. Krishna drove the chariot towards Durmarshana. Durmarshana and his troops poured arrowy showers on Arjuna. Arjuna was enragedwith wrath. Next moment, the entire war field was filled with dead bodies of soldiers, horses and elephants. Kourava troops showered innumerable shafts on Arjuna. Arjuna cut them in middle and massacred the troops of Durmarshana. Arjuna killed the charioteers and the horses tied to the chariots. The quickness with which Arjuna took his shafts, fixed them on the bow and let them off, filled all Kourava with wonder Arjuna with his arrows pierced elephants and elephant riders, horses and horseriders, car warriors and charioteers. There was none in the Kourava army whether staying before him or fighting with him or escaped his wrath. The troops of Durmarshana afflicted with the arrows of Arjuna fled in fear. None could gaze at Arjuna while he was wielding his Gandeeva. Now it was the turn of Dussaasana and his troops to rush against Arjuna. Dussaasana caused Arjuna to be surrounded by a large elephant force. Arjuna was excited with wrath. Arjuna incessantly showered arrows on the elephant troops of Dussaasana. The elephants were staying stand-still but the heads of the soldiers mounted on elephants were falling on the ground like fruits from the tree. The hands and legs of the soldiers were rolling on the ground. Dussasana began to flee away from the battle field. Arjuna accosted Dussaasana: “Oh Dussasana! Where are you going? Will you escape death by simply running away from war field? You spoke so many harsh words against us in the open assembly. Now you have to reap the consequences.” so saying Arjuna shot ten powerful sharp arrows on Dussaasana. Dussaasana ran away and took shelter behind Drona. Krishna drove the chariot towards Drona. Now Arjuna was before Drona. Arjuna with folded hands saluted Drona. “O revered Brahmin, my preceptor! I bow before you. Bless me. Wish me well. You are to me even as my sire, or even as King Yudhishtira or Sri Krishna. You are my well wisher. Even as Asvathaama deserved to be protected by you, I also deserve to be protected by you. I desire to kill Saindhava. I have taken a vow in that regard. Please see that my vow is accomplished.” prayed Arjuna. Drona smiled and said: “Arjuna! without vanquishing me, how can you kill Saindhava.” so saying Drona covered Arjuna with arrowy showers. Arjuna baffled all those arrowy showers with his arrows. Arjuna shot Drona with nine arrows. Drona cut them in the middle and shot powerful arrows on Arjuna and Krishna. Drona cut the bow string of Arjuna and covered his chariot with showers of arrows. Arjuna was trying to tie the bow string. Arjuna skipped Drona and was fighting with Kourava army. The arrows incessantly released from Gandeeva were massacring the kourava troops. Drona was trying to cut all those arrows shot by Arjuna. Drona again covered the chariot of Arjuna with his arrowy showers. Arjuna could not proceed even an inch further beyond Drona. “Arjuna! why you are insisting to fight with Drona only. Leave him. You try to enter Sakata vyooha and find out Saindhava” suggested Krishna. Arjuna accepted his suggestion. Krishna drove the chariot into Sakata vyooha, skipping Drona. Beholding Arjuna, Drona laughed at Arjuna: “O Arjuna! What is this? While I am fighting with you, why you are bypassing me. Dont you kill your enemy?”asked Drona. “O Drona! You are not my enemy. You are my revered preceptor. It is not possible even for Lord Siva to defeat and kill you After all I am your student. I am not capable of killing you.” so saying Arjuna along with his Chakra Rakshakas (Wheel protectors) entered into Sakata Vyooha. Kritavarma, King of Kambhoja, Srutaayuvu attacked Arjuna. Kritavarma shot 25 powerful arrows against Arjuna. Arjuna broke the bow of Kritavarma and shot 21 sharp shafts on Kritavarma. Kritavarma picked up another bow and shot ten arrows aiming at the chest of Arjuna. “Arjuna! why you are showing soft corner on Kritavarma. He is not our relative. Kill him mercilessly.” provoked Krishna. Arjuna shot one powerful arrow with which Kritavarma fainted. While Arjuna was proceeding further, Kritavarma regained consciousness and attacked the Chakra Rakshakas of Arjuna. They broke the bow of Kritavarma. Kritavarma took up another bow and broke the bows of Uttamouja and Yudhamanyu. They picked up another bow and attacked Kritavarema. But they are unable to reach Arjuna. King Srutaayudha attacked Arjuna and shot Krishna and Arjuna with sharp edged arrows. He cut the flag of Arjuna and showered 90 arrows on Arjuna.. Arjuna was enraged with wrath. He cut the bow of Srutaayudha and shot nine arrows against his chest. Arjuna killed the chariot driver of Srutaayudha and also the horses tied to the chariot. Srutaayudha jumped down from his chariot and took up his mace. Srutaayudha was the son of Varuna. That wonderful and powerful mace was given by Varuna to Srutaayudha. One who holds that mace becomes invincible. That mace will kill anybody whom it hits. But, if that mace is hurled on any person who was unarmed and not ready for fight, instead of killing that person, that mace will return back and kill the person who hurled it. In that angry and passionate mood, Srutaayudha did not remember this. Srutaayudha hurled that mace against Sri Krishna who was only a chariot driver and who was unarmed and not ready to fight. That mace returned back and killed Srutaayudha. Beholding the death of Srutaayudha, his army fled away. At that juncture, King of Kambhoja attacked Arjuna. Arjuna killed his charioteer and the horses and broke his bow and flag. Arjuna shot fifteen most powerful arrows against him. King of Kambhoja fell down and died. After the death of King of Kambhoja, Soorasena, Sibi, Vasaati and other warriors surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna killed all of them in no time. Beholding this, Suyodhana provoked Kalingas, Southern kings and other warriors to attack Arjuna with their elephant forces. Arjuna retaliated their attack and killed the elephants. The entire battle field was filled with the trunks, legs and heads of elephants. The elephant riders were rolling on the ground with severe injuries. Yavanas, Sakas also attacked Arjuna. Arjuna massaacred all of them. Srutaayuvu, the King of Ambashta attacked Arjuna. Arjuna broke the bow of Srutaayuvu and killed his horses. Srutaayuvu took up his mace and hit Sri Krishna. Arjuna broke that mace. With another bow, Arjuna cut the head of Srutaayuvu. Looking at the death of Srutaayuvu, Suyodhana approached Drona and said: “O Acharya Drona! even without caring for you, Arjuna is massacring our troops. You are keeping quiet and is not even looking at him. What happened to the boon given to me? When will you impirson Dharmaja! Trusting you immensely, Saindhava is hiding behind you. You are not making any effort to save him. Why? Do you wish to see the death of Saindhava at the hands of Arjuna? Look at that side. The troops arrayed for the protection of Saindhava, are running away. Kindly save Saindhava. It is my earnest request.” prayed Suyodhana. Drona smiled and said: “Suyodhana! I will never get angry either for your words or for the words of my son Asvathaama. Sri Krishna drives the chariot, in excellence, more than the speed of mind. Arjuna is shooting arrows with greater speed. How can I stop them? If I leave this spot and run behind Arjuna, there will be utter chaos here. It will become more difficult to save Saindhava. Besides that, I am waiting for Dharmaja. You know I am older in age and I cannot run against a youth like Arjuna. Yourself and Arjuna are of equal age. You fight with Arjuna and stop him from proceeding further. I will stay here. I will give you a miraculous coat mail(Kavacha). If you wear it, none of the arrows shot by Arjuna will touch you and harm you. Originally this miraculous coat mail was given by Brahma to Indra. Indra gave it to Angirasa. It passed on from Angirasa to Brihaspati, Brihaspati to Agnivesa, Agnivesa to me. Now I am presenting it to you. Have it and be victorious.” said Drona. After wearing that miraculous coat mail, Suyodhana drove his chariot towards Arjuna. Both the troops of Kouravas and Pandavas were fighting with each other in a fiercest manner. Drona and Dhrishtadyumna were fighting with each other. Dhrishtadyumna was massacring Kourava troops mercilessly. None was dare enough to stand and fight with him. Drona was enraged with wrath. He rushed against the Kings of Panchala and Kekaya. In the meanwhile. Dharmaja, Bhima, and Nakula and Sahadeva joined Dhrishtadyumna. Vikarna, Vivimsati, Chitrasena attacked Bhima, Bahlika and sons of Droupadi. Somadatta was fighting with Sikhandi. Alambasa attacked Ghatotkacha. Salya was standing by the side of Saindhava and protecting him. Dussaasana fought with Satyaki. Satyaki chased him. Unable to with stand the wrath of Nakula and Sahadeva, Sakuni ran away. Drona attacked Dhrishtadyumna, Bhima and Dharmaj. While the Kouravas and Pandavas were fighting with each other, the entire battle field was filled with broken chariots, broken bows, broken limbs of soldiers, horses and elephants, forming into heaps. Drona was protecting the Sakata Vyooha arrayed by him undisturbed. Dhrishtadyumna dashed his chariot against the chariot of Drona. Immediately, Dhrishtadyumna took out his sword and shield and jumped to the chariot of Drona. Drona cut the sword and shield of Dhrishtadyumna into pieces. Drona killed the charioteer and horses tied to the chariot of Dhrishtadyumna and cut the flag. Drona shot one powerful arrow against Dhrishtadyumna. Satyaki cut that arrow and saved Dhrishtadyumna. Dhrishtadyumna jumed into the chariot of Satyaki. Both of them drove their chariot away. Drona’s heart was filled with wrath against Satyaki for saving Dhristadyumna from his hands. Drona and Satyaki were fighting with each other. Flags were cut. Chariots were broken. Heads of soldiers were rolling on the ground. Satyaki broke the bow of Drona. While Drona was taking up another bow, Satyaki broke that bow also. Satyaki was continuously breaking the bows of Drona whenever he takes it. With great speed Drona picked up another bow and shot numerous arrows against Satyaki. Satyaki broke them into pieces. Drona launched Agneya Astra (missile of fire). Its flames covered the entire sky. Satyaki launched Varuna Astra (missile of water) and neutralised Agneya Astra. In the meanwhile, Dharmaja, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva joined Satyaki. Arjuna was rushing against Saindhaya, massacring those who come in his way. Vinda and Anuvinda surrounded Arjuna with their respective troops and showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna broke their bows, cut their flags and killed their steeds. Arjuna cut the head of Vinda with one Bhalla Arrow. Beholding the death of his brother Vinda, Anu Vinda was filled with rage. He took up a mace and struck Sri Krishna with that mace. Arjuna broke that mace. With another arrow, Krishna cut the head of Anuvinda. After the death of Vinda and Anuvinda, their troops surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna showered most powerful arrows on them and drove them away. By that time, Arjuna was very much tired. The horses tied to the chariot also tired. Saindhava could not be seen any where. Kourava troops were chasing Pandava troops. In that situation, Arjuna told Krishna: “Krishna! I will control the Kourava troops. You stop the chariot and untie the horses and gave them some rest.” So saying Arjuna alighted the chariot and stood before the Kourava troops. Kourava warriors poured arrowy showers on Arjuna. Arjuna cut those arrows into pieces and incessantly showered all kinds of arrows on them. Arjuna was killing the elephants with his halfmoon shaped arrows. With his power cruel arrows he was killing the horses. The entire battle was filled with severed heads of elephants, horses and soldiers and their bodies. Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! ofcourse, our hourses have taken rest for some time. But they are feeling thirsty. Unless some water is given to them, they cannot mover further” said Krishna. Arjuna could not find water anywhere in the vicinity. He shot a powerful arrow. It pierced into the earth and clean and transparent ground water gushed out like a spring. The horses drank that water and their thirst extinguished. Krishna praised Arjuna for his excellent work. Again Krishna and Arjuna mounted their chariot. Arjuna sighted Suyodhana at a distance. Krishna drove the chariot towards Suyodhana. Krishna had blown Panchajanya and Arjuna, Devadatta. On hearing the sounds of Panchajanya and Devadatta, the kourava warriors who were protecting Saindhaya, ran away to save their lives. Now Saindhava was visible to Arjuna. “Krishna! There is Saindhava. Around him, Kripacharya, Salya, Asvathaama, Bahlika, Karna, sons of Karna formed into a ring. All of them can never save Saindhava. I will kill that wretch by this evening” said Arjuna. Krishna with great speed drove the chariot towards Saindhava. Beholding Arjuna, all the kourava warriors lost hopes on the life of Saindhava. Arjuna looked at Saindhava. He roared like a lion. His chariot was rushing towards Saindhava. With the most powerful Kavacha (coat of mail) on his body, Suyodhana attacked Arjuna. The rest of the Kuru warriors also attacked Arjuna. Beholding Suyodhana, Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! This Suyodhana from the beginning bore grudge against you and your brothers. Saindhava is the bet between you and Suyodhana. Suyodhana is the root cause for all your woes and also for this mass massacre. He is the wretch who insulted your wife, Droupadi in open assembly. Now he is within the reach of your arrows. Show your prowess and kill him. It is a God’s gift for you that he is before you within your reach. Dont hesitate. Beholding his death, the entire Kurava army will be scattered. Then we can chase Saindhava and kill him easily” said Krishna. “Yes, Krishna. How can I forget the woes caused by him to me and my brothers and wife. I will certainly kill him. Drive our chariot against him” said Arjuna. Suyodhana intoxicated with the pride of strength due to the most powerful kavacha (coat of mail) given byDrona, came before Arjuna. Arjuna blew his conche, Devadatta. The rest of the Kourava Army thought that ont hat day the death of Suyodhana at the hands of Arjuna was certain. Beholding Arjuna, Suyodhana shouted aloud: “O Arjuna! You are feeling proud of your celestial arrows and weapons. Today I want to see your vigour and valour. If you are really born to King Pandu, come on. Show your archery skills, your prowess, your vigour.” so saying Suyodhana shot most cruel shafts against Arjuna. With four arrows, Suyodhana struck the horses and aimed ten arrows against Krishna. Arjuna was enraged with wrath. He shot 14 most powerful steep arrows against Suyodhana. All those arrows just touched Suyodhana and fell down. Again, at a stretch, Arjuna shot 21 most powerful arrows but in vain Beholding this Krishna said: “Arjuna! what is happening. It is amazing. What is the reason for your failure? Have you lost strength in your hands or all of your archery skills extinguished? Each arrow shot from your Gandeeva will strike the enemy like thunderbolt. Now every arrow shot by you against Suyodhana is becoming useless. I am very much annoyed.” said Krishna. “Krishna! Either my vigour or the heat of my arrows has not been extinguished or vanished. Suyodhana is wearing a most miraculous Kavacha (coat of mail) given by Drona. This miracle is known only to Drona, myself and my son, Abhihamnyu. It appears, Drona has given that to Suyodhana. This kavacha is unbreakable by any celestial weapon. It appears that Suyodhana just wore that coat mail but he does not know anything about it. I will confuse him with my archery skills. I will make him to remove it. Krishna! Angirasa gave one most powerful Astra to Devendra. Devendra gave it to me. That Astra will break any kind of coat mail. Now I will invoke that Astra and break that coat mail.” said Arjuna. Immediately, Arjuna invoked that Great Astra given to him by Mahendra and was chanting the Mantra. Beholding this, Asvathaama thought that Suyodhana was in most dangerous situation. Even before that Great Astra was launched against Suyodhana, Asvathama shot a most powerful arrow and cut that Astra into pieces. Arjuna was verymuch distressed. “ Krishna! Asvathama spoiled all my efforts. I cannot launch that Astra again. Any how I got many more astras. Let me try them” said Arjuna. While Arjuna was conversing with Krishna, Suyodhana shot 9 arrows each against Krishna and Arjuna and roared like a lion. Arjuna was enraged with great wrath. He did not want to spare Suyodhana any more. Arjuna killed the charioteer and the horses of Suyodhana and cut his flag. He shot most sharp shafts in his palms. Having been severely injured by Arjuna, Suyodhana was very much annoyed. He thought that the Kavacha (coat mail) given by Drona was not working. Hence, Suyodhana changed his coatmail. The Kourava warriors surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna was enraged with wrath. Chariots were broken. Horses were rolling on the ground. Heads of elephants were broken into pieces. The heads of soldiers were flying in the air like balls. The entire battle field was seen dreadful. Unable to withhold the wrath of Arjuna, the Kourava army fled away. The troops who were protecting Saindhava roared like lions. Krishna drove the chariot towards Suyodhana. Suyodhana was in the midst of Vrishasena, Sala, Kripacharya, Karna, Asvathaama, Salya and Bhoorisravasa. All of them rushed against Arjuna. Arjuna blew his conche Devadatta. Arjuna avoided those warriors amd proceeded against Saindhava. Those warriors showered powerful arrows on Arjuna. Asvathaama struck Krishna with 73 arrows and Arjuna with 3 arrows. Asvathaama cut the flag of Arjuna. Enraged with wrath, Arjuna launched 106 arrows against Asvathaama. He shot ten arrows against Karna and three arrows on Vrishasena. With one arrow, Arjuna cut the bow of Salya. Salya took up another bow and shot nine arrows against Arjuna. Karna, Bhoorisravasa, Vrishasena, Kripacharya and Asvathaama incessantly showered arrows on Arjuna. They launched several divine Astras upon Krishna and Arjuna. Saindhava, hiding behind them, shot 73 arrows against Arjuna. Arjuna shot 12 arrows on Karna and 3 arrows on his son. With one arrow he broke the bow of Salya and shot nine arrows against Salya. Arjuna shot 3 arrows against Bhoorisravasa, 8 arrows against Asvathaama, 22 arrows against Kripacharya. Arjuna pierced 22 arrows throughout the body of Asvathaama. Whenever Saindhava was sighted, Arjuna was shooting arrows aiming at Saindhava. But Saindhaya was hiding behind those warriors and was not visible within the reach of the arrows of Arjuna. In the meanwhile, the kourava warriors and their army gathered together and surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna massacried all of them with his powerful arrows. Dharmaja and Drona were fighting with each other. Kshemadhoorti was fighting with Brihatkshatra. There was dual fight between Veeradhanva and Dhrishtaketa, Nakula and Karna, Sahadeva and Durmukha, Satyaki and Vyaaghradatta. Salya was moving between Sakata vyooha and Padmavyooha, supervising the troops. Now and then he was fighting with the sons of Droupadi. Alambas was fighting with Bhimasena. Dronacharya was fighting with Dharmaja. Dharmaja pierced 90 sharp arrows into the body of Drona. Drona aimed 25 arrows against the chest of Dharmaja. Drona poured arrowy showers on the chariot of Dharmaja. Dharmaja cut all the arrows shot by Drona. Drona cut the bow of Dharmaja. All the warriors in both the troops thought that Drona caught Dharmaja as a prisoner. But Dharmaja picked up another bow and cut all the arrows shot by Drona. Dharmaja launched Shakti on Drona. Drona launched Brahma Astra in retaliation. Brahmastra destroyed the Shakti and was rushing against Dharmaja. Dharmaja launched another Brahma Astra and nentralised it. Dharmaja shot five sharp arrows into the body of Drona and cut the bow of Drona. Drona hurled his mace against Dharmaja. Dharmaja struck that mace with his mace. Both the maces fell down. Drona broke the chariot of Dharmaja and killed the charioteer and horses. Dharmaja stood before Drona helplessly. Drona looked at Dharmaja. He does not want to kill Dharmaja as he was brought up by him since his childhood. Drona turned to other side and showed his prowess on the Pandava army and massacred them. All the other warriors thought that Drona caught Dharmaja and took him as hostage. But Dharmaja ran towards the chariot of Sahadeva and mounted it. Sahadeva along with Dharmaja drove away to a far off place. One Kshemadhoorti cut the bow of Brihatkshatra. Brihatkshatra took up another bow and killed the horses of Kshemadhoorti and cut his flag and killed his charioteer. With another arrow, he cut the head of Kshemadhoorti. One Veeradhanva, King of Trigarta cut the bow of Dhrishtaketu and killed him with another bow. Sahadeva again entered the war field and attacked Durmukhi brother of Suyodhana. Sahadeva killed the horses and the charioteer of Durmukhi. Sahadeva pierced five arrows into the body of Durkukhi. Durmukhi jumped into the chariot of Niramitra, Price of Trigarta and ran away. Sahadeva chased Niramitra and killed him. Vyaghradatta attacked Satyaki and showered arrows on his chariot. Satyaki killed his horses and charioteer and cut the head of Vyaghradatta with one steep arrow. Salya attacked the sons of Droupadi and shot them with five arrows each. All the sons of Droupadi surrounded Salya. Son of Arjuna killed the steeds of Salya. Son of Bheema cut the bow of Salya. Son of Dharmaja cut the flag of Salya. Son of Nakula killed the charioteer of Salya. Bhimasena was fighting with Alambasa. Bhima shot steep arrows against Alambasa. Alambasa cut all those arrows and told Bhimasena thus: “O Bhimasena! You killed my father, Bakasura. But I was not there at that time. Now I am before you. Show your prowess and fight with me” Alambas shouted. Bhima was enraged with wrath. Bhimasena launched Brahma Astra and chased himand drove him away. Drona attacked Satyaki and other Pandava warriors and was preventing them from entering Sakata Vyooha. Ghatotkacha attacked Drona. Alambas arrived there and attacked Ghatotkatcha. The battle between Ghatotkacha and Alambasa became terrible. Alambas hurled a chakrayudha (weapon resembling a disc) against Ghatotkacha. Ghaotkacha broke it into pieces with his mace. Alambas started war of illusions. But those illusions were of no avail before Ghatotkacha’s cresent shaped arrows. They fought with each other displaying their powers of illusion. The sons of Droupadi showered arrows on Alambasa. Alambasa shot 25 steep arrows against Bhimasena, three arrows against Dharmaja and shot 25 steep arrows against Upa Pandavas, Sahadeva and Ghatotkacha and roared like a lion. In retaliation, Ghatotkacha killed the charioteer of Alambas and killed the steeds and broke the chariot. Alambas jumed down and caused illusory arrowy showers on on Pandavas. Ghatotkacha also jumped down and began illusory war against Alambas. Alambas rose to sky with his sword. Ghatotkacha also followed him. Both were wandering in the sky amidst clouds and were fighting with each other. Both of them fell down on earth and hurled swords, on each other. Then they both began to fight with each other with hands and legs. There was a dual fight between Alambas and Ghatotkacha in different ways. Alambas was tired. Taking advantage of his helpless situation, Ghatotkacha threw him on the ground and sat on his chest. Ghatotkacha kicked Alambas with hands and legs and killed him. In that manner, Alambas was killed by Ghatotkacha. Ghatotitkacha roared like a lion. Dharmaja hugged Ghatotkacha and praised him. Satyaki was chasing the Kourava troops and massacring them mercilessly. Beholding this, Drona attacked Satyaki. Satyaki shot 25 sharp arrows against Drona. Drona shot three most powerful arrows against Satyaki. Satyaki in return shot 50 Narasas (arrows fitted with iron blades) against Drona. Drona cut them with nine arrows. While Satyaki was trying to strike those arrows, Drona shot another 100 powerful arrows against Satyaki. Satyaki was in a helpless condition. Beholding that, brothers of Suyodhana roared like lions. Observing that, Dharmaja shouted: “O Warriors! Come on. Dhrishtadyumna is in trouble. Help him! Help him” On hearing those shouts,Bhimasena ran to that spot. Other prominent warriors on the side of Pandavas also arrived there. All of them surrounded Drona. Drona smiled at them and shot most powerful shafts against them and cut the heads of 25 warriors of Panchala, 100 Kekaya warriors. Pandava army could not proceed further. In the meanwhile, Yudhishtira heard the sound of Panchajanya. Dhamaja told Satyaki: “Satyaki! I am hearing only the sound of Panchanajya. I could not hear the sound of Devadatta. Asvathama, Karna, Salya, Kripa and Bhoorisravasa might have surrounded Arjuna and he might be in danger. You are the only warrior who can save Arjuna. Kindly rush to that spot and save Arjuna.” requested Dharmaja. “O Yudhishtira! What you said is correct. But I will tell you the words of Arjuna while leaving to kill Saindhava. “Satyaki! The omens are good. I am proceeding to kill Saindhava. Till I come, kindly protect Yudhishtira. Ofcourse, killing of Saindhava is most important for me but it is equally important to save Yudhishtira also. If you are by the side of Yudhishtira, I feel as if I am by his side. Dont worry about me. You know much better about the vow taken by Drona to capture Yudhishtira. Drona is waiting for opportunity.” These are the exact words spoken to by Arjuna. Yudhishtira! If you are caught by Drona, killing of Saindhava by Arjuna will become futile. As long as Krishna is the charioteer of Arjuna, you need not worry about Arjuna. I am deputed by Arjuna to protect you. Hence I cannot leave you alone” said Satyaki. “Satyaki! what you said might be correct. But, for the present, I feel it proper that you should rush for the help of Arjuna. Bhimasena also will accompany you. If Arjuna is safe, all of us will remain safe. Hence, immediately proceed to help Arjuna. Here, Dhrishtadyumna, King Virata, King Drupada, Kekaya kings, Sikhandi, sons of Droupadi and other great warriors will protect me from Drona. You know that Dhrishtadyumna was born only to kill Drona and he is enough to attack Drona and save me. You need not worry about me.” said Dharmaja. Satyaki could not say anything further. After taking permission from Dharmaja, Satyaki deputed Bhimasena to remain there and protect Dharmaja. As per the word of Satyaki, Bhimasena remained there protecting Dharmaja. Satyaki proceeded on his chariot along with his troops, to the help of Arjuna. MAHA BHARAT DRONA PARVA THIRD CHAPTER COMPLETED. OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT

MAHA BHARAT DRONA PARVA FOURTH CHAPTER. Saint Vaisampaayana told Janamejaya, the story of Mahabharata. Dhritarashtra told Sanjaya thus: “Sanjaya! After obtaining permission from Dharmaja, did Satyaki meet Arjuna? Did our troups not obstruct Satyaki from proceeding further? What had happened later? Tell me in detail.” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya told thus: “Having been ordered by Dharmaja, Satyaki was rushing towards Arjuna. He was killing the Kourava troops mercilessly. Drona attacked Satyaki and struck him with seven most cruel shafts. Drona killed the horses tied to his chariot and also hit the charioteer. Enraged with wrath, Satyaki poured arrowy showers on Drona. Drona cut all those arrows and, in return, showered most powerful shafts on Satyaki. Drona told Satyaki: “O Satyaki! Unable to withold my vigour and valour, your preceptor Arjuna fled away without fighting with me. Now you have come. Come on. Taste my prowess.” said Drona. Satyaki saluted Drona. “O Preceptor Drona! I am not such a great warrior. On the command of Dharmaja I am proceeding towards Arjuna. Kindly give way. Being an elder, it is your Dharma to shower your blessings on youngsters like me.” prayed Satyaki. Still Drona did not give way to Satyaki. Satyaki avoided Drona and passed through the space left in between armies of Bahlika, Anga, Daakshinatya. Drona chased Satyaki. Kritavarma attacked Satyaki and shot six arrows against Satyaki. Kritavarma struck the horses tied to the chariot of Satyaki with four arrows. Having seen that Satyaki was attacked by Kritavarma, Drona proceeded towards Dharmaja. Satyaki shot 16 powerful arrows against Kritavarma, broke his bow and killed his chariot driver. Kritavarma while driving his chariot, was fighting with Satyaki. Kritavarma turned his chariot towards Bhimasena. Satyaki entered the army of Kambhoja and was massacring the Kambhoja army. Drona arranged another charioter driver to Kritavarma. Kritavarma attacked those warriors who were protecting Dharmaja. Bhimasena arrived there to help them. Bhimasena, Dhrishtadyumna, Dharmaja, King Drupada, Ghatotkacha, King Virata, Sahadeva, Sikhandi, sons of Droupadi, Nakula surrounded Kritavarma and incessantly showered arrows on him. Kritavarma, in retaliation, was striking each of them with five arrows. Kritavarma shot seven sharp arrows on Bhimasena and cut the bow and flag of Bhimasena. Kritavarma shot 70 powerful arrows aiming at the chest of Bhimasena. Bhimasena fainted and fell on his chariot. The remaining pandava warriors atonce surrounded Kritavarma. In the meanwhile, Bhimasena regained consciousness and shot a most powerful Shakti on Kritavarma. Kritavarma broke that Shakti into three pieces. Bhimasena shot most powerful arrows on Kritavarma. Kritavarma’s body was drenched in blood. The remaining Pandava warriors also surrounded Kritavarma and struck him with most powerful shafts. Kritavarma broke the bow of Sikhandi and poured arrowy showers on Bhimasena and other warriors. Sikhandi was severelly wounded and fell down on his chariot. His Chariot-driver drove the chariot to otherside. Having seen that Sikhandi was injured, Kings of Matsya, Chedi, Kekaya along with their armies rushed against Kritavarma. Kritavarma shot most powerful shafts piercing into the vital parts of their bodies. Pandava troops fled away. Having seen that their troops were fleeing away, Satyaki thought that Dharmaja was in danger. Immediately, he turned his chariot towards Kritavarma, postponing his meeting with Arjuna. Satyaki was fighting with Kritavarma. Satyaki cut the bow of Kritavarma and killed the steeds tied to his chariot. With one arrow, Satyaki struck the charioteer of Kritavarma. In between, Satyaki fought with Trigarta Army and massacred them. The Pandava army surrounded Kritavarma. Beholding the fate of Kritavarma, Drona rushed against Pandava Army. King Jalasandha attacked Satyaki and drove his elephant against Satyaki. Satyaki restrained that elephant. King Jalasandha broke the bow of Satyaki and shot 50 sharp shafts aiming at the chest of Satyaki. Enraged with wrath, Satyaki cut the bow of Jalasandha and pierced 60 sharp arrows throughout his body. Jalasandha hit Satyaki with a Tomara weapon. Jalasandha took out a big sword and cut the bow of Satyaki. Satyaki picked up another bow and cut the hands of Jalasandha without delay. With the next arrow, Satyaki cut the head of Jalasandha. With another arrow, he drove away the elephant of Jalasandha. The entire Kourava army shivered looking at the prowess of Satyaki. Beholding this, Drona deputed Kritavarma at the entrance and rushed towards Satyaki. Satyaki observed this. Your sons, Durmarshana, Dussaha, Vikarna, Durkukha, Dussaasana, Chitrasena, and others accompanied Drona. Suyodhana also joined his brothers. Drona asked Suyodhana to attack Satyaki and returned back to the entrance of Sakata Vyooha. Satyaki was fighting with your sons all at a time. Satyaki broke the bow of Suyodhana and pierced powerful arrows through out the body of Suyodhana. Rest of your sons showered arrows on Satyaki. Satyaki shot each of your sons with five arrows and shot Suyodhana with eight arrows. Satyaki cut the flag of Suyodhana and killed his steeds. Suyodhana’s charioteer was severely wounded at the hands of Satyaki. Suyodhana got down his chariot and mounted the chariot of his brother, Chitrasena. Beholding the defeat of Suyodhana, Kourava army raised hue and cry. On hearing the wild cries of Kourava Army, Kritavarma rushed to that spot and Satyaki again attacked Kritavarma. Both of them showered arrows on each other. Satyaki killed the chariot driver of Kritavarma and cut his bow. With another powerful arrow, Satyaki struck Kritavarma and he fainted. Kritavarma fell on the chariot holding the flagpole. Satyaki thought Kritavarma was dead and he proceeded towards Arjuna. Kritavarma regained consciousness and returned back to the battle field. Drona asked Kritavarma to remain at the entrance and proceeded towards Satyaki to restrain him from proceeding towards Arjuna. Drona shot three most sharp arrows against the forehead of Satyaki. Satyaki retaliated those shots. There was a big encounter between Drona and Satyaki. Drona launched Shakti on Satyaki. But that great weapon Shakti struck the chariot of Satyaki instead of Satyaki. In retaliation, Satyaki struck Drona on his elbow with a steep shaft. Drona cut the bow of Satyaki and hit the charioteer. The charioteer of Satyaki lost consciousness. Satyaki was fighting while driving his chariot. Satyaki killed the charioteer of Drona. The chariot of Drona without driver was dragged by its horses to a long distance. After roaming for some time, chariot of Drona reached the entrance of Sakatavyooha. Again Satyaki tried to proceed towards Arjuna. His chariot was rushing with great speed towards Arujna. In the meanwhile, King Sudarsana attacked Satyaki and poured arrowy showers on Satyaki. Satyaki cut those arrows into fragments. Satyaki killed the horses tied to the chariot of King Sudarsana and also his chariot driver. With another arrow, Satyaki cut the head of King Sudarsan. “O charioteer! I have crossed a great ocean like Drona. Afterall, this king is nothing but a small stream. Is it a great task for me to cross this small stream” said Satyaki with pride. “You are right Satyaki. Now tell me in which direction I have to drive the chariot and with whom you have to fight” asked the charioteer. “O charioteer! look at this site. Here there are heaps of dead bodies of elephants, horses and soldiers. Arjuna might have killed all of them. Are you not hearing the sound of twang of Gandeeva. Drive our chariot towards that side.” asked Satyaki. Meanwhile, the troops of King Kambhoja surrounded Satyaki and Satyaki attacked them. Satyaki massacred those troops in no time. The entire battle field was filled with dead bodies of Kambhoja soldiers. Driving his chariot upon those dead bodies. Satyaki was proceeding towards Arjuna. From behind, Suyodhana, Dussaasana, Chitrasena, Vivimsati, Sakuni, Dussaha, Durmarshana and others were rushing towards Satyaki. Beholding them Satyaki said: “O Charioteer! Turn our chariot towards Suyodhana. Let me dispatch these warriors to the abode of Yama. Then we will think of proceeding towards Arjuna.” The charioteer of Satyaki turned the chariot and staioned it before Kourava warriors. The entire Kourava army surrounded Satyaki. Satyaki, at a time, killed four hundred elephants, three hundred horses. It was not a wonder that there was none in the Kourava Army who was not hit by the arrows of Satyaki. Suyodhana and other Kourava warriors incessantly showered arrows on Satyaki. Satyaki attacked all of them and first cut the flags of all those warriors and broke their chariots. Satyaki killed the horses and charioteers. Sakuni also joined Suyodhana and attacked Satyaki. Satyaki cut the bow of Sakuni and killed his chariot driver. Without driver, the chariot of Sakuni was dragged by its horses to other side. Suyodhana and his brothers remained helpless. Satyaki proceeded towards Arjuna. Dussaasana provoked brave mountaineers, skilled in fighting with stones, unacquainted with morality or virtues, to fight with Satyaki. They were fighting with Satyaki with huge rocks. Satyaki with his powerful arrows was powdering them in the space. Unable to fight with Satyaki, those mountaineers fled away. Dussaasana ran towards Drona. Beholding Dussaasana, Drona asked him: “What Dussaasana! Why you are running? Is Suyodhana safe? Is Saindhava still alive? Why you are running along with your army? Dussaasana! Dont you feel that you are reaping the consequences for your mis-deeds and for causing hardship to Pandavas. Have you forgotten that you have dragged Droupadi by holding her tuft to the full court? Have you forgotten those abusive words spoken against Pandavas in the Kourava assembly? What happened to your pride, arrogance, aggrandisement of those days? Why you are running like a coward. Ofcourse, your life is dearest to you. Is it not? Listen Dussaasana! If you love your life and if you desire to live for long years, and if you desire to save the lives of your remaining brothers and other warriors, soldiers on both sides, convince your brother Suyodhana to have peace with Dharmaja by giving away their due share in kingdom. Dussaasana! Your brother, Suyodhana, is an idiot. He is killing his own kith and kin, his brothers, one by one, without paying heed to the words of Bhishma and Vidura. Ofcourse, your turn also will come in near future. Look at that side! Satyaki is chasing your troops mercilessly. Proceed towards them and stand by their side. Is it desirable on your part to flee like this.” said Drona. With a shameful face, unable to look at Drona, Dussaasana rushed towards Satyaki. Drona was fighting with Pandava and Panchala warriors. One Veeraketha, a Prince of Panchala attacked Drona and was consigned to the abode of Yama in the next moment. Beholding the death of Veeraketu, Chitraketa, Sudhanva, Chitravarma, Chitraradha and other warriors, afflicted with grief on account of the death of their brother, together rushed against Drona. Drona, inflamed with wrath, cut the heads of all those warriors, each with one arrow. Their heads rolled on the earth. Beholding the deaths of those Panchaala Kings, Dhrushtadyumna, enraged with great wrath, attacked Drona and covered his chariot with arrows. Dhrushtadyumna shot one powerful arrow piercing into the heart of Drona. With that blow, Drona fainted. Dhrushtadyumna, endued with great prowess and energy, quickly took up a sword and shield and jumped into the chariot of Drona and was about to cut the head of Drona. By that time, Drona regained consciousness and took out a weapon and pierced into the vital parts of Dhrushtadyumna. Weakened Dhrushtadyumna, jumped on the ground and mounted his chariot. Dhrushtadyumna showered most powerful shafts on Drona. Enraged with wrath, Drona killed the charioteer of Dhrushtadyumna and broke his bow. Drona struck the steeds tied to his chariot with sharp arrows. Unable to bear the pain, the horses dragged the chariot to a distance. Having tasted the prowess of Drona, Pandava warriors were not dare enough to stand before Drona. Dussaasana, accompanied by 3000 Trigartha strong army, rushed against Satyaki. Satyaki attacked them and killed 500 trigartha warriors at a time. Satyaki began to massacre the rest of Trigartha army. Unable to withstand the wrath of Satyaki, rest of the Trigartha army fled away. Dussaasana alone was standing before Satyaki. Satyaki broke his bow. Dussaasana took another bow and launched Shakti arrow on Satyaki. Satyaki broke that Shakti into pieces and again broke the bow of Dussaasana and killed his charioteer. Satyaki cut his flag and showered numerous arrows on Dussaasana till he is fainted. At that time, Satyaki can kill Dussaasana. But he remembered the vow taken by Bhima to kill Dussaasana. Hence, Satyaki left Dussaasana as a prey for Bhimasena. Leaving Dussaasana, Satyaki was proceeding towards Arjuna. Dharmaja, Bhimasena, Nakula and Sahadeva were trying to accompany Satyaki and they were chasing the Kourava troops. Satyaki, while rushing towards Arjuna, was slaughtering the Kourava troops coming in his way. Drona was restraining Dharmaja and others from proceeding further. Thus, both Pandava and Kourava troops were being killed by Satyaki, Arjuna and Drona. Suyodhana arrived there on his chariot to assess the situation. Beholdinng the massacre of Kourava troops, Suyodhana attacked Pandavas. He shot ten arrows on Bhima; each three arrows on Nakula, Sahadeva, Drupada, King Virata, and sons of Droupadi, each two arrows on Kekaya Kings, three arrows on Sikhandi, 20 arrows on Dhrishtadyumna and five arrows on Dharmaja. Dharmaja cut the bow of Suyodhana. Rest of the Pandava army surrounded him. Leaving them, Suyodhana proceeded towards Saindhava. Drona was fighting with Kekaya kings. Kekaya kings were cutting all the arrows shot by Drona. Drona struck Brihatkshatra with 60 arrows. Brihatkshatra killed the charioteer of Drona. Meanwhile, Dhrishtaketu son of Sisupala rushed against Drona. Drona cut his bow. Dhrishtaketu hit Drona with his mace. Drona broke that mace. With another arrow, Drona struck Dhrishtaketu, piercing into his heart. With that blow, Dhrishtaketu reached the abode of Yama. Beholding the death of his father, the son of Dhrishtaketu attacked Drona. With one arrow, Drona killed the son of Dhrishtaketu. Then the son of Jarasandha attacked Drona. Drona killed the son of Jarasandha in the presence of his troops. Beholding the mass massacre caused by Drona, Bhima attacked Drona. Meanwhile, Khastravarma broke the bow of Drona. Drona picked up another bow and killed Kshatravarma. Then, Chekitana attacked Drona and broke his chariot and killed his chariot driver. Chekitana pierced sharp edged arrows into the body of Drona. Inflamed with wrath, Drona cut the right arm of Chekitana with 16 arrows and killed his chariot driver and struck the horses tied to his chariot. Upon the charioteer being killed, the wounded horses fled away dragging the chariot. Beholding this, King Drupada attacked Drona. There was a fierce battle between them. Dharmaja called Bhimasena and said thus: “I sent Satyaki to help Arjuna. His whereabouts are not known. I do not know what had happened to Arjuna. I am verymuch agitated” said Dharmaja. “O brother Dharmaja! Command me what to do. I will exeucte your orders” said Bhimasena. “Bhimasena! I heard only the sound of Panchajanya. The sound of Devadatta is not heard. Hence I sent Satyaki. His whereabouts are also not known. I request you to proceed towards Arjuna and let me know the welfare of Arjuna.” said Dharmaja. “O Brother Dharmaja! Dont you know about the prowess of Arjuna? Why you are worrying about him. Still I obey your orders. Bless me with victory.” said Bhimasena. After obtaining the blessings of Dharmaja, Bhimasena told Dhrishtadyumna thus: “Dhrishtadyumna! You know much about the vow made by Drona to catch Dharmaja. I am going to help Arjuna. Kindly protect Dharmaja from Drona” said Bhimasena. “O Bhimasena! as long as I am alive, nothing will happen to Dharmaja. Dont worry about him.” said Dhrushtadyumna. Then Bhimasena proceeded towards Arjuna. Meanwhile, they heard the sound of Panchajanya. “Bhimasena! Have you heard the sound of panchajanya. The sound of Devadatta is not heard. I am afraid Arjuna is in danger. Rush up immediately to help Arjuna” hurriedly said Dharmaja. Bhimasena proceeded towards Arjuna. Your sons viz., Dussala, Chitrasena, Kundabhedhi, Vivimsati, Durmukha, Dussaha, Vikarna, Sala, Vinda, Anuvinda, Sumukha, Deerghabaahu, Sudarsana, Brindaraka, Suhasta, Sushena, Deerghalochana, Abhaya, Roudrakarma, Susarma, Durvimochana and others attacked Bhimasena. While fighting with your sons, Bhimasena was trying to proceed towards Arjuna. Bhimasena killed Brindaraka, Abhaya, Roudrakarma and Durvimochana. Rest of your sons surrounded Bhimasena. Enraged with wrath, Bhimasena killed Vinda, Anuvinda, Susarma and Sudarsana. The rest of your sons along with their troops fled away. Roaring like a lion, Bhimasena was proceeding in search of Arjuna. But Drona restrained Bhimasena from proceeding further and showered arrows on Bhima. Beholding Bhimasena Drona said: “O Bhimasena! I am here. Without vanquishing me, you cannot proceed further. Your younger brother Arjuna also entered this vyooha only with my permission” said Drona. Bhimasena was enraged with wrath. “O Preceptor Drona! Mybrother Arjuna will never do like that. It is unheard of that my brother entered Sakata vyooha with the permission of another warrior. Let it be. I am not Pardha. I am Bhimasena. I will respect you as my preceptor. While you are fighting on behalf of my enemies, I cannot keep quiet with folded hands.” so saying Bhimasena hurled his huge mace against Drona. That huge mace fell upon the chariot of Drona and powered it. The driver of the chariot and horses tied to the chariot also died. Drona escaped from that assault. Your sons attacked Bhimasena but could not stand before him any longer. They all fled away. Having lost his chariot, Drona mounter another chariot and tookup another bow and showered arrows on Bhimasena. Bhimasena got down from his chariot and began to walk in between the arrows showered by Drona, like a huge bull in rain. He went near the chariot of Drona, lifted it with his hands into air, and threw it away. Drona’s chariot was broken into pieces. Drona jumped out of his chariot and mounted another chariot. Drona turned to other side leaving Bhimasena. Bhima’s charioteer, Visoka, brought his chariot and stationed it before Bhimasena. Bhimasena mounted his chariot and proceeded towards Arjuna, passing through the troops of Bhoja, Kambhoja, and Yavana without any resistance. None were able to attack Bhimasena. Bhimasena proceeded towards Arjuja by passing Satyaki. Bhimasena met Arjuna and roared like a lion. Beholding Bhimasena, Krishna and Arjuna also roared like lions.Dharmaja heard these sound and was very happy. He thought that Bhima, Krishna and Arjuna were safe. At that moment, Karna attacked Bhimasena and showered 20 sharp arrows against him. Bhimasena cut those arrows and shot 60 sharp edged arrows against Karna. With another arrow, Bhimasena cut the flag of Karna and broke his bow. Karna took another bow. Bhimasena cut that bow also. Bhimasena also killed the charioteer of Karna and also the horses tied to his chariot. Karna jumped into the chariot of his son Vrishasena and fled away. Beholding the defeat of Karna, the Kourava troops raised hue and cry. On hearing those shouts, Suyodhana proceeded towards Drona: “O preceptor Drona! Look at that side. Arjuna, Satyaki and Bhimasena could reach the place where we kept Saindhava. You might have left Arjuna. Why you ignored Satyaki and Bhimasena. Is it proper on your part? Cannot you restrain even Satyaki? It is our misfortune that you have surrendered to those inferior to you.” said Suyodhana. “Suyodhana! Our main task is to safeguard Saindhava. We have to protect Saindhava at any cost. Today’s war is nothing but a game between you and Arjuna, in which the bet is Saindhava. You cannot win this game with the wicked ideas of Sakuni. You have to win this game only with your prowess, vigour and valour. Be brave. Protect Saindhava with the help of Karna and Asvathaama. I will stand here and restrain Pandava troops from proceeding further to help Arjuna, Bhimasena and Satyaki. If I leave this place, the door will be open and the entire Pandava army will rush towards Saindhaya. Then it would be very difficult to save Saindhava. Hence I cannot leave this point. You can go” said Drona firmly. On hearing the words of Drona, Suyodhana proceeded towards Saindhava. At that time, Kritavarma was fighting with Satyaki.After vanquishing Kritavarma, Satyaki could reach Arjuna. Suyodhana restrained all of them from proceeding towards Saindhava. One Uttamouja cut the bow of Suyodhana and shot razor edged arrows piercing the chest of Suyodhana. Suyodhana took up another bow and killed the chariot driver of Uttamouja and also his horses. Utttamouja mounted the chariot of Satyaki. He took up another bow and broke the chariot of Suyodhana and cut the bow of Suyodhana. Suyodhana jumped out of his chariot, took his mace and broke the chariot of Satyaki. Satyaki and Uttamouja also jumped down from their chariot. Suyodhana mounted the chariot of Salya. Satyaki and Uttamouja took their maces and beat Suyodhana and Salya, and threw them down from their chariots. They both mounted the chariot of Salya and proceeded towards Arjuna.” said Sanjaya. “Sanjaya! My son thought that with the help of Karna, he can vanquish Pandavas and rule the entire Kingdom. Now what happened to Karna. Where was he? What was he doing? Tell me in detail.” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya said thus: “I told you that Karna fled away on the chariot of Vrishasena. Again Karna came back and shouted “O Bhimasena! O Bhimasena!” calling Bhimasena by name. Bhimasena was enraged with wrath. Bhimasena poured arrowy showers on Karna. Karna cut all those arrows and shot most cruel shafts on Bhimasena. There was a dreadful dual fight between Bhimasena and Karna. Bhimasena cut the bow of Kakrna and killed his charioteer and horses. Karna mounted another chariot and again attacked Bhimasena. The entire army of Karna was massacred by Bhimasena.” said Sanjaya. On hearing this, Dhritarashtra was very much annoyed. “Sanjaya! with the blind belief that Karna would be his saviour, Suyodhana declared war against Pandavas. Now this Karna could not save himself from the wrath of Bhimasena. How can he conquer Dharmaja, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. On that day, Suyodhana did not care even for the words of Krishna. Now he is reaping the consequences. Past is past .No use of thinking about past. Come on! tell me what had happened.” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say: “Beholding that his entire army was massacred by Bhimasena, Karna was inflamed with wrath. Karna shot 30 most sharp edged arrows on Bhimasena. Again Bhimasena killed the charioteer of Karna and also the horses. Karna was fighting with Bhimasena, driving the chariot for himself. Karna launched Shakti on Bhimasena which was cut into fragments by Bhimasena. Bhimasena shot 9 sharp arrows piercing the body of Karna. Karna took up another bow and incessantly showered arrowy showers on Bimasena. Both were roaring like lions and were fighting with each other. Again Bhimasena broke the bow of Karna and killed his horses. Bhimasena shot innumerable arrows piercing the body of Karna. Beholding this, Suyodhana sent Durjaya to help Karna. Durjaya attacked Bhimasena. Durjaya killed the horses tied to the chariot of Bhimasena and injured the charioteer. Bhiama sena was enraged with wrath. Bhimasena cut the head of Durjaya, in the very presence of Karna. Karna again attacked Bhimasena and shot one sharp edged arrow piercing the chest of Bhimasena. Bhimasena took up his mace and broke the chariot of Karna and killed his chariot driver. He also cut the flag of Karna. Even though the chariot was broken, Karna was fighting with Bhimasena. Suyodhana sent his brother Durmukha to help Karna. Durmukha also attacked Bhimasena. With nine sharp arrows, Bhimasena killed Durmukha. Beholding the death of Durmukha with his own eyes, Karna was verymuch annoyed. Bhimasena shot most cruel arrows piercing the heart of Karna. Unable to attack Bhimasena, Karna turned his chariot to otherside, thus avoiding Bhimasena.” said Sanjaya. On hearing this, Dhritarashtra said: “O Sanjaya! Is it not a wonder that Karna was vanquished by Bhimasena. My sons developed animosity against Pandavas only with the support of Karna.My son will be praising Karna that he will conquer Pandavas. If my son comes to know about this, how he feels. Bhimasena was not afraid of even celestial bodies, demons, serpants etc. How he will care for humans like Karna. Knowing fully well that Bhima killed Jarasandha, how my kids viz., Durjaya and Durmukha attacked Bhimasena. Sanjaya! leave alone Bhimasena. What about Satyaki? Is he an ordinary warrior? How can Suyodhana attack Satyaki? Fall of Suyodhana is imminent, I suppose.” said Dhritarashtra with sorrowful voice. On hearing these words of Dhritarashtra, Sanjaya said: “ O king Dhritarashtra! After consuming poison, how can you complain that it is harming your stomache. Yourself and your son wantonly invited war. You have to suffer. Listen what I say” Sanjaya continued to say. “Beholding the defeat of Karna at the hands of Bhimasena, your sons Durmarshana, Durmada, Dussaha, Vijaya, Vichitra, all at a time, surrounded Bhimasena. Along with them Karna also attacked Bhimasena. Bhimasena killed all your sons with his razor- edged arrows and broke their chariots.. Karna shot 75 arrows against Bhimasena. Bhimasena cut them into pieces in the middle and shot 105 arrows piercing the body of Karna. Bhimasena cut the bow thread of Karna. Karna took up another bow. Bhima killed the charioteer of Karna and again broke his bow and killed the horses. Karna took up a mace and hurled it against Bhimasena. Bhimasena broke that mace into pieces. Karna took up another bow and broke the coat of mail of Bhimasena. Bhimasena, in retaliation, broke the coat of mail of Karna. Beholding Karna fighting with Bhimasena standing on the ground, Suyodhana sent his brothers, Chitra, Vicitra, Charucitra, Chitradhwaja, Chitrayudha, Chitrakarma to attack Bhimasena. Bhimasena broke the chariots of all your sons, killed their charioteers, and at last cut the head of your seven sons. Karna mounted another chariot and rushed against Bhimasena. There was a dreadful war between Karna and Bhimasena. In themeanwhile, your sons Satrunjaya, Satrusaha, Sudeha, Madana, Druma, Chitrabahu and Vikarna joined Karna and were fighting with Bhimasena. All of them surrounded Bhimasena at a time and showered arrows on him. Bhimasena enraged with great wrath, sent all of them, one by one, to the abode of Yama and roared like a lion. Beholding the death of his brothers by Bhimasena, Suyodhana was very much annoyed.” told Sanjaya. On hearing about the death of all his sons, one by one, Dhritarashtra’s heart was filled with great sorrow. “Sanjaya! all the words spoken to by Vidura on the day of dice game are becoming true, one by one. Except hearing about the demise of my sons, one by one, what remains for me. Because of Suyodhana’s wickedness and covetousness, all this is happening. No need to blame others. Tell me what had happened later.” said Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say: “On hearing the leonine roar of Bhimasena, Karna’s heart was filled with wrath. Again Karna attacked Bhimasena. His troops also surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena was fighting with them. Bhimasena was breaking their chariots, cutting the flags, killing the chariot drivers and the horses. He was massacring the Kourava soldiers. Their blood was flowing into canals. The remaining kourava soldeirs were avoiding fight with Bhiamsena. There were none in the kourava army who can stand before Bhimasena. Karna alone remained before Bhimasena. Bhimasena was striking arrows aiming at the chest of Karna. Bhiamsena planted arrows on the forehead of Karna. In retaliation, Karna shot one hundred arrows on Bhimasena. Bhimasena broke the bow of Karna. Karna took up another bow and poured arrowy showers on Bhimasena. Karna broke the bow of Bhimasena, cut his flalg and hit the chariot driver. Bhima launched Shakti upon Karna. Karna cut it into pieces. Bhimasena took up his sword and shield. Karna broke the shield of Bhimasena. Bhimasena cut the bow of Karna with his sword. By the time Karna picked up another bow, Bhimasena jumped upon the chariot of Karna. Striken with fear, Karna hid himself behind his chariot. Bhimasena searched for Karna on the chariot and could not find him. Bhimsena was looking this side and that side, searching for Karna. When Bhimasena looked down the chariot, Karna shot Bhimasena with arrows in close proximity. Bhimasena could not withold that onslaught. Bhimasena jumed down the chariot and hid himself underneath the dead bodies of soldiers. Beholding the pitiable situation of Bhimasena, Karna went near him and by placing the edge of the bow on his stomach, Karna told Bhimasena thus: “Hey Bhimasena! A great eater! why do you require war? Instead of eating and sleeping, why you have come to war field. You, along with your brothers, wandered in the forests like wild animals, eating leaves grass and raw meat. Why do you aspire for a Kingdom fit for Emperors like Suyodhana? Having come to war field, fight with some cowards like you, but not with a brave warrior like me. Your brother Arjuna and your saviour Krishna are there. Go and take shelter behind them.” heckled Karna. Beholding the pathetic situation of Bhimasena, Arjuna attakcked Karna. Asvathama joined Karna. Asvathama was cutting all the arrows shot by Arjuna against Karna. Asvathama shot 64 sharp arrows against Arjuna. Arjuna cut them in the middle and chased Asvathama. Asvathama ran away and disappeared in the elephant battalion. Meanwhile, Bhimasena’s charioteer, Vishoka brought the chariot and stood before Bhimasena. Bhimasena mounted that chariot and came near Arjuna. At the same time Satyaki also came near Arjuna” told Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra. On hearing this, Dhritarashtra told Sanjaya: “O Sanjaya! Enmity with mighty people is not at all advisable. Even now it is not too late. My son, Suyodhana, may give up the half share in the Kingdom to Pandavas and have eternal peace. But my son is a greatest fool. He will never heed my words. Why because, he does not know for himself . At the same time, he does not heed the words of others. What can I do? Let it be. When Arjuna successfully entered the Sakata vyooha arrayed byDrona, Saindhava was half dead. Satyaki and Bhimasena joined Arjuna, like fuel to fire. The death of Saindhava is imminent. Ok. Kindly tell me the further developments.” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say: “When Satyaki and Bhimasena joined Arjuna, King Alambasa attacked them. Satyaki and Alambasa were fighting with each other. They are breaking their bows and breaking each others coats of mail. Satyaki killed the horses and charioteer of Alambasa. With one half moon arrow, he cut the head of Alambasa. All your sons, with Dussaasana at their head, attacked Satyaki. Satyaki killed the steeds of Dussasana. Satyaki was about to jump on the chariot of Dussaasana to kill him. But Trigarta troops attacked Satyaki. Satyaki killed 500 soldiers at a time. Beholding this, the rest ran away. Satyaki chased the troops of Soorasena and massacred the troops of King of Kalinga Kingdom. Beholding the prowess of Satyaki, Krishna told Arjuna thus: “O Arjuna! Look at that side. Our Satyaki, your student, has come inside, vanquishing your preceptor, Drona. Devotion towards Dharmaja and your friendship with him, brought him upto this stage.” praised Krishna. But Arjuna was with an agitated mind. “Krishna! I deputed Satyaki to protect Dharmaja. Without caring for my words, he came here. The fate of Dharmaja is not known. There, Dharmaja has become a prey for Drona. Here, Saindhava is still alive. Sun is going to set on west. I do not know what to do? Besides that, Satyaki is very much tired after fighting with Drona, Kripa and Kritavarma. Now Bhoorisravasa was about to fight with Satyaki. How Satyaki will fight with Bhoorisravasa, God only knows. Krishna! what made Dharmaja to send Satyaki here, I could not understand. Does he not know that Drona was watching him like an eagle for a prey. Cannot he understand this much?” said Arjuna to Krishna. Meanwhile, Bhoorisravasa, son of Somadatta rushed against Satyaki. There was a dreadful battle between them. One is showering powerful arrows against the other. They are killing the horses and charioteers of each others’ chariots. They both jumped down and were fighting with swords. After some time, they began to fight with hands and legs. Krishna observed that Bhoorisravasa was gaining upperhand upon Satyaki. “Arjuna! Why are you keeping quiet? Satyaki has come here only to help you. Now he is very much tired. Save him from Bhoorisravasa” hurriedly said Krishna to Arjuna. While Krishna was telling these words, Bhoorisravasa lifted Satyaki with hands and threw him down forcibly on the ground. Krishna could not control himself. “Arjuna! It is not just on your part. Your student who has come for your help is in danger. Rescuing him from danger is your Dharma.” told Krishna. “O Krishna! how can I save him. They are fighting with each other, with hands and legs. How can I shoot arrows in a dual fight? It is not proper. Anyhow, I cannot behold the death of my friend, Satyaki. I will save him at any cost.” said Arjuna. Again Bhoorisravasa lifted Satyaki in the air and threw him down. He put his leg on the chest of Satyaki and lifted his sword to cut the head of Satyaki. “Arjuna! why late. Cut his hand” hurriedly said Krishna. Arjuna shot one arrow cutting the right hand of Bhoorisravasa. The right hand of Bhoorisravasa along with the sword was cut and fell down. Bhoorisravasa looked at Arjuna and said: “Arjuna! You have done a cruel, unjust and heartless deed. Am I fighting with you? No. While myself and Satyaki were fighting with each other, why should you interfere and cut my hand? Is it proper on your part? Is it Kshatriya Dharma? Is it a greatest principle in warfare? Were you taught this kind of wretched warfare either by your preceptor Drona or by your father, Indra or Maha Siva who gave you pasupatha? How Krishna, sitting by your side, is tolerating this kind of warfare? Why you have committed such a sinful act?” asked Bhoorisravasa. On hearing those words, Arjuna smiled and said: “O Bhoorisravasa! Are you preaching sermons now? While warriors are fighting in the warfield, their friends and relatives will come to their rescue. It is not Adharma. While you are in trouble, your friends and relatives might have helped you. What are they doinng? You know that Satyaki is verymuch tired by this time. He has no weapon in his hand. But you lifted your sword to kill him. At this juncture, it is not either sinful act or Adharma to protect Satyaki. Leave alone this matter. Yesterday, while my son was fighting alone, you all conspired together and killed him mercilessly. Was it not a sinful act or Adharma?” replied Arjuna. Bhoorisravasa could not give any reply. Arjuna began to console him. “Bhoorisravasa! I am not insulting you. You know much about my vow to kill Saindhava. Think about it. I am following Kshatriya Dharma and rules of warfare always. You are forgetting for a moment that the root cause for all these atrocities is Suyodhana for whom hell is waiting. You will certainly will attain heaven fit for heroes.”consoled Arjuna. Bhoorisravasa, with one hand, spread all his arrows on the ground and sat on it, doing praayopavesa (deep meditation). Beholding all this from a distance, Satyaki, inflamed with wrath, took out a long sword and was about to cut the head of Bhoorisravasa, while Arjuna, Krishna, Bhimasena, Kripacharya and Karna were shouting not to do such heinous deed. Satyaki, with great wrath, became mad and cut the head of Bhoorisravasa. Bhoorisravasa attained heavenly plealsures, leaving this mortal body. After cooling down for a while, Satyaki explained them how Abhimamanyu was killed on the previous day and substantiated his act.”said Sanjaya. Dhritarashtra entertained a doubt. “Sanjaya! We know that Satyaki was a warrior of great prowess. How he was defeated at the hands of Bhoorisravasa. Is there any reason or cause for this?” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say thus: “O King Dhritarashtra! King Yayati’s son was Yadu. In his name, Yaadava clan was started. In Yadava clan, one Soora was born to Devameedha. Soora’s son was Vasudeva (father of Sri Krishna). King Devaka announced the Svayamvara of his Daughter, Devaki. King Sini was born in Yadava clan. With a view to get Vasudeva married to Devaki, King Sini attended the Svayamvara and abducated Devaki. None of the kings who attended Svayamvara could resist King Sini, except King Somadatta, (father of Bhoorisravasa). There was a dreadful battle between King Sini and King Somadatta. In that battle, Sini overpowered Somadatta, threw him on the ground, dragged him and insulted him in the presence of other Kings. But Sini did not kill Somadatta. Somadatta was verymuch annoyed with the insult meted out by him. He left his kingdom and went to forests and did great penance about Lord Siva. Long Siva appeared before him. By that time, King Sini and the son of Sini were dead. Hence Somadatta requested Lord Siva to bless him with a son who can vanquish Satyaki, who is no other than the grand son of King Sini, in the battle. With the power of that boon, Bhoorisravasa, was born to Somadatta and vanquished Satyaki in the battle.” said Sanjaya and continued to tell Dhritarashtra, the details of the war. “In that manner, Bhoorisravasa was killed by Satyaki. Arjuna asked Krishna to drive the chariot towards Saindhava. Suyodhana, Asvathama and Karna attacked Arjuna. Satyaki attacked Karna. Both fought fiercely. O King Dhritarashtra, I told you already that on the previous day Krishna ordered his charioteer Daruka to make his chariot ready for battle and bring the chariot soon after he blows his conche, Panchajanya. While Satyaki was fighting with Karna, Krishna blew his conche, Panchajanya. Immediately, Daruka brought the chariot and stood before Krishna. Krishna told Satyaki “Brother Satyaki, mount my chariot, fully equipped with all kinds of weapons and fight with Karna”. Accordingly, Satyaki mounted the chariot of Krishna and was fighting with Karna. Arjuna was beholding this development with an amazing face. “Arjuna! Hurry up. Search for Saindhava whereever he is! Sun is going to set on west. Hurry up.” told Krishna. “Then, what about Satyaki........”asked Arjuna. “Satyaki is equivalent to Karna in warfare. My wheel protectors will help Satyaki. Forget about Satyaki. Find out Saindhava first” said Krishna. So saying Krishna drove the chariot towards Saindhava. Satyaki with renewed vigour, was shooting innumerable arrows, piercing the body of Karna. Satyaki broke the chariot of Karna and cut the flag. Satyaki killed the charioteer and the steeds of Karna. Satyaki chased Karna and his troops. Meanwhile, your sons made ready another chariot and brought it to Karna. Karna mounted that chariot and again attacked Satyaki. Bhimasena approached Arjuna and told him about the insulting words uttered by Karna and told Arjuna that he will teach him a fitting reply. “No Bhimasena. I am equally annoyed by the utterances of Karna. I will teach him a lesson.” and turned his chariot towards Karna. Sri Krishna stationed the chariot in front of Karna. “O Karna! Why you uttered so many insulting words against my brother Bhimasena? When Bhimasena chased you, where were you? Why you have fled away shamelessly? At that time, did we scold you? Winning or losing are quite natural in battle field. Simply because you got upperhand once, how can you feel verymuch proud of it. Dont you know about your real vigour and valour? Are you not defeated now at the hands of Satyaki? Whatever expertise any warrior got in warfare, winning or losing are quite natural for any warrior. Forgetting that fact, why you scolded your co-warrior in a filthy manner? It is proper on your part? Everybody knows about your caste and your character. I can say this much. Yesterday, yourself and your co warriors surrounded my son Abhimanyu, a solitary warrior, in the battle and killed him mercilessly. I know that you cut the bow of Abhimanyu, against all rules of warfare. Now, in your presence, I will kill your son Vrishasena, according to the rules of warfare. What can you do? Not only you, I will take revenge upon all those who killed my son mercilessly.” said Arjuna, chasing Karna. Meanwhile, Kourava troops surrounded Arjuna. The Sun was about to set. Suyodhana approached Karna and said: “Karna! look at that side. Arjuna, with the help of Bhimasena and Satyaki, was chasing our troops towards Saindhava. If we are able to restrain Arjuna for a while till Sun set, we will win the war. Can we all restrain Arjuna till Sunset.We have to make use of the vow taken by Arjuna, in our favour. If Arjuna immolate himself, his brothers will die with that grief. Then we can rule the entire earth for ourselves. Hence show your prowess at this time” said Suyodhana. “O King of Kings, Suyodhana! You need not worry about it. With all my prowess, I will restrain Arjuna from proceeding towards Saindhava.” said Karna. Aided by Satyaki and Bhimasena, Arjuna was massacring the kourava troops. Blood was flowing into canals. Karna, Vrishasena, Salya, Kripacharya, Asvathama were formed into a wall, protecting Saindhava. They were all fighting with Arjuna. Arjuna was cutting the shafts shot by all of them and was speedily proceeding towards Saindhava. Satyaki and Bhimasena were showering arrows on Karna. Enraged with wrath, Karna struck them with 60 arrows on their vital parts. Arjuna shot Karna with 100 sharp edged arrows. Karna retaliated with 500 arrows. Arjuna cut the bow of Karna and shot arrows aiming at his chest. Asvathama cut those arrows. Karna took up another bow and shot most powerful arrows on Arjuna. Beholding this Suyodhana sent additional troops to help Karna. Arjuna killed the horses tied to the chariot of Karna and also his chariot driver. Arjuna shot Karna with most poisonous arrows. Karna mounted the chariot of Asvathama. Salya arrived there in aid of Karna. All were fighting with Arjuna. Saindhava was hiding behind them. Arjuna while resisting the arrows of all these warriors, he was fighting with Saindhava. Having found that Saindhava was in trouble, Suyodhana called all his troops to that spot to fight with Arjuna. All the Kourava troops surrounded Arjuna. Meanwhile, Arjuna spotted Saindhava. He was jubilant. Arjuna began to shot most powerful arrows on Saindhava. Arjuna cut the flag of Saindhava and cut the head of his charioteer. Kourava troops trembled with fear. Kripacharya, Asvathaama, Vrishasena and Salya, were standing as a wall in front of Saindhava. Behind them Saindhava was standing. Unable to find a way to beat Saindhava, Arjuna was staring at the Sun. Krishna told Arjuna: “O Arjuna! now there is no use of thinking about right or wrong, good or bad, just or unjust. Sun is going down quickly. You have to discharge your promise. Do as I say. I will create one illusion, covering the sun, by which the Sun will disappear for a moment. Thinking that the Sun was set, Saindhava will come out in a rejoicing mood. Kourava warriors, in a jubilant mood, will be praising one another and move about carelessly. At that juncture, cut the head of Saindhava and kill him” said Krishna. Arjuna could not relish this idea for himself. “Is it the plan to be adopted by a great warrior like him” he thought . Anyhow, he said to Krishna: “Let it be so”. Then Krishna created an illusion in the minds of all Kourava warriors. Under the influence of that illusion, everybody thought that the Sun was set. Darkness plunged in. Saindhava came out and was looking at the sky for sun. “Arjuna! There is the head of Saindhaya, within the reach of your arrows. Cut it.” said Krishna. Arjuna with a sharp edged arrow in half moon shape cut the head of Saindhava. That arrow carried the head of Saindhaya into the sky, like an eagle carrying a small hen. Krishna dissolved his illusion. The sun was shining in the sky. Kourava warriors were amazingly looking at the sky. They realised that it was nothing but an illusion. All of them were enraged with wrath and surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna was fighting with them. Meanwhile Krishna told Arjuna: “O Arjuna! Let the head of Saindhava not fall on the ground. Keep it floating in the air for some time” Arjuna was shooting arrow by arrow continuously, hitting the head of Saindhaya, keeping it floating in air. The head of Saindhava was floating like a ball in the sky. Arjuna with one hand was fighting with Kourava warriors and with another hand was keeping the head of Saindhava floating in the sky. “Krishna! how long I have to keep this head floating in the sky” asked Arjuna. “Arjuna! Listen. Saindhava is the son of Vridhakshatra. He was the king of Sindhu Kingdom. Saindhava was born to him. At the time of Saindhava’s birth, an invisible voice told that “Saindhava’s head will be cut in a war”. Immediately, Vridhakshatra said: “The head of the person who causes the fall of the head of my son on ground will be broken into pieces.” Later Vridhakshatra retired to forests for penanceand Saindhava became the King of Sindhu. Therefore, Arjuna! you have to carry the head of Saindhava to the place where his father, Vridhakshatra is doing penance, so that it will fall on his lap.” said Krishna. “Krishna! how is it possible? Without knowing the place where he is doing penance, how can I carry the head of Saindhava to that place?” asked Arjuna. “You are right. It is not possible with ordinary arrows. Only Pasupatha Astra got such capacity. Such is the power of Pasupata.. Hence, launch Pasupata Astra.” said Krishna. “Krishna! I will do it. Now, where is Vridhakshatra? To which direction I have to launch Pasupatha?” asked Arjuna. “Arjuna! Vridhakshatra is now doing penance in an Ashram near Samantaka Panchaka. Launch Pasupatha in that direction.” said Krishna. Arjuna, with great devotion, remembered Pasupata Astra. Arjuna launched Pasupata Astra to carry the head of Saindhava, and thorw it on Vridhakshatra, so that it will fall on the lap of Vridhakshatra. Accordingly, and Pasupata Astra carried the head of Saindhava and caused it to fall on the lap of Vridhakshatra. Looking at the human head suddenly falling on his lap, Vridhakshatra was puzzled and threw it away on the ground. As Vridhakshatra caused the head of Saindhava to fall on the ground, the head of Vridhakshatra broke into pieces. Krishna praised Arjuna. Kourava troops fled away with fear. Soon after the head falls on the ground, the body of Saindhava also fell on the ground. Jayadhradha, also known as Saindhava, King of Sindhu, was killeld by Arjuna, fulfilling his promise. In the manner, Arjuna could discharge his vow, with the help of Krishna. Beholding the death of Saindhava, Bhimasena and Satyaki roared like lions. Suyodhana and other Kourava warriors were afflicted with grief. The joy of Pandavas knew no bounds. Dharmaja was in a rejoicing mood. Sounds of Trumpets, horns, conches rose to the sky.” said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra about the death of Saindhava. In this manner, the story of Mahabharata, was told by Soota to Sounaka and other sages and saints, assembled in Naimisaaranya, as was told by Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya. MAHA BHARATA DRONA PARVA FOURTH CHAPTER COMPLETED. OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT.

MAHA BHARAT DRONA PARVA FIFTH CHATPER Ugrasravasa (Sooti) told Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints, the story of Maha Bharata in Naimisaaranya, as told by Saint Vaisampaayana to Janamejaya. On hearing about the death of Saindhava, Dhritarashtra was very much frightened. He asked Sanjaya to narrate what had happened afterwards. Sanjaya told thus: “O King Dhritarasthra! Beholding the death of Saindhava, Pandavas were joyous and jubilant. Their army entered the battle field with renewed vigour. Asvathama and Kripacharya, under the influence of wrath, covered Arjuna with dense shower of arrows. Arjuna cut those arrows and again showered arrows on both of them. Kripacharya, afflicted with the arrows of Arjuna, lost consciousness. His charioteer drove the chariot out of the battle field. Asvathama also accompanied the chariot of Kripacharya. Beholding that Kripacharya lost consciousness, afflicted with his arrows, Arjuna lamented for himself. Krishna consoled Arjuna thus: “O Arjuna! It is not possible even for Devendra, to fight with the mighty Kourava army. But you vanquished them single-handedly. Your vigour and valour is most appreciable. Besides that, you caused the death of Vridhakshatra by skilfully throwing the head of his son, Saindhava, on his lap. Now Karna alone remains. Karna is equipped with Sakti, the blazing dart, given by Indra. Karna is keeping that Sakti for your sake. Vanquish Karna and get eternal name and fame. Whatelse I desire, except your name and fame.” said Krishna. “O Krishna! in this mission, nothing is done by me.I acted according to your tunes and got this victory. I am only instrumental. The entire credit goes to you. Without your blessings, I cannot do anything.” said Arjuna. Krishna smiled. “Arjuna! Dharmaja is waiting for us. Let us go and meet Dharmaja” said Krishna. Arjuna and Krishna, accompanied by Bhimasena, Satyaki, Uttamouja proceeded towards Dharmaja. It was sunset at that time. Both sides stopped war for that day and proceeded to their resepctive places of stay. Krishna blew Panchajanya. On hearing the sound of Panchajanya, Dharmaja came out of his residence and hugged Krishna and Arjuna and shed tears of joy. “Arjuna! I never thought that you accomplish your promise and meet me again. With the blessings of Krishna only, we got out of this great trouble.” said Dharmaja. “Dharmaja! The wrath you bear against Kouravas is the main reason for our victory. None can withstand such wrath of virtuous people like you.” said Krishna. Meanwhile Bhima and Satyaki arrived there and saluted Dharmaja. Dharmaja hugged both of them with great joy. While Pandavas and their friends and relatives were in a joyous and jubilant mood, the Kouravas’ hearts were filled with great grief, mournig the death of Saindhava. Suyodhana was thinking for himself. “If Arjuna is filled with anger, even the celestial bodies cannot vanquish him. Karna and Drona are no match to him. Today it is made clear as Drona and Karna could not save Saindhava from the wrath of Arjuna.Whatever are the efforts of Karna and Drona to save Saindhava, they proved themselves helpless and useless. Now, what should be done. Who is our saviour?” thought Suyodhana. He proceeded towards the place of stay of Drona. “O Preceptor Drona! not only today, every day we are being defeated and Pandavas are gaining victory. Including several of my brothers, several Kourava warriors slain. At the hands of Sikhandi, Bhishma had fallen. We lost seven Akshouhini army. Today we lost Saindhava. Several kings who have come here to fight on my behalf, have lost their lives. The only task remained before me is either to kill Dharmaja and his brothers and rule this entire earth or to die in the battle and attain Veera Svarga. If there is any third method, kindly tell me. I will follow. I know Arjuna is your dearest student. Hence you are not killing him, even though he is within your reach. In our army, the only warrior remained is Karna. He can fight to his might but he knows no skills in warfare and get victory. You have got such skills. But you are not helping us. Though, Karna tried his level best to save Saindhava, he could not. Having got the skill and capacity in abundance to save Saindhava, you did not. I do not know what to do.” said Suyodhana. Drona was very much annoyed with his arrow-like words. “Suyodhana why you are speaking like that, paining my heart. As long as Krishna is by the side of Arjuna, none can vanquish him. Bhishma, who was incapable of being defeated even by Indra, was actually slain by Arjuna. Simply because I am fighting on your behalf, that does not mean that I can vanquish Arjuna. Just to avoid humilialtion at your hands, I am fighting with Arjuna. By playing dice game, you played with the life of Arjuna. Those dice are playing with you in the form of powerful arrows. None can stop those arrows. Inspite of repeated rebukes by Vidura, all of you dragged their wife to the open assembly and insulted her.Those wicked acts will never go in waste. They will take revenge upon you and your men. On that day, in open assembly, yourself, Dussaasana, Karna and Sakuni, insulted Pandavas and their wife. Suyodhana! inspite of all your wicked and wretched acts and insults, Pandavas kept quiet, abiding by the word of Dharmaja.They remained in forests for twelve years.They remained in exile for one year.With great humility, they earnestly requested for their due share in the kingdom. Without any compassion, you rejected their offer. Inspite of all your wicked and wretched acts, I am fighting on your behalf. Can I be called as a virtuous Brahmin? Suyodhana! I will ask you one thing. I was guarding the entrance of Sakata Vyooha and restraining Pandava army from entering into the Vyooha. Yourself, Karna and other great warriors were guarding Saindhaya. What were you doing? Why you did not protect him and save him from the wrath of Arjuna? Why you are not insulting your men with your arrow like words. Why you are questioning me like this? Are they related to you? Am I a stranger to you? In the course of war, Pandavas and their army were striking me with their sharp and powerful arrows. After the war, you are piercing me with your wordy shafts. Is it just and proper on your part. Suyodhana! let us forget the past. Tomorrow, all of you fight with great prowess with Pandavas. I will massacre Panchala army. Instil confidence in our troops and make them to fight vigorously.You also exhibit your vigour and valour. Suyodhana! Tomorrow I will not put off my armour without massacring the entire Panchala army. My son Avasthaama could not control himself if anything happens to me. You tell him these words as my last words. “O Asvathama! observe all the instructions you have received from your father. Be firm in acts of humility, in self-restraint, in truth and righteousness. Be devoted towards Brahins, respect elders and lead virtuous life. Asvathama! Kill all the Panchala troops, left by me. These are my last words.” Suyodhana, kindly pass on these words to my son, Asvathaama. Leave me alone” said Drona in choked voice. Suyodhana patiently heard all these words and remained silent. Suyodhana returned back to Karna. “Karna! have you heard the words of our preceptor, Drona. Though he arrayed our troops in the form of an Sakata Vyooha which cannot be entered by our enemy without his consent, Drona let off Arjuna, Satyaki and Bheema into the vyooha without any resistance. I doubt that Drona is not in our favour and he is causing harmto us. How can Arjuna, single-handedly, enter Sakata vyooha and kill those warriors whom we kept to protect Saindhava. That means, Drona could not resist Arjuna and stop him from killing Saindhava. How can we believe it? Because Drona promised us that he will save Saindhava, we brought him to the battle field. Otherwise, he would have taken shelter somewhere else. We would not have lost so much of army for the sake of Saindhava. Karna! Drona likes more Arjuna than me.What can I do? How far it is safe to fight with Pandavas, trusting Drona?” said Suyodhana. Karna heard those words with patience. “O King Suyodhana! Why should we blame Drona? Drona is fighting according to his might. But he could not kill Arjuna. We also tried several times, in several ways, since their child hood, to kill Pandavas. But we could not. It is nothing but fate. Fate, however, baffled all our exertions. Success depends on fate. Arjuna is unconquerable. But we should not loose courage. We have to fight without sparing any efforts and leave the result to Almighty. We have done what all we can do to save Saindhava. Why should we feel for his death?” said Karna. Armies on both sides were ready for war. The war began. Filled with great wrath at the slaughter of Saindhava, and resolved to lay down his own life, Suyodhana penetrated into Pandava army and was fighting with them. He shot ten arrows against Bhimasena, three arrows against Nakula, one hundred arrows against Sikhandi, seventy arrows against Dhrushtadyumna, five arrows each against Dharmaja and Satyaki, 60 arrows against Ghatotkacha, innumerable arrows against Kekaya Kings . Dharmaja was also enraged with wrath. He cut the bow of Suyodhana and shot arrows against Suyodhana, as a result of which Suyodhana lost consciousness and fell on the chariot. A wild rumour was spread that Suyodhana was killed byDharmaja. Panadava troops blew their conches and the noise of trumpets and horns rose to the sky. Beholding this, Drona attacked Pandava troops and began to massacre them. Meanwhile, Suyodhana regained consciousness. He again rushed against Dharmaja. With renewed vigour, Kourava troops attacked Pandava troops .There was a fiercest battle between them. Pandavas, Satyaki, yadava kings, King Drupada, King Virata, sons of Droupadi (upa pandavas) joined together and attacked Drona and covered him with arrowy showers. Blood was flowing into canals. Drona killed so many Kekaya warriors and the sons of Dhrushtadyuman. King Sibi attacked Drona and killed the charioteer of Drona and shot 30 steep arrows against Drona. Drona was enraged with great wrath. With six Bhalla arrows, Drona killed the horses and charioteer of King Sibi and with another arrow, Drona cut the head of King Sibi. Meanwhile, the son of Bhanumanta opposed Bhimasena in battle and covered Bhimasena with showers of shafts. Bhimasena dashed the chariot of son of Bhanumantha, with his chariot. Bhimasena jumped on to the chariot of son of Bhanumanta and kicked him with his leg and delivered a heavy blow on his head. With that blow, son of Bhanumanta died. The troops of Panchala roared like lions. Dhruva and Jayaratha, brothers of King Kalinga, opposed Bhimasena. Bhimasena jumed on to the chariot of Dhruva and kicked him with hands and legs and killed him. Then he jumed on the chariot of Jayaratha and also killed him. Karna launched Sakti on Bhimasena. Bhimasena caught that Sakti with his hand and threw it against Karna. Sakuni cut that Sakti with his Bhalla arrow. Meanwhile your sons Durmada and Dushkarma surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena jumped on the chariot of Durmada and killed his charioteer. Durmada jumped upon the chariot of his brother, Dushkarma. Both of them showered arrows on Bhimasena and broke the chariot of Bhimasena. Bhimasena kicked away his chariot and mounted the chariot of Dushkarma. Bhimasena kicked Durmada and Dushkarma with hands and legs and made them as balls of flesh. Beholding the fate of his brothers, Suyodhana could not attack Bhimasena. None in the Kourava army could stand before Bhimasena. Then Drona attacked Bhimasena. Karna and others were helping Drona. All of them surrounded Bhima sena and covered him with showers of steep shafts. Dharmaja, Nakula, Sahadeva, Drupada, Virata, Satyaki were fighting with Drona along with Bhimasena. Somadatta accosted Satyaki: “O Satyaki! stand there. Is it a heroic deed to kill un-armed--Bhoorisravasa! Is it a virtue, fit for Kshatriya! Now you are killed at my hands.” so saying Somadatta rushed against Satyaki. “Somadatta! It may or may not be a virtuous deed to kill unarmed Bhoorisravasa. By killing you now, I will prove what would be a virtuous deed fit for Kshatriya.” said Satyaki. Meanwhile, Suyodhana, along with his troops, stood by the side of Somadatta. Beholding that Satyaki was fighting alone, Dhrishtadyumna, along with his mighty army, joined Saltyaki. Somadatta shot nine most power ful arrows against Satyaki. Satyaki shot nine arrows against Somadatta. Somadatta fell unconscious. The charioteer of Somadatta drove away the chariot out of the battle field. Meanwhile, Ghatotkacha attacked Asvathama along with his Rakshasa army. Being frightened, Suyodhana and Karna skulked away from that place. It was evening time. At that time, Rakshasas gain power and strength. Hence, most power ful warriors in Kourava army could not stand before Ghatotkacha. Asvathama alone could withstand the wrath of Ghatotkacha and was fighting with him. Asvathama shot most powerful arrows aiming at the chest of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha launched Chakrayudha ( disc like weapon) against Asvathama. Asvathama cut that Chakrayudha in the middle. Anjanaparva son of Ghatotkacha, opposed Asvathama in battle and covered him with showers of shafts. Asvathama cut the bow of Anjanaparva and broke his chariot. Anjanaparva took his long sword and jumed upon Asvathama. Asvathama broke that sword. That Rakshasa warrior rose to the sky and showered arrows on him. Asvathama broke those arrows into pieces. In retaliation, Asvathama pierced most sharp arrows through his entire body. Unable to bear that pain, Anjanaparva came down and mounted his chariot and shot most powerful arrows on Asvathama. Asvathama,with one sharp arrow, cut the head of Anjanaparva son of Ghatotkacha. Asvathama started to massacre the Pandava army mercilissly. Beholding the death of his son, Ghatotkacha was enraged with wrath. He attacked Asvathama with his Asuric illusions and miracles. Asvathama retaliated those illusions and beat Ghatotkacha with Vajrasthra. Ghatotkacha transformed into a huge cloud. Asvathama launched Vayavyaastra and scattered that cloud. Then Ghatotkacha transformed into a monster with huge body. His companions also transformed into such monsters with huge bodies and were massacring the troops of Suyodhana. Suyodhana was very much distressed. Suyodhana was about to attack Ghatotkacha himself. Asvathama stopped him and said: “O King Suyodhana! Are you required to fight with this Asura. I am here to attack Ghatotkacha.” said Asvathama and attacked Ghatotkacha. Suyodhana told Sakuni: “Uncle Sakuni! Feel no fear. Asvathama will kill Ghatotkacha and his army. Proclaim that we are victorious. Uncle! yourself, Kripacharya and Karna and other warriors will help Asvathama in this mission .” said Suyodhana. Sakuni, Karna and Kripacharya along with their respective troops, proceeded to help Asvathama. Ghatotkacha broke the bow of Asvathama. Asvathama took up another bow and massacred the Rakshasa troops in a moment. In this manner, while Asvathama was massacring the troops of Ghatotkacha, Pandava warriors were in perplexed position. They were unable to oppose Asvathama. Ghatotkacha hurled one Parigha weapon against Asvathama. Asvatha caught that weapon and again threw it upon Ghatotkacha. To ward off that blow, Ghatotkacha jumed upon the chariot of Dhrushtadyumna. Ghatotkacha and Dhrushtadyumna were fighting together from one chariot. Meanwhile Bhimasena along with his troops joined them. Asvathama was showering shafts on all those three warriors. The entire battle field was filled with dead bodies of troops on both sides. The dead bodies of horses and elephants were seen everywhere. Blood was flowing in streams. Broken chariots are heaped up everywhere. In that manner, Asvathama massacred one Akshouhini army on single day. Beholding this, the sons of Drupada, viz., Suradha, Satrunjaya, Balaaneeka, Prushadhrudha, Jayaaneeka, Jaya, and Chandrasena rushed against Asvathama and showered steep shafts upon him. In the next moment, Asvathama consigned all of them to the abode of Yama by cutting their heads with sharp shafts. Asvathama shot one most powerful arrow upon Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha fell down on his chariot and lost consciousness. Asvathama roared like a lion. After regaining consciousness, Ghatotkacha again attacked Asvathama. All the Pandava troops, under the leadership of Dharmaja, arrayed into a vyooha and surrounded Asvathama. Beholding this, all the Kourava troops keeping Somadatta and Bahlima in their forefront, began to fight with Pandava troops. Satyaki struck Somadatta with one sharp edged shaft. Ghatotkacha beat Somadatta with Mudgara. As a result of those blows, Somadatta fainted. Somadatta’s father, Bahlika was also beaten by Bhima with sharp edged weapons. Bahlika launched Sakti weapon on Bhimasena, as a result, Bhimasena lost consciousness but regained consciousness in no time. Bhimasena broke the head of Bahlika with Mudgara. Bahlika died instantaneously. Beholding the death of Bahlika, Ten brothers of Suyodhana (your sons) surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena killed all of them with ten sharp edged arrows. Looking at this, Vrikaradha, brother of Karna, rushed against Bhima. Having allowed him to come within his reach, Bhimasena delivered a blow on his head, as a result, Vrikaradha died ont he spot. Meanwhile, brothers of Sakuni, numbering 12, attacked Bhimasena and they were all killed by Bhimasena in the next moment. Any warrior who faced Bhimasena was not allowed to live in the next moment. That was the prowess of Bhimasena. Beholding this, the forces of Kingdoms of Trigartha, Soorasena, Vasati, Malava, Bahlika surrounded Bhimasena from all sides. Dharmaja came to the rescue of Bhimasena. Dharmaja, Bhimasena together began to massacre the Kourava army. Kourava forces were diminishing hour to hour. Suyodhana rushed to Drona and told him about the massacre done by Bhimasena. Immediately Drona rushed to that spot and attacked Dharmaja and lunched all divine astras on Dharmaja. But Dharmaja broke them into pieces. Drona launched Indra Astra on Dharmaja. Dharmaja also launched the same Astra. Both of them were neutralized. When Drona launched Brahma Astra, Dharmaja also launched Brahma Astra. Both of them hit one against the other and fell down. Meanwhile, Dhrushtadyumna attacked Drona. But Drona ignored Dhrushtadyumna and turned towards Panchala Army and drove them away. Beholding this, Bhima and Arjuna attacked Drona. At the same time, troops of Matsya, Kekaya surrounded Kourava army. All of them were chasing Kourava army. Suyodhana approached Karna and requested him to exbibit his prowess. “Suyodhana! After all, Arjuna and Bhimasena are nothing before me. I myself will kill them in a moment and make you to feel happy.” said Karna. Kripacharya overheard their conversation. Kripacharya told Karna: “Karna! Well said Karna. I suppose you will kill Pandavas and perform the coronation ceremony of Suyodhana today itself. But, At the time of Ghosha Yatra and Uttara Gograhana, where have you hidden this prowess, vigour and valour. Karna, boasting yourself is not desired. Show your prowess in battle. I have never seen you fighting with Arjuna, or for that matter, any of the Pandavas. Without fighting with Pandavas, how can you vanquish them. You know pretty well how many times we were defeated at the hands of Arjuna. Now Arjuna is not alone. He is supported by Dharmaja, Bhimasena, Ghatotkacha, leave alone Satyaki. Can you alone vanquish all these heroes? Think for yourself!” said Kripacharya. Karna’s heart was filled with haughty. “Kripacharya! I will never fail in discharging my promise. I will stand by my word. I will certainly vanquish all Pandavas. But, except praising our enemy, you are doing nothing. You are always discouraging our warriors and their troops. Do you mean to say that Pandavas are only the warriors on the earth. What about myself, Drona, Asvathama, Salya and other Atiradha and Maharadhas on our side. You are making them hostile with your words. Why? I tolerated you all the while, because you are Brahmin. If you speak one more word, I will cut your tongue into pieces. Take care!” cautioned Karna. Kripacharya was no other than the maternal uncle of Asvathama. (Mother of Asvathama is the own sister of Kripacharya.) On hearing the ill-spoken words of Karna, Asvathama was enraged with wrath. He took out a knife and rushed against Karna to kill him. Suyodhana tried to pacify him. Kripacharya also stopped Asvathama and pulled him back. “Asvathama! Be peaceful. Wrath will not workout alwlays.” said Kripacharya. “Asvathama! The only task before us is to vanquish the enemy and be triumph. Therefore, we have to strive hard for victory on our enemy but not fighting among ourselves. I am seeking apology on behalf of Karna. I request you all to kindly pardon Karna.” requested Suyodhana. With these words, Asvathama remained peaceful and entered the battle field. Karna also was ready to fight. Beholding Karna entering the battle field, all the kings fighting on behalf of Pandavas shouted: “Karna is the root cause for all the woes of Pandavas. Surround him. Kill him.” So shouting, all of them surrounded Karna at a time. Karna also was fiercely massacring Pandava army. Arjuna attacked Karna and shot 30 powerful arrows against him. The bow slipped from his hand. Karna picked up another bow and poured arrowyshowers upon him. Only with one arrow, Arjuna broke the bow of Karna and killed the charioteer and horses and pierced the body of Karna with sharp edged arrows. Karna shamelessly jumped on the chariot of Kripacharya and took shelter. The charioteer drove away the chariot from that place.In this manner, Karna fled away from the battle field. Beholding this, the Kourava army was fleeing away. Suyodhana was trying to stop them but in vain. He himself rushed against Arjuna. Observing this situation, Kripacharya approached Asvathama. “Asvathama! Suyodhana was rushing against Arjuna, without knowing his own strength. Suyodhana will certainly be defeated by Arjuna. We have to save Suyodhana. Kindly proceed towards Suyodhana and save him.” said Kripacharya. Accordingly, Asvathaama rushed towards Suyodhana and stopped him: “Suyodhana! Why you take this much of trouble. I am here. I will fight with Arjuna. You go back” said Asvathama. . “O son of my preceptor! Yourself and your father always regard Arjuna with more affection than us. Both of you will never fight against Arjuna wholeheartedly and kill him. So far, I lost most of my brothers and army. I request you not to look at Pandavas and their army. I will fight with them. You fight with other army belonging to their allys.” said Suyodhana. “Suyodhana! No doubt, myself and my father got highest regard and affection towards Arjuna. But once we enter battle field, there is no place for relations, friends, affections etc. Many a time you have seen me and my father fighting with Arjuna and other Pandavas. We never spare any of our efforts. You never believe us. You never believe anybody. You never believe even yourself. Leave it. I am rushing against enemy troops and drive away Dhrushtadyumna and their army.” so saying Asvathama entered the Pandava army. Beholding this, the troops of Kekaya, Panchala surrounded Asvathama. Asvathama covered them with showers of arrows. Unable to withhold the prowess of Asvathama, Panchala troops fled away. Dhrishtadyumna opposed Asvathama. “O Asvathama! doyou know who am I? I was born with the avowed object of killing Drona, your father. I will kill your father and you also.” so shouting Dhrushtadyumna fell upon Asvathama. “Come on Dhrushtadyumna! So far I have been waiting for your arrival. Today you are caught in my clutches.I will dispatch you to the abode of Yama.” shouted Asvathama. “Oh. Is it. First I will kill you and then cut your father’s head.” so saying Dhrushtadyumna shot numerous arrows upon Asvathama. Asvathama cut the flag post of Dhrushtadyumna and killed his charioteer and horses. Asvathama also killed 100 body guards of Dhrushtadyumna and his wheel protectors and roared like a lion. Beholding this, Suyodhana was very happy. None in Pandava army was dare enough to stand before Asvathama. Panchala army was scattered. Dharmaja and Bhimasena along with their respective troops rushed to that spot to help Dhrishtadyumna. Arjuna with his sharp edged arrows massacred the troops of Magadha, Madra and Vanga kingdoms. Bhima was massacring the troops of Ambashta and Sibi kingdoms. Beholding this, Drona could not control his anger. He launched Vavyaastra on Pandava army, with the influence of which, Pandava troops were scattered like dries leaves. Arjuna and Bhimasena attacked Drona from both sides and poured arrowy showers upon him. Unperturbed Drona was chasing Pandava troops. Suyodhana joined Drona. Somadatta also attacked Pandava Army. Somadatta with only one arrow cut the bow of Satyaki and pierced 35 sharp arrows into his body. Satyaki took up anotherbow and cut the flag of Somadatta and broke his bow. Somadatta tookup another bow. Bhimasena attacked Somadatta. Ghatotkacha hurled Paridha upon Somadatta. Somadatta cut that Parigha into two pieces. Satyaki killed the charioteer and horses of Somadatta.With another arrow he cut the head of Somadatta. Beholding the death of Somadatta, Kourava troops rushed against Satyaki at a time. Dharmaja came there and replaced Satyaki. Satyaki skulked away. Dharmaja was fighting with Drona. Drona cut the bow and flag of Dharmaja. Drona shot numerous sharp arrows piercing the entire body of Dharmaja. Dharmaja was enraged with great wrath. He took another bow and pierced sharp edged arrows into the body of Drona. Drona fainted and fell on his chariot. After regaining consciousness, Drona launched Vavya Astra on Pandava army. Dharmaja also launched Vavya astra and neutralized it. Beholding this Krishna came near Dharmaja. “O Dharmaja! Have you forgotten the promise of Drona to catch you alive. Knowing fully well about that promise, why you are taking risk? Go away from that place.” shouted Krishna. As per the advice of Krishna, Dharmaja went away. Drona was fighting with Panchala Army. Dharmaja joined Bhimasena. Dharmaja, Bhimasena, Dhrushtadyumna and Satyaki were jointly massacring Kourava troops. Kripacharya, Karna and Drona opposed Dharmaja, Bhima, Dhrushtadyumna and Satyaki. There was a dreadful battle between those mighty warriors. The dust rose to the sky covered even the sun. Darkness plunged in everywhere. One could not see the other. On the spot, Drona arrayed a Vyooha and stood at the forefront of that Vyooha. On either side of the vyooha stood Asvathama and Salya. In the middle, Sakuni stood. Suyodhana was going round the vyooha. Suyodhana ordered to lit torches. On the spot, torches were supplied to all the warriors. Five torches for each chariot, three toches for each elephant, one torch for each horse. In the forefront of vyooha, all the soldiers stood holding torches. Likewise, Pandava troops also were holding equal number of torches for each chariot, elephant, horse etc. Suyodhana gave directions to his brothers. “You should see that Dhrushtadyumna should not approach Drona at any point of time. Drona will fight with others except Dhrushtadyumna. Karna will first kill Dhrushtadyumna and then vanquish Arjuna. I will fight with Bhima and kill him.” said Suyodhana and waved his hand giving signal to his troops to charge against Pandava troops. When Dharamaja was about to attack Drona, Kritavarma intervened. Dharmaja was fighting with Kritavarma. Satyaki with King Bhoori, Sahadeva with Karna, Bhima with Suyodhana, Nakula with Sakuni, Sikhandi with Kripacharya, Prativindhya with Dussaasana, Ghatotkacha with Asvathaama, Drupada with Vrishasena, King Virata with Salya, Sataaneeka with Chitrasena, Arjuna with Asura warrior Alambasa, were fighting in the battle. All the Kourava warriors were guarding Drona while fighting with others. While the great warriors in Pandava army were about to rush towards Drona, Kourava warriors were trying to restrain them from proceeding towards Drona. Drona was fighting with Somaka army and massacred them. At that time, Dhrushtadyumna rushed against Drona. There was a fiercest fight between them. Kritavarma cut the bow of Dharmaja. Dharmaja picked up another bow and cut the bow of Kritavarma. Immediately Dharmaja launched Sakti upon Kritavarma. That Sakti cut the fore hand of Kritavarma. Kritavarma picked up another bow and killed the charioteer and horses of Dharmaja and cut his bow. Dharmaja hurled one Tomara against Kritavarma who broke that Tomara into pieces. Kritavarma shot another arrow penetrating into the armour of Dharmaja. Unable to fight with Kritavarma, Dharmaja left that spot. Satyaki was fighting with King Bhoori of Kuru dynasty. Satyaki cut his bow. King Bhoori picked up another bow and cut the bow of Satyaki into pieces. Satyaki launched Sakti upon King Bhoori which cut the head of King Bhoori. Beholding the death of King Bhoori, Asvathama attacked Satyaki. Meanwhile, Ghatotkacha rushed against Asvathama and hit him with ten sharp arrows. Asvathama fainted and fell on his chariot but immediately recovered. Asvathama shot numerous arrows hitting the chest of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha also fainted. The charioteer of Ghatotkacha drove his chariot out of the battle field. At another front, Suyodhana and Bhima were fighting with each other. Bhimasena cut the bow of Suyodhana into pieces and cut his flag also. Bhimasena shot numerous arrows piercing into his body. Suyodhana took up another bow and cut the bow of Bhimasena. Bhimasena picked up another bow and shot seven sharp arrows against Suyodhana and injured him. He also cut the bow of Suyodhana. While Suyodhana picked up another bow, Bhimasena cut that bow also. In that manner, Bhimasens cut four bows picked up by Suyodhana. Bhimasena killed the horses and the charioteer of Suyodhana. Suyodhana was very much frightened. Suyodhana skulked away from that spot. Bhimasena roared like a lion. As Suyodhana was not seen in the battle field, Kourava troops thought that he was killed by Bhimasena. Jubilant atmosphere prevailed in Pandava troops. Meanwhile, Suyodhana arrived there on another chariot. Kourava forces had a sigh of relief. At another front, Karna and Sahadeva were fighting with each other. Sahadeva shot Karna with nine arrows. Karna shot 100 arrows throughout the body of Sahadeva. Sahadeva took up another bow. Karna killed the charioteer and horses of Sahadeva. Sahadeva picked up a long sword and shield which were cut into pieces by Karna. Sahadeva hurled a mace against Karna which was cut by Karna into two pieces. Sahadeva launched Sakti weapon upon Karna which was cut into fragments by Karna. As a last resort, Sahadeva picked up a chariot wheel and hurled it upon Karna. Karna broke it out. Unable to fight with Karna, Sahadeva tried to skulk away from battle field. Karna chased Sahadeva and caught him . Karna was about to cut the head of Sahadeva. At that juncture, he remembered the word given to his mother Kunti, that he will not kill any of her sons except Arjuna, even if they are within his reach. Hence he let off Sahadeva without killing him. But Karna insulted him saying: “O Sahadeva! You better fight with your enemy only after knowing your strength and the enemy strength. It is foolish to fight with an enemy who is more stronger than you. Dont repeat this hereinafter. You can go.” said Karna. Suffering with such an insult, Sahadeva got into another chariot and left that place. At another front, King Virata was fighting with Salya. Salya killed the horses tied to the chariot of King Virata. King Virata showered arrows on Salya. Sataaneeka, brother of Virata arrived there to help Virata. Virata climbed the chariot of Sataaneeka. Both were fighting with Salya. Salya killed Sataaneeka with a sharp edged arrow. Beholding the death of his brother, Virata frightened but attacked Salya gathering some courage. Salya, shot numerous sharp edged arrows against Virata, as a result, Virata lost consciousness. The charioteer of Virata drove away the chariot out of the field. The Matsya troops tried to flee. Beholding this, Arjuna came to that spot and stopped Matsya troops from fleeing. Meanwhile, the Asura King, Alambasa, attacked Arjuna. Arjuna cut the bow of Alambasa and destoryed his flag. Arjuna killed the horses. Alambas picked up a sword and attacked Arjuna. Arjuna broke that sword into pieces. With four sharp arrows, Arjuna hit Alambasa. Unable to stand before Arjuna, Alambas ran away. In another front, Sataaneeka, son of Nakula, was fighting with Chitrasena brother of Suyodhana. Sataaneeka broke the armour of Chitasena and cut his bow and flag post. Chitrasena picked up another bow and shot numerous arrows on Sataaneeka. But Sataaneeka killed the horses and also the charioteer of Chitrasena. Chitrasena shot 25 sharp edged arrows piercing the body of Sataaneeka. Sataaneeka again broke the bow of Chitrasena and broke his chariot. Chitrasena jumped down from his chariot and mounted the chariot of Hardikya and ran away. On another side, King Drupada was fighting with Vrishasena, son of Karna. Vrishasena gained upper hand upon Drupada. Beholding the helplessness of Drupada, Panchala troops stood in front of Drupada and were fighting with Vrishasena. But they could not withstand the arrowy showers poured by Vrishasena. Panchala troops fled away. Dharmaja’s son, Prativindhya was fighting with Dussaasana. Dussaasana cut the flag post and the bow of Prativindhya and killed the horses and the charioteer. Meanwhile, brothers of Prativindhya joined and attacked Dussaasana. Prativindhya got into the chariot of Srutasena son of Bhimasena.Prativindhya picked up another bow and was fighting with Dussaasana. Nakula was fighting with Sakuni. Sakuni hit Nakula with a sharp-edged arrow. Nakula fainted and fell on his chariot but regained consciousness immediately. Nakula cut the bow, flagpost of Sakuni and also shot numerous arrows piercing through the body of Sakuni. Sakuni fainted. His charioteer drove the chariot out of the field. Kripacharya was fighting with Sikhandi. Sikhandi broke the bow of Kripacharya. Kripacharya picked up another bow and launched a powerful Sakti on Sikhandi. Sikhandi with another Sakti neutralized it. Kripacharya with another powerful shaft hit Sikhandi. Sikhandi lost consciousness. With a view to kill Sikhandi, Kripacharya was about to release another powerful arrow . Meanwhile panchala warriors intervened and began to fight with Kripacharya. Sikhandi was saved. ` On that day, in the light of torches, the war was going on. Dhrishtadyumna shot five arrows against Drona. Drona cut the bow of Dhrishtadyumna. Dhrishtadyumna picked up another bow and launched Agneyastra. Karna intervened and cut that Agneyastra. Meanwhile, Suyodhana, Dussaasana and Salya arrived there. Dhrishtradyumna alone was fighting with all those warriors. Drumasena opposed Karna. With only one arrow, Karna killed Drumasena. Dhrishtadyumna was enraged with wrath. He cut the bow of Karna. Karna picked up another bow. Meanwhile Satyaki intervened and attacked Karna. While Satyaki and Karna were fighting with each other, Vrishasena, son of Karna, intervened and attacked Satyaki. Satyaki with only one arrow hit Vrishasena, as a result of which he fainted. Karna thought that his son was dead. Enraged with wrath, Karna covered Satyaki with arrowy showers. Meanwhile Vrishasena regained consciousness. Along with his father, Karna, Vrishasena was fighting with Saltyaki. Arjuna blew his conche Devadatta. On hearing that sound Kanra told Suyodhana thus: “Siyodhana! Arjuna is arriving here. If we are able to restrain Arjuna from joining Satyaki, we can kill Satyaki here. Do you agree for this? If we do like this, we can kill Satyaki as we killed Abhimanyu. This will be first step for our glorious victory. On hearing that Saltyaki is killed, in the next moment Arjuna will come here. Hence, we should see that Arjuna shall not have knowledge about the death of Satyaki. Therefore, send some warriors to restrain Arjuna.” said Karna. Suyodhana agreed for the proposal of Karna. Suyodhana asked Sakuni: “Uncle Sakuni! Along with 10,000 elephant force and 10,000 chariots, you oppose Arjuna and restrain him from proceeding this side. My brothers Dussasana, Subahu, Dushpradarshana, Durvishahu will accompany you.” said Suyodhana. Acccordingly, Sakuni along with his nephews proceeded towards Arjuna. Karna was fighting with Saltyaki. But kourava troops could not stand before Satyaki. Suyodhana rushed against Satyaki and was fighting with Satyaki. Saltyaki killed the charioteer and the horses of Suyodhana and cut his bow. Suyodhana jumed down and boarded another chariot. Beholding the defeat of Suyodhana, Kourava troops ran away. Sakuni was fighting with Arjuna.Ulooka, son of Sakuni also was fighting with Arjuna along with his father. Ulooka showered arrows on Arjuna and Krishna. First Arjuna killed the charioteer and the horses of Sakuni. Then he cut the bow and chariot of Sakuni. Sakuni boarded the chariot of his son, Ulooka and again fought with Arjuna. But he could nto resist the arrowy showers released from Gaandeeva. The forces accompanied Sakuni fled away. Sakuni and his son remained helpless. At another front, Dhrushtadyumna was fighting with Dronacharya. Dhrishtadyumna cut the bow of Drona. Drona picked up another bow and shot powerful shafts against Dhrushtadyumna. In this manner, Satyaki, Arjuna and Dhrushtadyumna were massacring the Kourava troops. Kourava troops fled away. Arjuna, Krishna blew Devadatta and Panchajanya respectively. Beholding this, Karna was enraged with wrath. He was massacring Pandava troops. Dharmaja told Arjuna: “Arjuna! look at Karna. He is mercilessly killing our troops. He is shining like a midday sun in this mid night. If we keep quiet, he will vanquish the entire Pandava army during this night. Restrain him first.” said Dharmaja. “Krishna! my brother Dharamaja is frightening beholding the fate of our troops. Karna and Drona are chasing our forces. I will first attack Karna. Then I will think about Drona. Drive our chariot against Karna” said Arjuna. “Arjuna! this is night time. Asuras will have more power during nights.Hence, you send Ghatotkacha against Karna. We will attack Drona” said Krishna. As per the advice of Krishna, Arjuna called Ghatotkacha and said: “Kumar Ghatotkacha! Look at that side. Unable to withstand the wrath of Karna, our troops are fleeing away. You have to save our troops. Karna is not wellversed in night war. You are an expert in miracle war. Karna cannot fight with you.Hence, fight with Karna.” said Arjuna. Ghatotkacha saluted Arjuna and proceeded against Karna. At the same time, Alambasa son of Jatasura, an Asura warrior, approached Suyodhana and said: “O King Suyodhana! From the beginning I am ill-disposed towards Pandavas. If you permit me, I will kill Pandavas” said Alambasa. Suyodhana felt very happy. Immediately, he gave permission to Alambasa to fight with Pandavas. Alambasa attakced Ghatotkacha. Both the Asura warriors, first fought with bow and arrows.Then they both resorted to miracles and illusions. If one transforms into serpant, the other into Garuda. If one transforms into huge elephant, the other into a lion. They both were fighting in a fiercest manner. At last, they both resorted to wrestling, kicking each other with hands and legs. Ghatotkacha caught Alambasa, lifted him up, threw him down, and put his leg on his chest and severed his head from the body. Ghatotkacha threw the head of Alambasa upon the chariot of Suyodhana. Beholding this, Suyodhana was astonished. “O Suyodhana! that is the head of your friend, Alambasa. Within few moments, head of Karna will be hurled on your chariot. When your turn comes, I will threw your head also like this. Do you know who am I? Ghatotkacha, son of Bhimasena. Take care” said Ghatotkacha. Next moment, Ghatotkacha ran towards Karna. Beholding Ghatotkacha, running towards him, Karna covered him with showers of powerful shafts. Ghatotkacha also retaliated the attack of Karna. Karna launched one Divine Astra upon Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha caught it and threw it back. Karna was giving a fitting reply to Ghatotkacha, by showering powerful arrows on him. Ghatotkacha resorted to miracle war. He created an illusory army with different kinds of weapons. That illusory army was launching different kinds of strange weapons. Kourava warriors never saw such kind of weapons. Hence they were frightened and fled away. Ghatotkacha hurled Chakrayudha (disc like weapon) upon Karna. Karna cut it into two. Ghatotkacha hurled his huge mace upon Karna. Karna cut it into small fragments. Ghatotkacha rose to the sky and was throwing huge rocks, boulders, trees, like rain. Karna was destroying them with his powerful arrows. Ghatotkacha came down to earth and mounted his chariot. Karna killed the charioteer and horses of Ghatotkacha and broke his chariot. Karna shot most powerful arrows piercing into the body of Ghatotkacha. But Ghatotkacha opened his mouth like a huge cave and was swallowing all the arrows shot by Karna. Then Ghatotkacha killed the horses tied to the chariot of Karna and broke his bow. Meanwhile, one Alaayudha, brother of Bakasura, inview of his previous enmity with Bhimasena, as his brother Bakasura was killed by Bhimasena at Ekacakrapura, came down to Suyodhana along with his Asura troops and said: “O Suyodhana! Bhimasena killed by brother, Bakasura. I want to take revenge upon Bhimasena. Kindly permit me to fight with Bhimasena” prayed Alayudha. Suyodhana thought for a while. For the present, Ghatotkacha is gaining upper hand upon Karna. Even the great warriors like Drona, Asvathama, Kripacharya also were staring at the battle between Karna and Ghatotkacha. All of them lost hopes on Karna. Now it is desirable to permit Alayudha to fight with Ghatotkacha.” thought Suyodhana. “Alayudha! for the present you can fight with Ghatotkacha, son of your enemy, Bhimasena. Later you can fight with Bhimasena and other Pandavas and take revenge.” said Suyodhana. Alayudha rushed against Ghatotkacha along with his Asura troops. There was a fiercest battle between Ghatotkacha and Alayudha. Both those Asura warriors are equals. One is fighting with other with equal vigour. Karna slipped from that place and began to fight with Bhimasena. But Bhimasena ignored Karna and went to help his son Ghatotkacha. At that juncture, all the Asura warriors surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena killed all of them in no time. Alayudha was fighting alone with Ghatotkacha and sent his remaining asura troops to fight with Panchala army. Beholding this, Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! Asuras gain strength during night time. You sent Satyaki, Nakula and Sahadeva to fight with Asuras. You send Sikhandi and Dhrishtadyumna to fight with Karna. You fight with Drona.” said Krishna. At that time, Alayudha broke the bow of Bhimasena into pieces. By the time Bhimasena picks up another bow, Alayudha killed the charioteer and the horses of Bhimasena. Bhimasena took his mace and jumped upon Alayudha. Alayudha also took up another mace and attacked Bhimasena. While they were fighting with their maces, they were broken. They both picked up the broken chariots, chariot wheels, chariot chasis and hurling them, one upon the other. Bhimasena was verymuch tired. Observing this, Krishna called Ghatotkacha and said: “Kumara Ghatotkacha! Your father is verymuch tired. You go and attack Alayudha.” said Krishna. Ghatotkacha left Karna and rushed against Alayudha. Nakula and other Pandava warriors drove away the Asura troops. Karna was fighting with Panchala Army. Bhima attacked Karna. Alayudha hurled a Parigha weapon upon Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha fainted and fell down but regained consciousness immediately. He took up his mace, and hurled it upon Alayudha. That mace killed the charioteer and horses of Alayudha. That mace also broke his chariot and flat post. Alayudha transformed into a huge cloud and showered blood from the sky. Ghatotkacha also rose to the sky and neutralized the illusion of Alayudha. They both came down to earth and were fighting with huge rocks and big trees. Alayudha picked up a long sword and jumped upon Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha took up another sword. Both were fighting with swords. Ghatotkacha caught hold of Alayudha, threw him down on ground and cut his head and roared like a lion. Pandava army were jubilant and joyous. The sounds of trumpets rose to sky. Ghatotkacha hurled the head of Alayudha on the chariot of Suyodhana. Suyodhana was very much distressed. While Ghatotkacha was killing Alayudha, Karna was massacring Pandava troops. Beholding this, Ghatotkacha attacked Karna. Karna killed the steeds of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha along with his chariot made himself invisible. Kourava troops were frightened, not knowing upon whom Ghatotkacha will fall. Ghatotkacha was transformed into a huge black cloud and was showering arrows, swords, mudgaras and parighas upon Kourava army, due to the fall of which, kourava soldiers were dying in huge numbers. Due to the fall of large rocks from the sky, kourava soldiers and their chariots were being crushed under them. But Karna was fighting courageously. Karna was vanquishing the illusions of Asuras with his divine astras. The black cloud showering rocks from sky was scattered. Kourava warriors praised the prowess of Karna. All of them requested Karna thus: “O Karna! You are the only warrior who can fight against these Asuric illusions. But you have to save yourself. As long as Ghatotkacha is alive, you are not safe. You have to launch that A Divine Sakti was given to you by Indra at the time of taking your natural armour as charity. Now you have to launch that Divine Sakti upon Ghatotkacha and kill him. This is the proper time to launch that Divine Sakti. For whom you preserve that Sakti? It is foolish to preserve that Divine Sakti to kill Arjuna. If we are able to come out of this trouble now , we can think about Arjuna later. Therefore, launch your Divine Sakti against Ghatotkacha and kill him immediately.” thus kourava warriors brought pressure on Karna. At that time, Ghatotkacha was rushing against Karna to kill him. Ghatotkacha broke the chariot of Karna with his mace and also killed his charioteer and steeds. Karna was standing on the ground in a helpless condition. Ghatotkacha up-raised his mace to kill Karna. Having found no other alternative, Karna determined to launch Divine Sakti upon Ghatotkacha. That Divine Sakti given by Indra was a terrible weapon. It will kill only one person upon whom it is launched and go back to Indra. Hence, Karna kept it to kill Arjuna. Now it has become inevitable for Karna to launch it upon Ghatotkacha. Having found no other alternative, Karna launched Divine Sakti aiming at Ghatotkacha. Beholding that Sakti, Ghatotkacha was verymuch frightened. It pierced into the chest of Ghatotkacha and killed him. Ghatotkacha fell on the ground and died. Kourava troops acclaimed the courage of Karna. They made leonine roars. Suyodhana was very happy and jubilant. All of them praised Karna for his vigour and valour. Suyodhana came down to Karna running and hugged him. While Pandavas were mourning for the death of Ghatotkacha, strangely, Krishna was standing on his chariot and was dancing and singing in a joyous mood. He was roaring like a lion. He blew his conche as a mark of victory. Arjuna was very much astonished, beholding the strange behaviour of Krishna. He shouted. “Krishna! stop this nonsense. What is this! While all of us were mourning for the death of Ghatotkacha, why you are jumping with joy. Stop it. Everybody will laugh at us.” said Arjuna. But Krishna did not stop his dancing and laughing. He was still jubilant. Arjuna thought for a while. “Krishna! you know everything, past and future. There must be a strong reason for your strange behaviour. Would you mind telling me about it?” asked Arjuna. Krishna stopped his dance and singing and told Arjuna thus: “Arjuna! Your father, Indra, keeping your welfare in mind, approached Karna and received his natural armour and ear rings as charity. In return, Indra gave Karna a marvellous power, called Indra Sakti, which can be used only once. Karna preserved that Sakti only to kill you. Today Karna used it to kill Ghatotkacha. Hereinafter, Karna could not kill you. Hence I am happy and jubilant. Arjuna! Karna is not an ordinary warrior. He got divine power. As long as that Indra Sakti was with him, either your Gandeeva or my Sudarsana are useless. Had your father not taken away the natural armour and ear rings from Karna, not only you but even the entire world also cannot even look at him nor vanquish him. By giving away those armour and ear rings as charity, he is now an ordinary warrior. So far he is preserving that Indra Sakti. Now it is not there. You can now conquer Karna easily. Is it not a jubilant occasion for me? I will tell you one more thing. For your sake only, Jarasandha, Sisupala and Ekalavya were killed. Are they alive now, Suyodhana might have brought all of them for his help. If all are united, you cannot even look at them. There is one more thing you should know. Ghatotkacha was born in Asura race. Though he is the son of Bhima, but he belongs to Asura race.By birth, Asuras are opposed to Hari and virtues. It is digested in their blood. If he is alive, he will certainly oppose me in future. Even then, he has to die in my hands. On my behalf, Karna finished that job. Above all, Arjuna, you are my friend, relative. Your welfare is most important to me. Now, you will never die at the hands of Karna. That is the reason for my strange behaviour. Arjuna, all our troops are very much tired. Encourage them with your soft and lovely words and make them ready for war.” said Krishna. In this manner, Sanjaya told Dhritarashtra about the death of Ghatotkacha. Dhritarashtra entertained a doubt in his mind. “Sanjaya! Though Karna was having such a powerful Indra Sakti in his hand, why he kept quiet without killing Arjuna. Besides that, Karna knows that it will kill only one person. Did he not remember about that Indra Sakti. Had Karna killed Arjuna on the first day of war, Pandavas would have put an end to the war on that day itself. My son would have become the Emperor of this Universe. Had Karna invited Arjuna for war, he would have fought with Karna. Karna would have easily killed Arjuna by launching this divine astra, Indra Sakti. Why Karna acted foolishly like this? At least my son Suyodhana would have reminded him? You are also there all the time. At least you would have reminded Karna about this Astra. It is nothing but keeping a sweet mango in hand and ignoring it without eating it. Now Karna unnecessarily used that Sakti to kill Ghatotkacha. Sanjaya! is there any special reason for this.?” asked Dhritarashtra. “O King Dhritarashtra! How can we keept quiet without reminding Karna about that Sakti. Myself, your son Suyodhana, Dussaasana, on every previous night of war, were reminding Karna about killing Arjuna with the help of Sakti. Daily Karna promises that he will kill Arjuna on the next day. Soon after he enters the battle field, surprisingly, all of us forget about it. We all remember it only during nights. It is nothing but a divine miracle. Not only this, O King Dhritarashtra! we also told Karna thus: “O Karna! if you kill Arjuna, Krishna will kill all of us with his Sudarsana and give the kingdom to the surviving heir in kuru dynasty. If you kill Krishna with the help of this Indra Sakti, Suyodhana will be the king and emperor of the entire earth.”. Karna agreed for our proposal and promised that he will Krishna next day. But, next day, he forgets everything.” said Sanjaya. Sanjaya continued to say: “O King Dhritarashtra! having seen that Krishna danced on his chariot after the death of Ghatotkacha, I proceeded to the Pandava camp, invisibly, to find out the facts. I heard them talking about it. On being asked by Arjuna about the reason for his strange behaviour, Krishna was telling about it. Satyaki intervened and asked Krishna: “Brother Krishna! All these days, why Karna did not utilise that Sakti to kill Arjuna?” asked Satyaki. Krishna smiled and said: “Satyaki! I know that Suyodhana and others were requesting Karna to launch Indra Sakti and kill Arjuna. Karna says ‘yes’. But, next day, when he enters the battle field, I keep him under the influence of my illusion, so that he does not remember about his promise. Hence, Karna did not launch Sakti either upon me or Arjuna. Satyaki! I like Arjuna....I Love Arjuna.... more than you, Dhrishtadyumna and other Pandavas. He is my life. He is my heart. All these days, I suspected danger to the life of Arjuna from that Divine Sakti. I spent many sleepless nights. Today, that suspicion is vanished. Today I will sleep happily.” said Krishna. Having heard the words of Sanjaya, Dhritarashtra said: “Sanjaya! while misfortune is running behind Suyodhana, what can we do? Tell me what had happened after the death of Ghatotkacha. Sanjaya continued to say: On hearing about the death of Ghatotkacha, Dharmaja, with great distress, fell on his chariot and was weeping. Krishna consoled Dharmaja: “Dharmaja! are you mad? Dying in war is quite natural for warriors.Why should you lament like this? If you feel like this, what about your brothers? Get up. Be ready for war.” said Krishna. “Krishna! don’t you know about Ghatotkacha and about his help during our Aranya Vasa period. Ghatotkacha respects me very much. I am also so affectionate towards him more than Sahadeva. Krishna! Karna is the root cause for all these woes. On that day, he broke the bow of Abhimanyu and got him killed by many. Today he killed Ghatotkacha. I want to take revenge on Karna. Not only Karna, I will kill Drona also who helped Karna in this regard.” so saying Dharmaja drove his chariot towards Karna. Krishna was very much annoyed. “Arjuna! look. Dharmaja is going towards Karna. Follow him.” so saying Krishna drove the chariot towards that side. While Dharmaja was driving his chariot with great speed towards Karna, Saint Veda Vyasa came there. Dharmaja stopped there and bowed before Vyasa, saluting him. “Dharmaja! Karna preserved Sakti given by Indra only to kill Arjuna. Now it is used to kill Ghatotkacha. Had it been used against Arjuna, what would be the amount of grief you will suffer.This grief is smaller than that. Dont enrage yourself with wrath unnecessarily. Be cool. I will tell you the future. On the fifth day from today, the entire earth will be yours.” so saying Vyasa departed. Dharmaja returned back and joined Arjuna and other brothers. Dharmaja called Dhrushtadyumna. “Dhrushtadyumna! you were born only to kill Drona. You take Sikhandi and Panchala troops and fight with Drona only. O King Virata! O King Drupada! O Satyaki! Nakula, Sahadeva! Upa Pandavas! Our main aim is to kill Drona. Arjuna will lead all of you.” said Dharmaja. By that time, all the troops on both sides were very much tired. As they were continously fighting one day and one night, they were all feeling drowsy. Arjuna observed this. He addressed all the army personnel: “You are all very much tired and feeling drowsy. Take rest for some time. Within few hours, moon will be sighted. In that moon light we will fight again. Till then take rest.” said Arjuna. The army on both sides were very much pleased for the compassionate behaviour of Arjuna. The army chief of Kourava army also agreed for this proposal. The entire army was taking rest whereever they are. They all slept till the arrival of moon. In that moon light both sides were making preparations for war for the rest of the night. At this juncture, Suyodhana approached Drona and said: “O preceptor Dronacharya! You are a great personality. You are a great warrior. None can stand before you. But you are not killing pandavas because you favour them as they are your dearest students. What can I do? It is my ill luck.” said Suyodhana. Drona grew angry with these words. “Suyodhana! what are you talking. Am I leaving them without killing because they are my favourite students? At the time of agni consuming Khandava forest, did Indra left Arjuna because he was my student? At the time of Ghosha Yatra, while you were caught byChitrasena, the Gandharva, did the Gandharva King, Chitra sena left Arjuna, because he was my student? Kalakeya and other asuras were killed by Arjuna because he was my student? Knowing fully well about the prowess of Arjuna, you are talking like this. It is not proper.” said Drona in a firm voice. “Acharya! whenever there is an opportunity, you have been praising Arjuna always. You keep praising Arjuna I do not mind. Atleast, during war, please leave pandavas to me. Myself, Karna, Dussaasana and Sakuni will kill all of them. You fight with those whom you like.” said Suyodhana. “Suyodhana! You all go and attack Arjuna. You may vanquish Arjuna. I am happy as you have removed the doubt from my mind that I will be killed by Arjuna. It is enough for me.” said Drona. Without saying another word, Drona proceeded towards Panchala troops for war. It was dawn at that time. Suyodhana, Karna, Dussaasana and Sakuni surrounded Arjuna and poured arrowy showers on him. Every body was feeling strange as Drona, a Maha Radha, was fighting with ordinary soldiers, ignoring his equals. Some are feeling it a plelasure that they will be killed by a great hero, Drona. Meanwhile, King Virata, King Drupada, their grand children, Kekaya kings along with their troops attacked Drona. Drona with his sharp edged arrowsand divine astras was massacring Panchala and Matsya troops. Drona killed the three grand children of Drupada. Drona cut the heads of all Kekaya kings. Beholding this, King Virata and King Drupada impetuously attacked Drona. Drona killed both the Kings, King Virata and King Drupada, each with one sharp edged arrow. King Drupada and King Virata were killed by Drona. Beholding the death of his father, Drupada, at the hands of Drona, Dhrushtadyumna was very much annoyed. “Unless I kill Drona, I will be failing in my duty for which I was born.” he thought. Immediately, Dhrushtadyumna attacked Drona along with his army. Suyodhana and Karna intervened and were fighting with Dhrushtadyumna. Meanwhile Bhimasena intervened and ruhsed against Drona. It was sun rise at that time. Both the army stopped for a while for answering their natural calls. Again they began to fight with other. Suyodhana was fighting with Nakula, Dussaasana with Sahadeva, Drpona with Arjuna, and Karna with Bhima. Sahadeva killed the charioteer of Dussaasana. Dussaasaana was fighting with Sahadeva, driving his chariot for himself. Sahadeva injured the horses of Dussaasana with his arrows.. The wounded horses dragged the chariot waywardly. Bhimasena and Karna were at first fought with bow and arrows. Then they fought with their maces. Karna again picked up his bow and broke the chariot of Bhimasena with his sharp edged shafts. Bhima jumped on the chariot of Sahadeva. Drona and Arjuna were launching divine astras one upon the other.Drona tried to launch Brahma Astra. After chanting necessary Mantras, he launched Brahma Astra .The entire Universe trembeld for a moment. Arjuna also launched Brahma Astra and neutralized the Brahma Astra launched by Drona. Then Drona began to fight with Panchala Forces and Arjuna began to fight with Kourava forces. Dussaasana was fighting with Dhrushtadyumna. Unable to bear his wrath, Dussaasana fled away. Dhrushtadyumna, accompanied by Nakula and Sahadeva attacked Drona. In another front, Suyodhana and Satyaki came one against the other. Suyodhana and Satyaki were child hood friends. For a moment they forgot their enmity.They stopped their chariots side by side and began to chat with each other. Suyodhana enquired about the welfare of Satyaki. They talked about their childhood activities and both felt happy remembering their childhood. “Satyaki! Though we are friends from childhood, we are fighting with each other as per Raja Dharma. What can we do let us fight.” Then they began to fight with each other. Satyaki broke the bow of Suyodhana and shot numerous arrows piercing his body. Suyodhana was very much tired and retired from the battle field. After taking some rest, he again resumed fighting with Satyaki. Karna also joined Karna and was fighting with Satyaki. Bhimasena began to fight with Karna. Karna shot a powerful shaft with which the charioteer of Bhimasena fainted. Karna broke the bow of Bhimasena. Bhimasena picked up his mace and whirled it and threw it upon the chariot of Karna. That mace broke the head of the charioteer and the chariot of Karna into pieces. Karna mounted another chariot. Dharmaja along with Matsya and Panchala troops was ready to fight with Drona. At that time, it was about midday. Nakula, Sahadeva and Bhima told Arjuna: “ Arjuna! Drona was massacring the Pandava troops.You drive away the Kourava forces. Drona will be alone. Panchala forces will kill Drona.” But Drona was massacring Pandava troops indiscriminately and was forging ahead. Drona was killing thousands of soldiers. Nakula, Sahadeva, Dharmaja and Bhimasena were beholding that massacre helplessly. “If we allow Drona like this, today itself the entire Pandava Army will be reduced to ashes. He will kill us also.None can resist him. Arjuna is evading to kill Drona on the pretext that Drona is his preceptor. What to do” they thought for themselves. Krishna understood their anxiety. To the hearing of Dharmaja and others, Krishna spoke to Arjuna: “Arjuna! as long as bow and arrows are in the hands of Drona, none can resist him. The only way to kill Drona is that he should shed his bow and arrows. For that, there is only one way. One should tell Drona that his son Asvathama is dead.” On hearing these words, Bhimasena ran into the midst of the battle field. King of Malava is having an elephant, named Asvathama. Bhimasena killed that elephant. He speedily returned back, went near Drona and said “Acharya! Asvathama is killed in the battle”. Dronacharya’s mind was perturbed for a moment. But he knows about the vigour and valour of Asvathama. He did not believe the words of Bhimasena. Still, a suspicion is lingering in his mind. Still, he was fighting withDhrushtadyumna, showering arrows on him. He killed ten thousand Panchala forces at a time. He broke 500 chariots in Matsya forces. He killed ten thousand elephants and equal number of horses in Matsya forces. He was shining like a midday sun. Meanwhile, Visvamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, Goutama, Kasyapa, Vasishta and other great sages and saints in divine form arrived there. “O Bharadwaja! You were born in Brahmin community. You have read Vedas and other scriptures. Is it a virtuous deed to fight like this, adopting Kshatra Dharma. You have done enough. Put an end to this massacre. Your life has come to an end. Shed your arms. Adopt peace.” so saying they disappeared. Drona stood for a minute standstill. He once again remembered the words of Bhimasena that Asvathama was killed. He lifted his head. Opposite to him, Dhrishtadyumna was standing, waiting for an opportunity to kill him. Drona’s mind was verymuch disturbed. To clatify his doubt lingering in his mind he asked Dharmaja whether Asvathama is alive or dead. Drona strongly believe that Dharmaja never speak falsehood. Krishna told Dharmaja. “Dharmaja! If you spare Drona now, by today evening entire pandava troops will be vanished. Now it is your responsibility to save all of us from the wrath of Drona. Several scriptures echoed that “telling a lie to save the lives of thousands is not a sin.” Therefore, tell Drona that Asvathama is dead.” said Krishna. On hearing these words, Bhimasena told Dharmaja: “Brother Dharmaja! I killed one elephant called Asvathama. I told Drona that Asvathama is dead. He is not trusting my words. You also tell the same thing. Regard the words of Krishna who is our well wisher. If you say like this, Drona will stop fighting.” said Bhimasena. The words of Krishna and Bhimasena are strongly working in his mind. The desire to grab the entire kingdom suppressed the fear of telling a falsehood. Immediately, Dharmaja went near the chariot of Drona and shouted : “O Acharya! Asvathama was killed........ but it is an elephant” said in low voice. After hearing the quite unpleasant words that “Asvathama was killed”, Drona did not hear the other words. He sat down on his chariot. He thought that he committed great sin towards Pandavas. The words of those great sages and saints are ringing in his ears. “I killed thousands of innocent soldiers. I am a sinner.”Drona thought for himself. Though Dhrushtadyumna was standing before him, he was not inclined to fight with him. His bow and arrows were dropped from his hands. His vigour, valour, prowess, courage, are vanished. All his limbs are retracted. Drona sat down on his chariot. Dhrushtadyumna has been observing these developments. Desire to kill Drona is becoming stronger in his mind. Dhrushtadyumna poured arrowy showers on Drona. Though Drona wanted to retaliate, he was unable to do it. His power of rememberance failed. Mechanically, he was warding off the arrows coming upon him. Drona cut the flag post and chariot of Dhrushtadyumna. He killed the charioteer and horses of Dhrushtadyumna. Dhrushtadyumna jumped down and took out his mace. Dropna broke that mace into two pieces. Drona is simply defending himself. Dhrushtadyumna pickedup a long sword and shield and jumped on the chariot of Drona and killed the horses and charioteer. Drona cut the sword and shield with his arrows. Satyaki observed this from a distance while he was fighting with Karna, Kripacharya and Kritavarma. Immediately, Satyaki shot ten sharp arrows upon Drona. Bhimasena arrived there and picked up Dhrishtadyumna on his chariot. Drona did not chase him. Drona ignored Dhrishtadyumna. Now the mind of Dronacharya was very peaceful. He sat on his chariot in deep meditation. O King Dhitarashtra! after the fall of Bhishma, Drona fought for four days and one night and only 20 Ghadiyas (approximately 5 hours) on the next day. In this short time of five hours, Drona killed 21,000 soldiers. With this the Saka of Drona is over. He attained peace. He looked around amd shouted “O Karna! O Kripacharya! You will always be accusing me that I refrain from doing war. I have done what all I can do. Now I will attain the Higher regions peacefully. I am shedding my bow and arrows. Atleast, you become wiser hereinafter and behave like humans.” Drona kept his bow and arrows by his side on the chariot. He sat in deep meditation. His body was shining like sun. At that time, Dhrishtadyumna, with a long sword in hand, was walking towards Drona. Both armies thought that Dhrishtadyumna was going to kill Drona. All of them raised hue and cry. By that time, Drona breathed his last breath and left this mortal body and attained immortality. His soul rested in peace. Meanwhile, Dhrishtadyumna jumped on the chariot of Drona, caught the tuft of Drona and raised his sword to cut his head. Arnuja, Dharmaja were shouting from a distance not to commit such a heinous act as it is sin, against virtues and violation of war principles. Dhrishtadyumna did not care for their shoutings. Dhrushtadyumna severed the head of the dead body of Drona and kicked the head and the dead body of Drona, out. O King Dhritarashtra! in this manner, the great preceptor Drona who has almost completed 100 years of age, succumbed to your sons’s greediness, covetousness, and aggrandizement. Beholding the death of Drona, Pandava army surrounded Kourava army and started massacring them mercilessly. Kourava army without leader fled away. Your sons also fled away. Suyodhana, Karna, Kritavarma, Sakuni were retreating from the battle field looking back. Asvathama, son of Drona was not aware of all these developments. He was fighting with one segment of Pandava army at a distance. Beholding the fleeing away of Kourava army, he was astonished. Immediately, he came down to Suyodhana and asked him what had happened. Suyodhana’s eyes were filled with tears. He could not speak anything out of grief. He does not know how to convey Asvathama about the demise of his father. He looked at Kripacharya. “Asvathama! while your father, Drona, was massacring the Panchala troops in large number, Pandavas planned to kill your father. Bhimasena informed your father that you are dead. Your father did not believe his words. He continued to fight with Panchala Army. To clear off the doubt, you father enquired Dharmaja trusting that he will always tell the truth. As one elephant named Asvathama was alreday killed by Bhimasena, Dharmaja informed your father that Asvathama is dead but an elephant. On hearing those unpleasant words, your father shed his bow and arrows, sat on his chariot and went into deep meditation. At that time, Dhrushtadyumna jumed upon your father and caught hold of your father’s tuft and cut his head, without paying heed to the shoutings of Dharmaja and Arjuna not to do such heinous deed. Beholding the death of Drona, our troops are fleeing away. We are also standing dumbfounded.This is nothing but a game got played by Krishna. Bhima is not such a intelligent man to play a game of this type and Dharmaja will never resort to such a mischievous and heinous act. This is all what had happened.” said Kripacharya. Asvathama heard these words with a peaceful mind. “Uncle Kripacharya! Every mortal should die. It is the law of the nature. I am not lamenting for the death of my father.But the way he was killed is most cruel and unworthy of credit. My father is a great preceptor, worshipped by one and all. It is painful that while my father shed down his bow and arrows and was in deep meditation, a wretch cut his head by holding his tuft. Either the divine astras possessed by me or my father’s archery skills could not save him. I could not stop my father being subjected to such a miserable death. Suyodhana! Dharmaja is responsible for all this. He is praised by one and all that he is the embodiment of truth and virtues. He always tells lies. Unless he is killed, my father’s soul will never rest in peace. Inspite of any resistance offered either by all divine forces or even by Krishna, I will kill Pandavas. This is my promise. Suyodhana! my father worshipped Sri Maha Vishnu and got Narayanastra. My father never used it. He gave it to me. If I launch that Naraayana Astra, it will create great havoc. I will launch Narayana Astra upon Pandavas and vanquish them” said Asvathama. On hearing those words, Suyodhana felt very happy. He encouraged all his warriors by blowing his conche as a mark of victory. The Kourava army was ready for war. Dharmaja also made his troops ready for war. But Dharmaja entertained a doubt. He told Arjuna: “Arjuna! With the demise of their leader, Drona, the entire Kourava army was scattered. Surprisingly, in no time, they have all gathered together and made themselves ready forwar. What would be the reason? That too, jubilant atmosphere is prevailing in Kourava army. With the wrath that we killed Drona, whether Devendra along with his divine army, has come down to help Suyodhana? I am unable to understand” said Dharmaja. “Brother Dharmaja! Will Asvathama keep quiet without killing Dhrushtadyumna who killed his father mercilessly, while he was in deep meditation, after shedding his bow and arrows? Asvathama is endowed with treasure of divine astras. He himself is a great warrior, named for his vigour and valour. With his strong support only, Kourava army is provoking us for war in a short time. It is very difficult, at this stage, to attack Asvathama. Brother Dharmaja! Trusting you that you are a virtuous personality and you never tell a lie, my preceptor asked you about his son’s death. Conversely, you told him a blatant lie. Brother Dharmaja! Is it necessary to acquire this kingdom at the cost of my preceptor, Drona and also telling lies and harming Dharma. Will this kingdom and riches, acquired by such nefarious means, bring us any prosperity? Will not the entire world abuse us and eschew us? Inspite of my shouting that it is unworthy, why should Dhrushtadyumna cut the head of my preceptor? Does he not aware that his act will cause harm to Dharma? When we committed such wretched deeds, will his son, Asvathama keep quiet. Look. Asvathama is rushing towards us like a hungry lion out of den to massacre us. It is very difficult to save Dhrushtadyumna from his wrath.” said Arjuna. On hearing the words of Arjuna, Bhimasena, filled with wrath, said thus: “Arjuna! are you a warrior or a saint consuming vegetables in forest. I know you did not kill Drona all these days because he is your preceptor. When once we enter the war field, we should not discriminate enemies as preceptors, friends and foes.You are speaking sermons as if you are not transgressed Dharma. Are Kouravas fighting according to Dharma? Thou we were inclined to adopt the path of virtue, your kingdom was snatched most unrighteously. By dragging Droupadi to the open assembly, your foes insulted her. All of us were exiled to forests. Is it Raja Dharma? For those who resort to unrighteousness, we have to follow the same path to subdue them and we will not be inflicted with any sin. Arjuna! while we are thinking about the ways and means to attack the enemy, you are telling these cowardly sermons. Arjuna! Suyodhana knows about me and about my prowess. I also know what they are. If they are dare enough to come upon us, I will massacre them. I will cause total destruction.” said Bhimasena with anger. Dhrushtadyumna also censured Arjuna for his untimely words. “Arjuna!You are talking as if Drona, your Guru, is a most righteous personality. Did he not resort to Adharma? Did he not massacre thousands of innocent Panchala soldiers who are not armed with any Divine Astras and Sastras? Is it a righteous act? Arjuna! I was born only to Kill Drona. I killed him. I never consider it a sin. Arjuna! what you have done? Have you not killed Bhagadatta? Have you not caused the death of Bhishma, by keeping Sikhandi in front of you.? Are they not unrighteous acts? Is Killing those unarmed warriors who refrained from war, a righteous act? Is Killing Drona who is massacring Panchala troops an unrighteous act? Arjuna! Listen me. Dharmaja has not done any unrighteous act or never tell a lie. Because Bhimasena killed an elephant named Asvathama, he informed the same to Drona. I also never transgressed Dharma.I killed a preceptor who deceived his own students. I saved my army. Dont unnecessarily blame us. With the death of Drona, your task has become easier. Kill the enemy and acquire the triumph.” said Dhrushtadyumna While lamenting for the death of Drona, on hearing the words of Dhrishtadyumna, Arjuna was verymuch annoyed. “Dhrushtadyumna! stop that nonsensical and wicked talk. Having done a wretched deed, are you still supporting your acts?” said Arjuna. Satyaki intervened with great anger and said: “Dhrushtadyumna! What you have done is unrighteous. Because you are before Dharmaja, I could not cut your tongue for speaking such harsh words against Arjuna. If you speak one more word, I will do what I said. Sikhandi was born to kill Bhishma.He killed Bhishma. Arjuna was just by his side. Bhishma desired to have his death at the hands of Arjuna. Accordingly, Dharmaja directed Sikhandi and Arjuna to kill Bhishma. They followed those directions.Everything was done as per the desire of Bhishma. Dhrushtadyumna! having born in Panchala clan, yourself and Sikhandi defamed that clan.” said Satyaki. Dhrishtadyumna smiled at Satyaki. “O Satyaki! are you teaching sermons to me. Everybody knows about you. After Arjuna cut the hand of Bhoorisravasa, you killed him. You are such a great hero. Is it a war principle, senseless fellow? When Bhoorisravasa pushed you down and put his leg on your chest, what were you doing? Is it your prowess? Having his hand being cut by Arjuna, while Bhoorisravasa was in deep meditation, you killed him. What do you say for this wicked act? First know your fault and then critisize others. How many times Drona chased us along with our army? What were you doing at that time? Why did not you attack Drona? How you have killed Bhoorisravasa, in the same manner I killed Drona. If yours is a sinless act, mine also is a sinless act. Instead of praising me for killing such a great hero, Drona, why you are cursing me? Satyaki! you are unnecessarily interfering with my affairs. If you speak one more word, I will break your head. Take care. We have come to fight on behalf of Dharmaja. Let us fight together unitedly.” said Dhrushtadyumna. Satyaki took his mace and rushed against Dhrushtadyumna saying “Dhrushtadyumna! no more words. Come on. I myself will break your head”. Hearing this conversation with a smiling face, Krishna sent Bhimasena to stop Satyaki. Bhima caught hold of Satyaki. Sahadeva intervened and said: “O Satyaki! Dhrushtadyumna! why are you quarrelling with each other. Yadavas and Panchalas are our nearest relatives. Please be friends.” said Sahadeva. “Bhimasena! dont stop Satyaki. Let him come. I will see what he will do. I am not Bhoorisravasa to be killed by him. I will see his end.” said Dhrushtadyumna. At last Krishna and Dharmaja intervened and pacified the matter. Meanwhile both sides were ready for war. The war began. Asvathaama launched Naraytanastra. With the influence of Narayanastra, earth trembled, seas overflowed. There was chaos everywhere. Several weapons sprouted out of Narayanastra and were killing Pandava Army. Pandava warriors were resisting them but in vain. Narayanastra was massacring Pandava troops. Dharmaja looked at Arjuna. Arjuna and Krishna were standing silently with folded hands, shedding down their arms. Dharamaja was very much annoyed. To the hearing of Arjuna, Dharmaja told Satyaki thus: “Satyaki! Drona was so cruel that he did not utter a single word while Droupadi was insulted in open assembly. He was the root cause for the death of Abhimanyu.While Arjuna was searching Saindhava to kill him, Drona resisted us from joining Arjuna. Ofcourse, he is more righteous in his own way. In our own way, let us run away from the battle fields like cowards to save our lives from Narayanastra. Arjuna will feel happy. We do not know what Krishna will do. It is his will. ” said Dharmaja sarcastically. Krishna could not control himself. He stood on his chariot. He addressed all the Pandava Army: “O soldiers! listen! Dont fear. You get down from all your chariots, elephants and horses, shed down your arms, bows and arrows. stand on the earth with folded hands. Narayanastra will never do any harm to you as you are unarmed. This is only remedy for Narayanastra.” shouted Krishna. All the soldiers were following the words of Krishna meticulously. Bhimasena could not control himself. “O mighty soldiers! you are not cowards. Dont shed your arms. Fight with Kourava army. I am here. I will launch Maha Astras. I will kill all Kourava soldiers with my mace” shouted Bhimasena. He proceeded on his chariot along his mace towards Asvathama. The entire Pandava army, without heeding the words of Bhimasena, shed down their arms, got down from their vehicles and stood on the ground, unarmed. Asvathaama changed the direction of Narayanastra towards Bhimasena. Narayanastra ignored all the Pandavas and Pandava forces and was chasing Bhimasena alone. Bhimasena launched Varunastra against Narayanastra. Asvathama increased the power of Narayanastra. With the power of Narayanastra, Varunastra was nullified. Again Narayanastra began to chase Bhimasena. As per the word of Krishna, except Bhimasena, none were resisting Narayanastra. Terrible flames surrounded Bhimasena Narayanastra was whirling round Bhimasena and was about to consume him. Krishna and Arjuna rushed towards Bhimasena. Both of them climbed the chariot of Bhimasena and tried to push him down. But Bhimasena foolishly resisted. Krishna told Bhimasena: “O Bhimasena! Listen to me! Even Asvathama is incapable of retrieving this Astra. The only remedy is getting down the chariot, shedding down arms and keeping quiet. Kindly get down the chariot please.” requested Krishna. Krishna snatched away forcibly the bow arrows from his hand. Then Arjuna and Krishna kicked him down the chariot. Bhimasena fell down unarmed. Narayanastra, finding none in Pandava army ready for war with arms, remained peaceful and returend back to Asvathama. Krishna had a sigh of relief. Next moment Krishna ordered all the soldiers to restore to their original positions with arms, bows and arrows and be ready for war. Pandava troops rushed against Kourava army. Suyodhana hurriedly asked Asvathama to launch Narayanastra again upon Pandava army. “Sorry Suyodhana. Narayanastra will be launched only once. If it is launched again, it will destroy those who launched it again. This was condition imposed by Srimannarayana while presenting it to my father..Getting down from the chariots and shedding down bows and arrows and arms is equivalent to death. Hence Narayanastra could not kill Pandava Army. Krishna knows this secret. Hence they are all saved. What can we do” said Asvathaama. “Asvathama! let it be. We got more Astras with us. Let us launch them and destroy Pandava troops” said Suyodhana. Asvathama drove his chariot towards Pandava troops. Dhrushtadyumna came against him. Asvathama was enraged with wrath. Asvathama killed the charioteer, and horses of Dhrushtadyumna. Asvathama cut his bow and his flag post. Satyaki came to the rescue of Dhrushtadyumna. Asvathama shot one powerful arrow, with which Satyaki fainted. Asvathama roared like a lion Beholding this, Bhima and Arjuna attacked Asvathama. Sudarsana, grand son of Sisupala and Vridhakshatra joined them. Asvathama, with his sharp edged arrows, cut the heads of Sudarsana and Vridhakshatra. Asvathama, driving around the entire battle field like a whirlwind , appearing at all places, was massacring the troops of Pandavas. Unable to bear his prowess, Pandava troops were fleeing away. Bhima and Arjuna were trying to rally their troops for war. Asvathama launched Agneyastra upon Arjuna. Agneyastra, sparkling wild flames, was rushing against Arjuna. In a moment, most of the Pandava troops were consumed by wild flames emitted by Agneyastra. Most of the warriors in Pandava army thought that Arjuna and Krishna were burnt away in those flames. But, Arjuna launched Brahmastra against Agneyastra. Agneyastra was neutralized by the power of Brahma Astra. Arjuna and Krishna blew their conches. Pandava army acclaimed and gave great applause by beating drums and blowing horns. Beholding this, kourava troops fled away. Asvathama bowed his head, unable to look at the face of Suyodhana. He threw down his bow and arrows. He realised that the divine astras possessed by him have no power to vanquish Pandavas. He got down his chariot and left the battle field by walk. After walking for some distance, he found that Saint Vyasa was coming opposite to him. Asvathama bowed before him, touched his feet. Vyasa blessed him with long life. “O Saint Vyasa! I got a doubt. Kindly clarify. The Agneyastra, launched by me, was most powerful. Even divine beings, asuras, Gandharvas etc. could not resist. But it could not cause any harm to Krishna and Arjuna, who are ordinary human beings. What is the reason?” asked Asvathama. Vyasa replied thus: “In the ancient past, Maha Vishnu took birth as Saint Narayana and went to Mainaka mountain for Tapassu. He performed Tapassu about Maha Siva. Having satisfied with his Tapassu, Maha Siva appeared before Saint Narayana. He praised Maha Siva and prayed him to make himself all powerful. Maha Siva blessed him: “O Saint Narayana! You can vanquish humans, divine forces, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Garudas, Uragas etc. and will remain most powerful and with great glory. You will not be killed or pained by any Astras, Sastras, fire, water, Vajrayudha, with wet material, dry material, moveables, immoveables etc. etc.” blessed Maha Vishnu. Hence Narayana remained unconquerable. While Narayana was doing penance, Nara was born out of his splendour. They both were known as Nara and Narayana. Both were born out of Vishnu Amsa. They are great saints. Narayana was moving around the earth exhibiting his miracles. Nara and Narayana will be taking births to instal Dharma on earth, whenever necessary. Those Nara and Narayana are no other than Arjuna and Krishna. Narayana is Sri Krishna and Nara is Arjuna. Asvathama! You are also not an ordinary human being. But, I will tell the difference between you and Nara and narayana. In your previous birth, you worshipped Lord Siva in idol form. But Nara and Narayana worshipped Lord Siva in Linga form. In fact, God can be worshipped in any manner, in any form. But worshipping Maha Siva in Linga form is thousand times better than worshipping in idol form. Therefore, Nara and Narayana remained unconquerable. You cannot defeat them. This difference arose out of the ways of worship done by you in your previous births.” said Vyasa. On hearing those words, Asvathama was very much surprised. He saluted Maha Siva in his mind. He also prostrated before Vyasa. Vyasa went away. Asvathama returned back to his chariot. As it was already sunset, Asvathama asked Suyodhana to stop the war for that day. Both sides returned back to their respective camps. While Pandava troops were returning in joyous and jubilant mood, Kourava troops returned with great agony and grief for the death of Drona. After leaving Asvathama, Veda Vyasa arrived at Arjuna. Arjuna saluted Vyasa and offered him Arghyam and Paadyam. One doubt was lingering in his mind. Arjuna asked Veda Vyasa: “O Saint Veda Vyasa! while I was fighting in the battle field, I found one human form, shining like fire, with a spear in his hand, was proceeding in front of my chariot, killing the enemy troops, even before I kill them. Afterwards, I killed those who were alrelady killed by that wonderful form. I am thinking that I myself killed them. In fact, I never killed anybody. Who is that great personality? Why he is acting like that? Kindly tell me.” asked Arjuna. Veda Vyasa replied thus: “O Arjuna! He is no other than the creator of this entire Universe. Omnipresent, omnipotent, All -pervasive. Leader of this entire Universe. Deity having third eye. Husband of Goddess Parvati. Maha Siva. He will alwlays be moving in the hearts of great sages and saints. He will never be succumbed to these worldly plealsures. He is the nature and he is the Purusha. If anybody worships him with plain heart, he will always be in his heart. That Maha Siva, is moving in front of your chariot and he is killing those, whom you intend to kill. Lord Siva blessed you. Having satisfied with your penance, he has given you Pasupatha Astra. Not satisfied with that, he is always protecting you. You worship that Maha Siva keeping Him always in your heart. You will be blessed with good health, wealth and prosperity. All your desires will be accomplished.” said Vyasa. Arjuna’s heart was filled with joy. He saluted Maha Siva in his heart. Then he prostrated before Veda Vyasa. After blessing Arjuna, Veda Vyasa went away. In this manner, Ugrasravasu (Soothi) told Maha Bharata to Sounaka and other sages and saints assembled in Naimisaaranya, on account of SatraYaga, as told by Saint Vaisampayana to Janamejaya. MAHA BHARATA DRONA PARVA FIFTH CHAPTER COMPLETED WITH THIS DRONA PARVA COMPLETED. Om Tatsat Om Tatsat Om Tatsat.