(Kavitraya) MAHAA BHAARAT (In Simple English)

Originally written in Sanskritby Bhagavan Veda Vyaasa
(Krishna Dvaipaayana)
Translated into Telugu (a Regional Language of South India)
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Sri Nannaya Bhattaarakah  
Sri Tikkana Somayaaji
Sri Yerra Pragada.
"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.
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.

 
Om Tat Sat

(Continued...)
(My humble salutations to Brahmasri M V Subrahmanyam     for the collection