(Kavitraya) MAHAA BHAARAT (In Simple English)

Originally written in Sanskritby Bhagavan Veda Vyaasa
(Krishna Dvaipaayana)
Translated into Telugu (a Regional Language of South India)
b y
Sri Nannaya Bhattaarakah  
Sri Tikkana Somayaaji
Sri Yerra Pragada.
"O Vaisampaayana, "how did those heroes, the Kurus, the Pandavas, and the high-souled kings assembled together from various countries, fight?" asked Janamejaya.
Saint Vaisampaayana continued to say:
"Entering Kurukshetra, the Pandavas and Kouravas, along with their respective armies, endued with great might, desirous of victory, were advancing against each other. The whole earth seemed then to be empty, divested of horses and men, destitute of chariots and elephants, and with only the children, ladies and the old left at home.
At that time Dhritarashtra, summoned Sanjaya. Both were discussing about the impending war. At that time, the holy VedaVyasa, the son of Satyavati, conversant with the past, the present, and the future, and beholding everything as if it were present before his eyes, arrived there. Dhritarashtra received him with due honours.
"O king Dhritarashtra, your sons and the other monarchs have their hour arrived. Mustered in battle they will kill one another. Their hour having come, they will all perish. Bearing in mind the changes brought on by time, do not yield your heart to grief. If you wish to see them fighting in battle, I will, bless you with divine vision. Behold the battle." said Veda Vyasa.
Dhritarashtra said "O Saint Veda Vyasa, I like not to behold the slaughter of my kith and kin. I shall, however, through your potency hear of this battle minutely."
" Sanjaya will describe the battle to you. Nothing in the whole battle will be beyond his eyes. Endued, with celestial vision, Sanjaya will narrate the battle to you. He will have knowledge of everything. Manifest or concealed, by day or by night, even that which is thought of in the mind, Sanjaya shall know everything. Weapons or arrows will not hit him or cut him. Sanjaya will come out of the battle with life safely.
Sanjaya you are blessed with divine vision. You describe the entire battle to Dhritarashtra." said Vyasa.
"O King Dhritarashtra! this war is meant only to decrease the weight of earth. You need not worry about this. Do not grieve. This is destiny, It is not capable of being prevented. As regards victory, it is there where righteousness is. even now it is not too late. Let the Pandavas have their kingdom, and let the Kauravas have peace." said saint Vyasa.
"I know you are telling all these things in my own interest. But what todo. My sons are not obedient to me. They will never heed my words. I told them many a time about this. I even chastised them. But I am in vain. I am helpless" said Dhritarashtra. Then Saint Vyasa went away.
Then King Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya: "O Sanjaya! Several kings in the ancient past fought for the sake of this earth and perished. Is this earth so sweet and dear to all the Kings? Kindly tell me the attributes of this earth and its nature and qualities." asked Dhritarasthra.
Sanjaya continued to say:
"O King, I will tell you the attributes of earth according to my knowledge. Behold them with the eye of your wisdom. Creatures on this earth are of two kinds, moving or non-moving. They are taking birth and meeting their death. For all these moving or non moving beings, the earth is the abode. The Earth is the stay and refuge of all creatures, and the Earth is eternal.
There are five elements. Those elements, are space, air, fire, water, and earth. Their respective attributes are sound, touch, vision, taste, and scent.
The attribute of space is sound.
The attributes of air are sound and touch.
The attributes of fire are sound, touch and vision.
The attributes of water are sound, touch, vision and taste.
The attributes of earth are sound, touch, vision, taste and scent.
Therefore earth is foremost of all the elements.
To the south of Mount Meru, there is a place called Sudarsanam. In that place, there was a Jambu tree extending about 2,500 yojanas. It is a fruit bearing tree. The fruits of that tree were continously falling on earth and crushed. The juices of those fruits flow like a stream around that mountain and enter Northern Kuru plains, and enter the sea. That stream was called as Jambu river.
Wherever the fruit juices of that tree touch, it will transform into gold. Hence gold is called Jaambunada. Anybody consumes the water of that river shall be ceased of old age, diseases, hunger and thirst. In the name of that Jambu tree, that island was called Jambu Island.
This island is bounded on east and west by seas. In this island, you can see mountains viz., Himachal, Hemakoota, Nishadha, Neela, Svetha, Srungavanta.
In between Nishadha and Neela mountains, Mount Meru is situated. Its length if 84,000 yojanas. It is protruded into earth to the extent of 16,000 yojanas. This Meru Mountain is the common abode of divine bodies, devine saints, Gandharvas, Kimpurushas, Devendra, Dikpaalakas, Lord Brahma etc.
To the north of Meru, there is Karnika Vana. This Karnika Vana is the resort of Lord Siva, along with his wife, Gouri.
All the delightful kingdoms in this Jambu island, are divided into nine parts. They are called Varshas.
(1) The land between Northern sea and Srungavanta mountain is called Airaavasa Varsha.
(2) The land between Mountains Svetha and Srungavanta is called Hairanmaya Varsha.
(3) The northern part of Neela mountains is called Ramanaka Varsha.
(4) The southern part of Neela mountain is called Nilaakruta Varsha.
(5) The eastern part of Meru Mountain is called Bhadraasva Varsha.
(6) The western part of Meru mountain is called Ketu Mala Varsha.
(7) The northern part of Meru Mountain is called Hari Varsha.
The surrounding parts of Himachala Mountain are called
(8) Kimpurusha Varsha and
(9) Bharata Varsha.
The island, Jambu Dweepa, is extending upto an area of 80,600 yojanas. There is a salt sea double the extent of Jambu Dweepa.
Likewise, Ikshu rasa sea, Sura sea, Ghruta sea, Dadhi sea, Ksheera sea, pure water sea are extending double the extent of the other.
There are six islands called Laksh Dweep, Saalmala Dweep, Krouncha Dweep, Kusa Dweep, Saaka Dweep, and Pushkara Dweep.
In these islands, there are many mountains, rivers, kingdoms. Srimannaarayana, who creates, sustains and destroys the entire earth had a resort in Vaikunta, beyond Ksheera Sagara." said Sanjaya.
"Sanjaya! for the sake of this Bharata Varsha, both my sons and Pandavas are fighting with each other? Will there be any greedy and covetous people on earth besides these?" asked Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra, the sons of Pandu are not at all greedy or covetous about this earth. On the other hand, it is Duryodhana and Sakuni, that are covetous, as also many other Kshatriyas, who are rulers of the provinces, who being covetous of this country, are not able to bear one another.
In the ancient past also, many kings fought for this land and met their death. But there were also kings like Bhageeratha, Yayati, Raghvu and Nahusha who performed many Yajnas and Yagas and acquired name and fame.
In this Bharta Varsha, there are seven mountains called, Malaya, Suktimanta, Vindhya, Pariyatra, Mahendra, Rukshavanta, and Sahyadri. There are several mines and minerals in these mountains viz., diamonds, precious stones and metals like iron, copper, alluminium, silver and gold etc.
There are many rivers flowing in Bharata varsha. They are River Ganga, Tungabhadra, Vetravati, Vedavati, Krishnaveni, Penna, Yamuna, Tamasa, Saaraavati, Kaveri, Godavari, Narmada, Bahuda, Sarayu, Satadruvu, Vitastha, Vipaasa, Taamraparni.
With the holy waters flowing in these rivers, the entire Bhartha Varsha has become fertile and yielding plenty of crops in abundance.
There are several kingdoms flourished in Bharatavarsha. Some of them are---Paanchaala, Paandya, Barbara, Vatsa, Matsya, Magadha, Malayala, Kalinga, Kulinga, Kuru, Konkana, Tenkana, Trigarta, Saamudra, Saalva, Soorasena, Sudheshna, Suhma, KarooSa, Kaasa, Kosala, Yavana, Yugandhara, Andhra, Sindhu, Chedhi, Chola, Pulinda, Pundraka, Pandya, Abheera, Souveera, Sourashtra, Maharashtra, Videha, Vidarbha, Dravida, DasaarNa, karnaata, Goula, Anga, Vanga, MaraaTa, Laata, Baahlika, Bahudaana, Kiraata, Kekaya, Asmantaka, Kashmira, Gandhara, Kambhoja, Malava, Nepala, Ghoornara, Kuntala, Avanti etc.
The people living in these kingdoms were enriched with great wealth. Therefore, this earth is nothing but Kamadhenu for all the living beings on this earth. Inspite of possessing such an enormous wealth, minerals, fertile lands etc. on this earth, still the Kings have been fighting with each other for supremacy. Fathers, Sons, brothers have been fighting and killing each other for the sake of this land with greediness. Therefore there is nothing strange in Kouravas and Pandavas fighting with each other for the sake of this earth." said Sanjaya.
After hearing the great attributes of earth, Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya to go to the battle field and find out what was happening in the battle field. As per the directions of the King Dhritarashtra Sanjaya proceeded to Kurukshetra.
After some days, Sanjaya returned back to King Dhritarashtra and fell on his feet and began to weep saying that the Great Hero, Bhishma, was defeated by Sikhandi on the tenth day of war and he was laying on Ampa Sayya (bed of arrows). Sanjaya could not control his grief.
"O King Dhritarashtra, the foremost of all the warriors, was defeated by Sikhandi. The great warrior who defeated Parasurama was defeated by Sikhandi. Relying on whose strength, your son defeated Pandavas wickedly in Dice game, that Bhishma was defeated brutally in the game of war. Bheeshma, scattering arrows in thousands with the utmost composure, daily killing ten thousand warriors, for ten days, is now taking rest on bed of arrows." said Sanjaya in grief.
On hering these words of Sanjaya, Dhritarashtra could not control himself.
"Sanjaya! How has Bhishma,was defeated by Sikhandi? It is nothing but wonder. How did my father, who resembled Vasava himself, fall down from his chariot? What became of my sons, O Sanjaya, when they were deprived of the mighty Bhishma who was like a celestial, and who led life of Brahmacarya for the sake of his father? I believed that his virtues, his trustwortiness, his prowess, his vigour, his valour and his truthfulness were indestructibe. What can I do now, Sanjaya, what can I do?
Sanjaya! tell me! while Sikhandi was showering arrows on Bheeshma, why none could come to his rescue. What had hapened to our eleven Akshouhini strong army?
Cannot they attack one Sikhandi?
Did Drona, krupa, Asvathaama and Salya flee away from war?
While Sikhandi was attacking Bheeshma, what had happened to my sons? Did they hide themselves in forests like cowards?
It is strange how God also is helping Pandavas who killed Bhishma for the sake of this earth.
Sanjaya! tell me in detail what had happened during these ten days of war. Who fought with whom? How Bhishma fought with Pandavas during these ten days? While advancing against the enemy troops, who followed Bhishma and who proceeded ahead? Who stayed by his side? Who proceeded with him? What brave combatants followed behind Bheeshma? Tell me in detail" asked Dhritarashtra.
Sanjaya continued to say the details of Ten days Kurukshetra war. He prayed Vedavyasa in his mind and began to tell.
"After taking leave from you, I proceeded to Kurukshetra.
Your son, surrounded by all the warriors was discussing with them about war. I stood by the side of a pillar and was hearing everything in detail.
Suyodhana told Dussaasana. "Dussaasana! We have been waiting for an opportunity to kill Pandavas in war. Our desire is going to be accomplished. Our Chief of Army is Bheeshma. We have to protect him at any cost. He is the only warrior who can vanish the entire Pandava Army. None will survive in a combat with Bheeshma except Sikhandi. So we have to see that Sikhandi shall not appear before Bheeshma." said Suyodhana.
Then the war began. With the blare of conches and the sound of drums that resembled leonine roars, with the neigh of horses, and the clatter of chariot-wheels, with the noise of elephants and the shouts, clapping of arm-pits, and cries of roaring combatants, the din caused everywhere was very great.
Bheeshma with golden palm tree on his flag, Drona with golden stage on his flag, Krupacharya with golden cow on his flag, Asvathaama with golden lion with tail on his flag, and other kings and warriors with their respective flags flying on their chariots, were proceeding for war.
Krutavarma, Jayadhradha, Bhagadatta, with their respective armies, Sakuni with his brothers and sons, Somadatta, Bhoorisrava, Baahlima, with their respective armies assembled in the war field. Sudakshina, king of Kambhoja, Bruhadbala, king of Kosala, Neela, king of Mahishmati, Susarma, king of Trigarta, Alambasa, king of Rakshasas, Saalva, Souveera, Soorasena, Yavana kings with their respective armies took positions on the war field.
The above army consists of Ten thousand Akshouhinis.
Your son, Suyodhana, with a serpant symbol on his flag, followed by the eleventh akshouhini army, was proceeding on a well decorated elephant. Dussaasana, Durmarshana, Vivimsati, Vikarna and other brothers accompanied him. The entire eleven akshouhini army reached the war field.
Bhishma addressed the chief warriors in the army.
"O great warriors! Listen to me. At the time of war, the doors of heaven will remain open always. Hither to several warriors, fought and killed in war, proceeded through those doors to heaven. You all must be ready to walk through those doors to heaven. It is a sin for a Kshatriya to remain at home and die with diseases and old age. It is a great boon for a Kshatriya warrior to die in war like a hero." said Bheeshma in a loud voice.
On hearing these words, all the warriors roared like lions "We are with you. We will fight either for victory or for heaven." and get themselves ready for war.
Then Bheeshma looked at Suyodhana and said: "Suyodhana! Can I take it for granted that Karna will never enter the war field with his sons and army till I lay down." Suyodhana confirmed that Karna will stand by his word and will never enter war. He asked Bheeshma to plan for a Vyooha.
Bheeshma arrayed the forces in the following manner. Bheeshma and Drona stood with their army facing westwards. On one side, Krupacharya, Asvathaama, and on the other side Kritavarma and Salya stood with their respective armies. On the back side stood Bahlika, Somadatta, Bhoorisrava, with their armies. In the centre, Suyodhana stood. Susarma and others stood in front of Suyodhana. In this manner, Bheeshma arrayed a vyooha.
Pandavas, with their seven akshouhini army, also entered the war field. In the fore front, Yudhishtira was proceeding on his chariot. On either side of Yudhishtira, Bheema and Arjuna were proceeding on their resective chariots. Sri Krishna was driving the chariot of Arjuna. Kapidhvaja was flying on the chariot of Arjuna. Nakula and Sahadeva accompanied Dhritarashtra. The sons of Droupadi, Prativindhya, Srutasoma, Srutakeerti, Sataneeka and Srutasena, and Soubhadra (Abhimanyu) entered the war field with their respective forces.
Drupada, king of Panchala proceeded with his elephant forces. Virata, the Matsya King, yadava King Satyaki, Chekitana, Sikhandi, also entered the war field. Sahadeva, the Magadha King, Dhrushtaketu along with his brother, Ghatotkacha, son of Bheema, accompanied by his Rakshasa army, Kings of Pandya, Kekaya, Saibya, and other kings also entered the war field with their resepctive armed forces.
In this manner, seven akshouhini army of Pandavas reached Samanta Pancakam. In the forefront of the army, stood, Dhrushtadyumna, the Chief of Army.
Yudhishtira, surrounded by the kings of Panchala, Matsya, facing eastwards, addressed the Chiefs of Seven Akshouhinis.
"O Great Warriors! If we win the war, we will grab the entire earth. Otherwise, we will attain heavenly pleasures. We must be ready for anything and everything" said Yudhishtira. All the warriors acclaimed the heroic words of Yudhishtira and blew their respective conches." said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.
"O Sanjaya! "Beholding our eleven akhouhini army arrayed in order of battle, how did Yudhishthira, make his counter-array with his forces smaller in number?"asked Dhritarashtra.
Sanjaya said thus: Looking at his forces of seven akshouhinis, Dharmaja asked Arjuna:
"Arjuna! Our forces appear to be smaller than Kouravas. Is it not?" said Yudhishtira.
"Brother Yudhishtira! once Saint Narada told me in the presence of Bheeshma and Drona thus: Even the mighty army of wicked and covetous will never win the army of virtuous, though smaller in number .
Besides that, who will dare to restrain Bheema, endued with great energy, wielding his mace.
Who can conquer our great warriors, Dhrushta-dhyumna and Sikhandi, and other Panchala Kings?
You know pretty well about the prowess of Virata and other Matsya kings.
There are Yadava Kings like Satyaki, Chemitana and others who are fighting on our behalf.
Have you forgotten our youth warriors Abhimanyu and Ghatotkacha.
Above all your virtues, your righteousness and the blessings of Lord Srikrishna will always protect us.
You do not know about you. You are capable of conquering even the celestial bodies. If you get angry,who will stand before you. Therefore, you need not worry about our army, smaller in number." said Arjuna.
"Arjuna! I am very much aroused with your heroic words. You tell Dhrushtadhyumna to plan for a Vyuha equivalent to Kouravas. Arjuna told Dhrushtadyumna about the wish of Dharmaja.
Then Dhrushtadhyumna arrayed the Troups in the following manner:
Bheema, along with Abhimanyu, Upa Pandavas, Nakula and Sahadeva stood at the forefront.
Chekitana, Satyaki, stood on the northern side and Matsya Kings, Panchala Kings, along with their forces stood on southern side. In the middle, Dharmaja stood mounting on his royal elephant. Arjuna was protecting Dharmaja. Sikhandi will always face Bheeshma. On the rear end stood Sahadeva, king of Magadha, Dhrushtaketu and others. Foot soldiers, by many hundreds of thousands and armed with swords, spears proceeded ahead.
Except infants and old, every male took part in the war. Everybody is desirous of victory." said Sanjaya to King Dhrutarashtra.
"Sanjaya! tell me whose force is mightier than the other."asked Dhritarashtra.
"O King! Each side is thinking that their force is mightier. Your son also is thinking that his forces are mightiest. In my opinion, the Pandava army, though smaller in number, is mightiest of all, as Krisha is on their side and Victory is always inherent to Sri Krishna.
Then Krishna and Arjuna blew their conches Pancajanya and Devadatta. On hearing the terrible sound of conches, the Pandava army was aroused. The Kourava army also were beating drums, and blowing cow-horns conches and the uproar made was very loud.
At this juncture, Ddharmaja kept aside his bow and arrows, put off his coat of mail, descended his chariot, proceeded on foot, with folded hands, towards the chariot of Bheeshma.
Beholding this, Pandavas, Krishna, Satyaki and other near and dear of Pandavas were very much annoyed. They also alighted their chariots and followed Dharmaja.
"What is this? Abandoning your brothers, you are proceeding on foot towards enemies. Where will you go, having removed your coat and keeping aside your bow and arrows, leaving all of us? When we are about to fight with our hostile troops, if you go like this, with whom we are to fight?"

In this manner,Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva were asking Dharmaja. Without speaking a single word, Dharmaja was proceeding towards Bheeshma and Drona.
"His Object is known to me. Having paid his respects to all his elders viz., Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Salya, and seek their blessings, he will fight. He who fights after paying respects to elders, is sure to obtain victory in the battle" said Krishna.
On hearing these words of Krishna, every body stopped there. Krishna, Arjuna, Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva only accompanied Dharmaja. Dharmaja went near the chariot of Bheeshma.
The mighty warriors in the Kourava army were looking at Dharmaja.
"Why does Dharmaja come here with fear? He could never have been born in Kshatriya community since he is weak and filled with fear. What will this King say? What will Bhishma say in reply? What will happen?" All were talking among temselves with great curiosity.
Dharmaja went near Bheeshma and bowed before him.
"O mybeloved Grand Father, Beeshma! I am very much annoyed to fight against you. I wish to meet you and take your blessings before entering the battle. Kindly permit me to fight against you." asked Dharmaja.
"O Dharmaja! You have done a good thing. Had you not come to us for blessings, I would have cursed you. Do battle and obtain victory. What else you want? Which you desire to have from us? except fighting on your behalf." asked Bheeshma.
"O my grand father, you fight on behalf of Suyodhana. But kindly do some favour to me" said Dharmaja.
"Tell me what is passing on in your mind" asked Bheeshma.
"O Grand father! How can we defeat you in battle. Tell me." asked Dharmaja.
"Even the celestials themselves cannot defeat me in battle. I do not see any person who can vanquish me in battle?"
"That is the reason why I am asking?" said Dharmaja.
"As long as I am holding bow and arrows in my hand, none can defeat me. This much I can say now. It is not the time now to tell anything more. I will fulfill your desire when you meet me later. You can go now. God bless you" said Bheeshma.
"Please permit me to meet you again. I take leave". So saying Dharmaja proceeded towards the chariot of Drona.
Accompanied by Krishna,and his brothers, Dharmaja went near Drona and saluted him. Dharmaja sought permission from Drona to fight against him and also sought his blessings.
"Dharmaja! Having Sri Krishna as your companion, you need not seek the blessings of others. There is victory where Krishna is." said Drona.
Dharmaja asked Drona to tell him ways and means to defeat him.
"As long as I hold bow and arrows and weapons in my hand, so long victory can never be yours. Whenever I abandon my arms and arrows, you can kill me. Having heard something unpleasant to me, from some one who always tells the truth, I will cast- off my arms in battle and do astrasanyasa."said Drona.
Satisfied with his reply, Dharmaja approached Krupaacharya and sought his permission for war and also blessings for victory.
"Dharmaja! My blessings will always be with you. But none can kill me in war. I am gratified with your coming" said Krupacharya.
Then Dharmaja approached King Salya and sought his blessings.
"Dharmaja! I have to fight for the sake of your enemy. In these circumstances, what help can I render you?" asked Salya.
"O King Salya! please rember the boon given to me earlier" asked Dharmaja.
"O! I remember it. It shall be accomplished. I will weaken the energy of Karna with my words and deeds during crucial times." said Salya.
While Dharmaja was seeking the blessings of elders, Krishna looked at Karna who arrived there only to observe the arrangements of war.
"Karna! It has been heard that from the hatredness of Bhishma, you will not fight in the war. Then why cannot you come and fight on our behalf till Bheeshma's fall." asked Krishna amusingly.
"Though I abstained from war for the present, I will never forget the word given to Suyodhana. That you know." retorted Karna.
Krishna smiled at Karna and accompanied Pandavas.
After walking for a distance, Yudhishtira turned back and addressed the warriors on the side of Kouravas.
"O Great warriors! I appeal to you. If any body is willing to join me, he can come over to me. I will treat him as my own brother" said Dharmaja.
On hearing those words, one Yuyutsa, along with his army, abandoned Kourava Army and requested Dharmaja to permit him to join Pandavas. Dharmaja gladly welcomed him. Yuyutsa, condemning the wicked acts of Suyodhana, joined Pandava Army.
Then Dharmaja boarded his chariot, put on his coat of mail and took out his bow and arrows and was ready for the war. All the others warriors in Pandava army took positions as directed by the ArmyChief Dhrushtadyumna." said Sanjaya to King Dhritarashtra.
(A Humble request to the readers of Maha Bharata. From this point, Bhagavad Gita begins. There are some doubts with regard to Bhagavad Gita.
The first and foremost is whether Bhavad Gita consisting of 700 Slokas is part and parcel of Maha Bharata or was it written separately by Veda Vyasa.
There are Four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Adharvanaveda. (some may say three).
In Maha Bharata, we can find the stories of several kings, celestial bodies, divine bodies, great sages and saints, Yajnas, yagas, rituals, politicsal science, moral science, and warfare as appeared in Vedas.
In Bhagavad Gita, Veda Vyasa stuffed the essence of all Upanishads in a dialogue form between Krishna and Arjuna in 18 chapters in Bheeshma Parva. Therefore Maha Bharata is called Panchama Veda. Maha Bharata consists of 18 Parvas. Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters. Maha Bharat War extended upto 18 days. .
Hence there is no doubt that Bhagavad Gita is part and parcel of Mahabharata.
Another doubt, lingering in the minds of some, is: How was it possible that Krishna told Arjuna, 700 slokas, in between two armies, while the armies on both sides were ready and eagerly waiting for war.
Here, we have to observe one thing: Whenever there was an occasion, Veda Vyasa tried to teach us moral science or some esoteric doctrines, and essence of Upanishads etc. through some character.
Narada taught Dharmaja political doctrines. Vidura taught Dhritarashtra moral science. Droupadi taught Satya Bhama the principles to be followed by a virtuous lady. Now in Bhagavad Gita Veda Vyasa taught the essence of Upanishads.
Therefore, we have to read, understand and practice the principles enunciated in Gita instead of raising such silly doubts when and where it was taught. If we are able to read, understand and practice atleast one Sloka in Gita, our life will become glorious.
Some great people entertained another doubt that there are several repetitions in Gita and a great saint like Veda Vyasa will never allow such repetitions. They found some slokas as repetitions or subsequently added (prakshiptas) and deleted them and published a new abridged Gita.
This argument also has no legs to stand.
We know our human knowledge is very very limited. We cannot understand anything when once it is taught. We require repeated learning from guru.
Lord Krishna himself said that it was a very very intricate and complicated subject and very difficult to understand. Hence there is nothing wrong in Veda Vyasa repeatedly telling the secred knowledge, time and again, so that we will understand it well.
Some humans raised another doubt that Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu Religious book and is intended to monks and ascetics.
In the preface to Bhagavad Gita by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, it is written thus:
"But owing to lack of understanding of the truth behind this subject, many persons who have only heard the name of the Gita, make this assertion that the books intended only for monks and ascetics and they refrain from placing the book for study before their children out of fear lest through knowledge of the Gita the latter renounce their hearts and homes and turn ascetics themselves. But they should consider the fact that Arjuna, who had due to infactuation, prepared himself to turn away from the duty of a Kshatriya and live on alms, being influenced by the most secret and mysterious teachings of the Gita, lived the life of a householder all his life and performed his duties, how can that very Gita produce this diametrically opposite result?
Therefore, men who desire their own welfare should give up this delusion and with utmost faith and reverence induce their children to study the Gita understanding the meaning and the underlying idea of every verse and while studying and reflecting on it themselves, should, according to the injunction of the Lord, earnestly take to spiritual practice. for obtaining this most valuable human body, it is improper to waste even a single moment of one's time in indulging in transient enjoyments, the roots of sorrow."
I thinsk this passage will dispel all our doubts.
(Besides, extracting the above passage, I have taken number of words from Bhagavad Gita (English version) while translating Bhagavad Gita portion written by Tikkana. I extend my My salutations and acknowledgements to Gita Press, Gorakhpur).
Now, Tikkana, explained Gita in nutshell. Bhagavad Gita starts from here:
BHAGAVAD GITA.
Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya thus:
"Sanjaya! Having gathered on the holy place of Kurushetra, what did my sons and sons of Pandu do?
"O King Dhritarashtra! Having seen the mighty army of Pandavas drawn up for the battle, your son Suyodhana, approached his Guru, Drona and spoke thus:
"Acharya! Drona! Behold the mighty army of Pandavas arrayed by your Sishysa, and the son of Drupada, Drushtadyumna. The army of Pandavas is strong. In his army, there are Satyaki, Drupada, Dhrushta-kethu, Chekitana, Kasi Raja, Purujittu, kuntibhoja, Saibhya, Yudhaa-manyu, Uttamouja, Abhimanyu and Upa-pandavas who are great warriors equivalent to Bhima and Arjuna. They are all eagerly waiting for combat. Pandava Army is well protected by Bheema.
In our army, the principal warriors are yourself, Bhishma, Krupacharya, Asvathaama, Salya, Vikarna, Bhoorisrava and other great warriors. They are capable of launching many Astras and Sastras and they have staked their lives for my sake in this war. Our Army, protected by Bheeshma is unconquerable. Hence you stand by the side of Bheesham and protect him" said Suyodhana.
On hearing these words, Bheeshma, to cheer up Suyodhana, roared like a lion and blew his conch. The other generals also blew their respective conches. The tumultous sound of conches, kettledrums, tabors, and trumpets blared suddenly.
Krishna blew his conch Panchajanya, Arjuna blew his conch Devadatta, Bheema blew his conch poundra, Yudhishtira blew his conch Ananta Vijaya, Nakula and Sahadeva blew their conches, Sughosha, manipushpaka and the kings of Panchala, Virata, Satyaki, Dhrushtadhumna, Sikhandi and other generals of each akshouhini blew their respective conches. Arjuna took Gandeeva into his hands and twanged his bow string. He looked at the mighty army of Kouravas.
"Krishna! I should know with whom I have to fight. Hence place my chariot between the two armies."asked Arjuna.
Accordingly, Krishna drove his chariot and staioned it in between both armies. Arjuna saw his kith and kin in both armies, his sons, grand sons, uncles, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, cousins, nephews and grand nephews, and even his friends, father-in-laws and other well wishers and could not control his deep compassion and spoke thus:
"Krishna! only at the instance of Suyodhana, this mass massacre happened. I am very much depressed on seeking my friends and relatives on both sides. My body is shivering. Gandiva slips from my hand. My legs are trembling. I cannot fight.
For whose sake I desire to acquire this earth by means of this war, for whose pleasure I am engaged in this war, those are standing before me with an intention to stake their lives in this war. They are ready to die. The royal pleasures, acquired by killing my grand fathers, uncles, sons, fathers, brothers, Gurus, Sishyas, friends, will ever satisfy me. Will my name and fame spread on all four sides? We are killing our relatives on their side. They are also killing their relatives on our side. What remains? No, I do not agree for this sinful war.
Even for the sovereignty over the fourteen worlds, how can I do this war. Krishna, let them do it. My mind is not wiling to fight with them. Without thinking about the dire consequences, with utmost greediness they are resorting to destroy their own race. This fact is known to you and to me.
Knowing fully well the wild consequences of this war, what benefit we derive by killing them mercilessly. Krishna! if the race is destroyed, the age long family traditions disappear, virtues are lost and varna sankara(intermixture of castes) will happen. The destroyers of race will go to hell. Why should I acquire such a sin?
With the greediness and covetousness for the sake of kingdom, I cannot kill my kith and kin and I do not kill" said Arjuna in a distressed mood.
Beholding Arjuna who was overwhelmed with pity, whose eyes were filled with tears and who was full of sorrow, Krishna spoke thus:
"Arjuna, now we are at war. At this crucial time, how has this infatuation overtaken you. This kind of cowardness does not befit you. This is for unwise, not for you. Raise like a hero. Drive away your cowardness. Be ready for war." said Krishna.
"Krishna! Bheeshma and Drona are fit to be worshipped not to be pained with arrows. Is it manliness to kill noble and revered souls. It is better to live on alms in this world instead of killing them in the battle and enjoying royal pleasures.
Krishna! those standing before me are no other than the sons of my paternal uncle. How can I kill them?
Krishna! all my limbs are burning. Even if I am endowed with the power of Indra, my grief will not be extinguished. I cannot fight with them. I cannot kill my relatives, friends and Gurus. Because, there will be no difference, whether we win or they win. I am very much distressed. My mind is puzzled. I am unable to decide whcih is good and which is bad. I am your deciple. I pray you to show me the way out."requested Arjuna with folded hands.
With a smiling face, Krishna replied thus:
" You grieve for those who should not be grieved and yet speak like a wise and learned but wise and learned do not sorrow over the dead or living. You are being annoyed due to your ignorance. If you are wise and aware of truth, all these griefs will vanish.
O Partha! boyhood, youth and old age are attributed only to this body. As we remove soiled clothes and wear new clothes, we leave this body when it is worn and attains another body. The wisemen do not get deluded about this. The birth and death is attributed only to this body not to Atma. Atma is eternal. You can cut this body with swords and arrows but not Atma. Atma is imperishable. Similarly, this body is not eternal.
As these are the attributes of Atma, you need not grieve for anybody. The unwise may say that Atma will perish along with the body. Some may say that the soul is capable of being killed and others may say that the soul will be killed by others. Both are ignorant. The soul neither kills others nor killed by others. Atma is indestructible. None can destroy Atma.
Purusha is none other than mine. I am Purushottama. The root cause for the plealsures or sorrows in the outside word is egoism. Therefore, shed your egoism and perform your duty consciously. Your duty is performing war. There is nothing more welcome for a man of warrior class than a righteous war. War is an open gate way to heaven. Therefore, stand up, perform your duty, and determine to fight. You have to offer the fruits of your actions to God. He who acts, offering all the fruits of his actions to God, and shaking off attachment, remains untouched by sin, as the lotus leaf by water." said Krishna to Arjuna.
Then Arjuna raised number of doubts and Krishna patiently clarified them with his teachings.
"Krishna! You have spoken, out of kindness to me, most profounding words of spiritual wisdom. With this, the delusion of mine has entirely disappeared. I desire to see your divine form possessed of wisdom, glory, energy, strength, valour and effulgence. O Krishna! if you think that it can be seen by me, reveal to me Your imperishable form." prayed Arjuna.
"Arjuna! Behold my manifold, multifarious, divine forms of various colours and shapes, in hundreds and thousands, which you have never seen before. But you cannot see me with this ordinary human vision. I bless you with divine division with which you behold my divine power of Yoga."
Having spoken thus, Krishna, the supreme Master of yoga, forthwith manifested to Arjuna his supremely glorious divine form.
Arjuna saw the Supreme Deity, with effulgence of thousand suns, infinite and full of all wonders. Arjuna, with hair erected on his body, reverentially bowed his head before the divine Lord and with joined hands spoke thus:
"O Lord! I see within your body, all Gods, different beings, divine bodies, Brahma, Siva and all sages and saints and celestial serpants. I see you endowed with numerious faces, arms, bellies, mouths, eyes and having innumerable forms, extending on all sides. I feel it a wonder. I could not see the beginning, middle or end of your divine form. Your splendour glowing all around, having the brilliance of blazing fire and sun, hard to gaze at you.
You are the rootcause for all the entire unending universe. You are all pervasive, earth and space. There is no space where you are not there. Sun and Moon are your eyes. Rudras, Adityas, Maruts, Vasuvus, great sages and saints, plenty in number, are praising you. Siddha, Saadhya, Gandharvas are amazingly looking at your magnificent divine form.
Seeing this stupendous and dreadful form of Yours, I am terror stricken. I am frightened and agitated. All the sons of Dhritarashtra along with Bheeshma, Drona, Krupa and other warriors and kings are entering Your body. Please be compassionate towards me and tell me about you" prayed Arjuna.
"O Arjuna! I am the supreme being. I am Kala, the destroyer of all worlds. I am here to destroy all these warriors. There is none here to be killed by you. Bheeshma, Drona, Krupa, and others have alrelady been killed by me. You are only instrumental in killing them and conquering them. Therefore, stand up. Fear not. Fight with your enemy." said Krishna.
On hering these words, Arjuna was trembling and bowed before Krishna with folded hands.
"O Krishna! You are Vayu, You are Varuna, You are Sun, You are Moon, and you are Agni. You are the Supreme Lord of All worlds. You are eternal, endless, omnipotent, omnipresent. Unaware of your greatness, I called you as my friend, my relative, a yadava and belittled you while playing, taking food, and either alone or in the presence of others. Kindly forgive me and all my faults as father forgives his son." prayed Arjuna.
"Having seen your wonderous form, which was never seen before, my heart is filled with joy, at the same time, my mind is tormented with fear. O Lord! be kind towards me and show me your soft divine form and make me happy." prayed Arjuna.
Accordingly Krishna appeared before Arjuna in his original form.
"O Arjuna! I have shown you, through my yogic power, this supreme, effulgent, primal and infinite cosmic form which has neverbeen seen before by anyone other than you. None can see it either through study of Vedas or rituals or austere penances. Seeing such a dreadful form of mine, dont be perturbed or perplexed. With a fearless and tranquil mind, behold once again the same four armed form of mine bearing conch, mace and lotus."
"O Lord! seeing this gentle human form of yours, I have regained my composure and my mind attained normalcy." said Arjuna.
"Arjuna, he who performs all his duties for My sake, depends on me, is devoted to me. He who has no attachments and is free from malice towards all beings, reaches me. " said Krishna.
In this manner, Krishna taught Arjuna the essence of Upanishads and dispelled all his doubts from his mind.
"Arjuna! I told you the most sacred and secret knowledge. Having known this, you can do whatever you like. I will tell one more secret. Relinquishing all your dharmas, take refuge in me with pure heart. I will absolve you of all sins. Worry not. You can tell this secret knowledge of truth to those who is endowed with austerity, devotion and willing to hear. Dont tell this to those who lacks these qualities.
Arjuna! have you heard this secret knowledge? Has your delusion originated from your ignorance been destroyed?"asked Krishna.
"O Lord Krishna! By your grace, my delusion has been dispelled and I have gained wisdom. I am free from all doubts. Having seen your mighty Visva Roopa, my mind has become strong and stable. Command me. I will do as you say." said Arjuna prostrating before Krishna.
Arjund stood up and took his Gandeeva and arrows and was ready for war with firm and stable mind." said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra! having been blessed with the divine vision by the grace of Veda Vyasa, I also heard in person this supremely esoteric conversation between Krishna and Arjuna.
Remembering also, again and again, that most wonderful form of Sri Krishna, great is my wonder and I rejoice over and over again.
O King! whereever there is Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the Lord of Yoga, and whereever there is Arjuna, the wielder of Gandiva, victory, glory,and unfailing righteousness will surely be there." said Sanjaya with greatest devotion.
Having heard all these things through Sanjaya, Dhritarashtra said:
"O Sanjaya! Narrate the incidents of war between the two mighty armies standing one against the other in Kurukshetra, in detail" asked Dhritarashtra.
Sanjaya continued to say:
"O King Dhritarashtra! At the instance of Suyodhana, Dussasana advanced with his troops, with Bheeshma at their head and the Pandavas also advanced with cheerful hearts, having Bhima at their head.
Then leonine shouts, clamorous uproars, blare of horns and the sound of drums arose in both armies.
Your sons Dussaasana, Durmukha Dushpraha, Durmarsha, Vivimsati, Vrushasena, Chitrasena, Vikarna and Purumitra surrounded Bheema.
Nakula, Sahadeva, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi, and Dhrushtadyumna rushed against your sons and showered arrows on them.
Both armies advanced against each other. The tumultous war began.
With their chariots, horses, elephants and soldiers, kouravas and Pandvas were combatting with each other. Bheeshma was going round the entire battle field and encouraging his troops. He was shining like midday sun.
Arjuna, blew his conch Devadatta and rushed against Bheeshma. Both Arjuna and Bheeshma, desirous of killing each other, were fighting.
Satyaki rushed against Kritavarma, and during their fight, the bodies of both the warriors drenched with blood.
Abhimanyu attacked King of Kosala. King of Kosala killed the charioteer and the horses of Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu broke his bow and his flag and injured him on his vital parts.
Bheeshma rushed against Bheema and both were fighting fiercely.
Nakula attacked Dussaasana. Nakula cut off the bow of Dussaasana and pierced him with many sharp arrows.
Durmukha was fighting with Sahadeva. Sahadeva cut off his sharp arrows and killed the steeds tied to the chariot and also the chariot driver.
Yudhishtira rushed against Salya. Yudhishtira broke the bow of Salya. Salta took another bow and showered arrows on Yudhishtira.
Dhrushtadyumna jumed on Drona. Drona broke his bow into three pieces. Dhrushtadyumna took out another bow and shot 14 arrows on vital parts of Drona.
Sahadeva ( king of Magadha) was fighting with Bhoorisrava. Their combat resembles the fight between Indra and Vrutraasura.
Dhrutakethu rushed against Bahlika.
Raakshasa Warrior Alambas encountered Ghatotkacha, son of Bheema.
Powerful Sikhandi rushed against Asvathaama, deeply piercing a keen edged shaft and caused him to tremble. In return, Asvathaama also pierced dreadful arrows into his heart.
Heroic Bhagadatta rushed against King Virata and showered arrows covering the sky.
King of Kekaya attacked Krupacharya and they broke the flags of each other. They got down their chariots, armed with sharp swords, fought with each other. Beholding this, Jayadhradha and King Drupada arrived there in aid of those two heroes.
Vikarna was fighting with Yudhaamanyu.
Chekitaana rushed against Susarma and pierced his entire body with his sharp arrows.
Sakuni was fighting with Prati Vindhya, son of Yudhishtira.
Bhima's son Srutasoma was fighting with Sudakshina, king of Kambhoja.
Arjuna's son Iravanta rushed against Srutaayuvu and broke his chariot. In return Srutaayuvu broke the chariot of Iravanta. Both got down their chariots and boarded other chariots and again engaged in direct combat with each other.
Vinda and Anuvinda rushed against King Kunti Bhoja and his sons and showered arrows on him.
Five Kekaya kings attacked Five Gandhara kings.
Uttara Kumara son of King Virata was attacked by Deergabaahu, brother of Suyodhana.
Sataaneeka son of Nakula was fighting with Ulooka.
In this manner both the troops were fighting with each other. Thousands of single combats took place between Warriors on chariots, Warriors on elephants and horses, and also soldiers fighting on foot. The battle became furious. Elephants were rushing against elephants, chariots against chariots, horses against horses and so on. The conflict became confused and fierce in extreme. The infuriated elephants were running of their own accord crushing the foot soldiers under their feet. The arrows were showering like rain. Dual fights with swords, maces, spears were going on. The battle field was drenched with blood everewhere.
Even if one hand is cut, the warriors were fighting with another hand. Even if one leg is cut, they are jumping on the enemy with another leg and were fighting with them. Even if the head is severed, the headless bodies are jumping on the enemy and severing their heads. Even in the faces of severed heads, the heriosm is clearly visible. Even if their elephants, horses or chariots are killed or broken, the warriors are boarding another chariot and continuing the fight. Even if they are inujured, they are rushing to the help of their friends and relaties. Even if the enemy is his friend and relative, they are fighting with them and severing their heads mercilessly.
When the chariot driver is killed, the steeds tied to the chariots are running here and there dragging the chariot. Under the wheels of those chariots, several foot soldiers were being crushed. Elephants were running and crushing the fallen soldiers under their feet.
Half of the first day battle was over. The midday sun was shining. Provoked by Suyodhana, Durmukha, Krupacharya, Kritavarma, Salya and Vivimsati, were standing on either side of Bheeshma and driving away Pandava army. Protected by those five warriors, Bhishma penetrated into Pandava army and tearing them into pieces. Kings of Chedi, Panchala, Kekaya were unable to stand before Bhishma.
Beholding severed heads, broken bows, fallen bodies, broken chariots, fleeing soldiers, Pandava warriors trembled. None was there to rush against Bhishma. The Pandava army was running and fleeing hither and thither.
At this juncture, Abhimanyu came to their rescue. He struck Salya with five arrows. He pierced the heart of Kritavarma with one arrow. He killed Durmukha with another arrow. He chased Vivimsati and broke his bow. Abhmanyu killed the steeds of Kripacharya's chariot. Then Abhimanyu jumed against Bheeshma. He shot powerful arrows into the whole body of Bheeshma.
All stopped fighting and were looking at Abhimanyu and his prowess. Bhishma also thought for a while whether that boy is Arjuna or his son. He is resembling Arjuna in all resepcts. "Oh wonderful! he is not an ordinary warrior" thought Bhishma.
Bheeshma cut the flag of Abhimanyu with three arrows and killed his Soota with another arrow. The remaining five warriors also showered arrows on Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu became furious. He cut all the arrows in the middle and gave a powerful retort.. He cut the flag of Bhishma with one arrow. Pandava army acclaimed the act of Abhimanyu. There was some confusion in Kourava army.
In the meanwhile, roaring like a lion, Bheema arrived there in aid of Abhimanyu. Bheeshma became furious. He cut the flag of Bheema. Bheema shot three arrows against Bheeshma. He shot eight arrows against Krupacharya and Kritavarma. Bheema rushed against Salya. The other warriors accompanying Salya attacked Bheema. Bheema killed their chariot drivers, steeds and broke their chariots. Satyaki, Dhrushtadyumna, Kekaya kings, Virata and his sons, Uttara Kudmara arrived there to help Bheema.
Uttara Kumara with his elephant forces, rushed against Salya. Uttara Kumara's elephant broke the chariot of Salya with its trunk and killed the steeds tied to the chariot.
Salya grew angry. Salya darted one powerful arrow called Sakti aiming at the heart of UttaraKumara. The arrow with great speed cut the coatmail of Uttara kumara and pierced into his heart. Uttara Kumara lost his senses and fell down from the elephant on ground and died.
Salya picked up a big sword and cut the trunk of that elephant and killed it. Salya jumed into the chariot of Kritavarma like a lion.
Beholding the killing of his own brother, Uttara Kumara, his brother Sankha became furious. Sankha rushed against Salya with his elephant forces. Sankha's followers fell upon Salya all at a time.
On seeing this, Bheeshma, along with some warriors, came in aid of Salya. The followers of Sankha fled away unable to attack Bheeshma.
Arjuna immediately rushed towards Bheeshma in aid of Sankha, and stood between Bheeshma and Sankha. Arjuna and Bheeshma engaged in a fierce battle.
Salya, jumped out of the chariot of Kritavarma, took his mace, and broke the chariot of Sankha. Sankha jumped out of his chariot, fled away and hid behind the chariot of Arjuna.
Bheeshma, leaving Sankha, rushed against Drupada and his army.
Like a forest consumed by fire in midsummer, the troops of Drupada were consumed by Bheeshma like fire. Bheeshma stood in the battle field like a blazing fire and like midday sun. The combatants of the Pandavas were not able to even look at Bhishma. Bheeshma was riding on his chariot in different directions, appearing himself anywhere and everywhere, like a blazing fire, destroying the enemy combatants.
After finishing Panchala Army, he rushed against Virata Army. When the troops of Pandavas were being routed out and crushed all over the battle field, the sun set and moon rose to behold the prowess of Bhishma who was born in his Vamsa. Both sides stopped war for that day. Kourava army was jubilant and the Pandavas retired from battle field with gloomy faces." said sanjaya to Dhritarashtra, the important events of first day war. Thus Vaisampaayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata.


MAHA BHARATA
BHEESHMA PARVA
FIRST CHAPTER COMPLETED.
OM TATSAT OMTATSAT OMTATSAT.
Saint Vaisampaayana continued to tell Janamejaya, the story of Mahabharata.
On hearing the good news that their troops got upperhand on the first day of war, Dhritarashtra, with delighted heart, asked Sanjaya "O Sanhaya! Tell me what had happened on that night. Tell me in detail."
Sanjaya continued to say. On that night, Dharmaja was very much distressed with their defeat on the first day of war. He along with his brothers, other friends and relaltives, went to Sri Krishna's place of stay.
"O Krishna! Have you seen that mighty warrior, Bhishma's terrible prowess. He consumed our troops like fire in the forest. The mighty warrior Bhishma of great energy is incapable of being vanquished. I foolishly thought that Bheeshma is an ordinary Maha Radha. My brothers are seriously injured. Even the Dikpalakas are no match to Bheeshma in war. We thought that Arjuna will conquer Bheeshma. But Arjuna also failed in his task. It is only Bhima that showed his prowess and used his full vigour and valour in attacking Kouravas. I cannot blame anybody. I will stop the war with immediate effect. I cannot annihilate my entire army and the kings who have come to fight on my behalf, at the hands of Bheeshma. It is better to go back to forest and consume leaves and vegetables. I will proceed as per your advise. Till now we have been achieving victories only with your blessings. Now also I am seeking your advise." prayed Yudhishtira.
"Dharmaja! at this crucial moment, why are you talking like this? Why you are undergoing this mental agony? Who will face you in the battle, tell me! Your brothers are all invincible and capable of conquering the entire universe. Sikhandi is already there ready to kill Bheeshma. You have not so far observed the prowess of Satyaki and his wonderful warfare. King Drupada, and Kring Virata, terrible warriors of this age, are ready to shed their lives for your sake. I do not understand why you are so much distressed like this. Dhrushtadyumna alone is capable of vanishing the entire Kourava army." said Sri Krishna.
Beholding Dhrushtadyumna, Dharmaja said: "Krishna suggested you to be our Army Chief. Accordingly, I made you as Army Chief for the entire seven akshohini Pandava Army. Myself, my brothers, Sri Krishna and other frineds are always with you. Command our troops with all your ability and acquire victory." said Yudhishtira.
"O Dharmanandana! I was created by Lord Brahma only to kill Drona. It is a wellknown truth. I need not tell again and again. You will see how I destroy the prominent heroes in Kuru army" said Dhrushtadyumna.
With the heroic words of Dhrushtadyumna, every body was very mugh delighted.
"Dhrushtadyumna! in the past, during Deva Danava War, Brihaspati told Devendra about Krouncha Vyooha, destructive of all our enemies. Tomorrow you array our troops in the form of Krouncha bird." said Yudhishtira.
"I will do like that" said Dhrushtadyumna.
With a lightening heart, Yudhishtira, along with his brothers and friends, left that place for their respective places of stay.
Next day morning, Dharmaja proceeded to inspect the Krouncha Vyooha.
Arjuna on his chariot, driven by Sri Krishna, with his army, formed as beak of Krouncha bird.
Kunti Bhoja, Saibya along with their army stood at the place of eyes.
Drupada was standing as crown of Krouncha.
Dasarna, Soorasena, Kiraatha kings, with their resepctive huge armies formed as neck.
Bhima, Dhrushtadyumna with their mighty army formed as wings of the bird, on either side.
Abhimanyu, Satyaki, sons of Droupadi, Poundra, Cholas, Pandyas, were standing beside Bhimasena, and Nakula, Sahadeva, Ghatoatkacha, Sambara, Vatsa kings were standing beside Dhrushtadyumna.
Kekaya and Kasi Kings, with their armies formed as waist of the bird.
Dharmaja, accompanied by Hoona King and other kings, with their armies formed as spinal of the bird.
Thus the entire Pandava army was arrayed in the shape of Krouncha Vyuha.
Beholding the Krouncha vyooha, Suyodhana addressed Bheeshma, Drona, Asvathaama, Krupacharya, Salya and Kritavarma:
"O mighty warriors! each of you is capable of slaying in battle the sons of Pandu with their troops. Even Lord Siva is not capable of standing before you in the battle. Today Pandavas arrayed Krouncha Vyooha. We have to array our troops in a better vyooha, which can beat out Krouncha Vyoha." said Suyodhana.
As per the words of King Suyodhana, Bheeshma arrayed the Kourva troops into a different vyooha.
Dussaasana, Vikarna, Vinda, Anuvinda, Soorasena, Yavana, Trigarta kings stood on one side.
Drona, Kuntala, Dasarna, Vidarbha kings, Gandhara, Sindu, Souveera kings stood on the otherside.
In between Bheeshma, along with his mighty army stood.
Thus the entire Kourava army was divided into three parts to attack Krouncha on three sides.
Behind Bheeshma, stood King Suyodhana along with his brothers, and Kritavarma, Salya, Ashmanta, Kashmir kings were standing beside him.
Thus both the troops were arrayed for the battle.
Thereupon, conches and drums and diverse kinds of horns and cymbals, were sounded at once by both troops and the noise made became a loud uproar.
The second day battle commenced. Suyodhana, waving his hand, gave signal to his troops to fight. The mighty-armed Bhishma of terrible prowess rushed into the Krouncha vyooha and tore it into pieces. He showered arrows like rain and cut the wings of Krouncha, severed its neck and broke the head. The Krouncha Vyooha was shattered at the hands of Beeshma. Bhishma was moving on his chariot in the battle field, as if he was there everewhere.
Arjuna, beholding that mighty car-warrior Bhishma, with great wrath, told Krishna:
"Proceed to the place where Bheeshma is. It is evident that this Bhishma, with wrath excited, will annihilate for Duryodhana's benefit, all our troops in no time. We have to stop him." said Arjuna.
"Arjuna! Certainly I will drive our chariot towards Bheeshma. But be careful. Dont be confused. Attack Bheeshma with all your vigour and valour. Create fear in the minds of Salya and other warriors. " said Krishna driving the chariot towards Bheeshma.
Arjuna shattered the army of Soorasena who encountered him in the middle by showering powerful arrows on them. Then Arjuna rushed impetuously against Bheeshma. Bheeshma shot 77 sharp arrows into the body of Arjuna. Then Drona with 25 arrows, Kripacharya with 500 shafts, Vikarna with three shafts, Salya with nine arrows and Suyodhana with 64 powerful sharp arrows, struck Arjuna on all parts of his body.
But Arjuna did not shake. In return Arjuna struck Beeshma with 20 arrows, Drona with 60 shafts, Kripacharya with nine powerful arrows, Vikarna and Salya each with three arrows and Duryodhana with five arrows. In the meanwhile, Satyaki, Virata, Dhrushtadyumna, sons of Droupadi, Abhimanyu gathered there. All of them, at a time, attacked the warriors in Kourava Army.
Bheeshma shot 50 sharp arrows at a time against Arjuna. Arjuna did not care for them and began to shower arrows on the Kourava army. Unable to resist them, Kourava warriors fled away. Arjuna chased them. Arjuna was killing mercilessly the warriors in kourava army, their charioteers, and the steeds tied to chariots.
At this juncture, Suyodhana went near Bheeshma: "Arjuna is killing our warriors mercilessly. You are simply keeping quiet. Is it proper? The only warrior who can attack Arjuna is Karna. Because of you, he is not fighting. Neither you fight, nor allow Karna to fight. I do not know what to do." said Suyodhana.
Bheeshma was very much annoyed with his words. Bheeshma asked his chariot driver to drive his chariot against Arjuna. Suyodhana, Vikarna, Asvaathaama were guarding Bheeshma, standing by his side. All at a time fell upon Arjuna and showered sharp arrows on Arjuna.
Dharmaja, Bhimasena, Nakula, Sahadeva rushed towards Arjuna to help him. There was a fiercest fight between Bheeshma and Arjuna. Bheeshma shot arrows aiming at the chariot driver Krishna. Those arrows pierced into the heart of Krishna and blood was flowing out. Arjuna was indignant on seeing Krishna struck with arrows.
Arjuna showered powerful arrows against Bheeshma which were cut by Bheeshma in the middle. In return, Bheeshma poured innumerable arrows on the chariot of Arjuna and his chariot disappeared for a moment. Both Bheeshma and Arjuna engaged in a dual combat fiercely. Sun rose to the middle of the sky.
In another war front, Dhrushtadyumna drove his chariot upon Drona and shot powerful arrows on him. Drona grew angry and killed the chariot driver of Dhrushtadyumna. He also killed the horses and cut the bow into two pieces. The flag of Dhrushtadyumna was cut into pieces byDrona. Both Drona and Dhrushtadyumna were shooting arrows on each other.
Dhrushtadyumna hurled his mace against Drona. Drona with his powerful arrows, cut the mace into pieces. Again Drona cut the bow of Dhrushtadyumna. Dhrushtadyumna took out another bow and shot arrows against Drona. Agan Drona with two arrows killed the chariot driver and steeds of Dhrushtadyumna and cut his bow. Dhrushtadyumna jumed down from his chariot, took out a sword and shield and fought with Drona but he could not resist Drona and his arrows.
Bhimasena came to the rescue of Dhrushtadyumna. Bhimasena shot seven shafts against Drona. Dhrushtadyumna mounted another chariot. Then Suyodhana provoked Kalinga king by waving his hand, to attack Bhimasena. King of Kalinga, along with his troops proceeded against Bhimasena.
In the mean while Drona, abandoning Dhrushtadyumna, went against King Virata and King Drupada and released powerful shafts from his bow against them.
Dharmaja came there in aid of Dhrushtadyumna. Chedi, Karoosa kings with their troops attacked Bhimasena. Ketumanta impetuously rushed against Bhimasena. Unable to resist Ketumanta's powerful darts, Pandava troops were burning like insects in fire. The rest fled away. Roaring like a lion, Ketumanta showered arrows on Bhimasena. Bhimasena in return, hurled his mace against Ketumanta. The mace broke his chariot and flag and also the head of Ketumanta. Ketumanta was consigned to the abode of yama.
Bhimasena, with a sharp sword in his hand, was moving all around, killing the enemy troops. Sakra Deva, son of the King of Kalinga, rushed against Bhimasena and killed the steeds of the chariot of Bhimasena. Sakra Deva shot powerful sharp shafts piercing the entire body of Bhimasena. The unshaken Bhimasena delivered a heavy blow with his mace on Sakra Deva's head and killed him.
Beholding the killing of his son, Kalinga King Srutaayuvu drove his chariot against Bhimasena. He shot 14 Tomaras on Bhimasena which were cut off by Bhimasena in middle. Bhanumanta, brother of King Kalinga, along with his elephant troops, attacked Bhimasena and showered arrows on him. He rushed at Bhimasena on his elephant. Bhimasena roared like a lion, caught the elephant of Bhanumanta and jumped upon it. Bhimasena cut the head of Bhanumanta with his sharp sword. He also killed the elephant of Bhanumanta.
King of Kalinga instigated his elephant troops to attack Bhimasena. At that time, Bhimasena was moving in the battle field armed with his sword. Bhimasena was cutting the trunks and tusks of elephants one by one. Having thus crushed the huge number of elephants, next killed the steeds also.
At that juncture, the charioteer of Bhimasena brought his chariot and placed before Bhimasena. Complimenting the charioteer, Bhimasena mounted on the chariot. He took his bow and shot five arrows piercing King of Kalinga. King of Kalinga fell on the chariot unconscious. Bhimasena killed his Chakra Rakshakas (warriors on either side of wheels) Satya and Satya Deva, with his sharp and powerful shafts. The troops of Kouravas fled away. The charioteer of King of Kalinga took the chariot away from the field. Bhimasena blew his conch.
On hearing the terrific sound of conch of Bhimasena, Bheeshma also blew his conch and encouraged his troops. Dhrushtadyumna, Sikhandi and Satyaki came there together and stood by the side of Bhimasena and attacked Bhishma. Bhishma, fought with all the other warriors except Sikhandi. Bhishma killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Bhimasena. Bhimasena took out his mace, got down of his chariot, and jumped on Bheeshma.
Satyaki intervened and killed the charioteer of Bheeshma. Upon his charioteer being killed, Bheeshma was taken away from the field of battle by his steeds with the speed of the wind. When that mighty car-warrior was thus taken away from the war field, Bhimasena then blazed up like a mighty fire while consuming dry grass. He took his mace and began to crush the Kourava troops. The troops of Kouravas fled away. Dhrushtadyumna picked up Bhimasena into his chariot.
Satyaki also arrived there and praised Bhimasena. "O Bhimasena! with your great prowess you have killed the King of Kalinga and his brothers and sons. " applauded Satyaki. Beholding the defeat of King of Kalinga, Salya, Kripacharya, Asvathaama rushed to that spot. Dhrushtadyumna drove his chariot against them, after dropping Bhimasena at that spot.
Then Dhrushtadyumna killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Asvathaama with ten sharp arrows. Asvsthaama mounted the chariot of Salya and launched powerful darts on Dhrushtatyumna.
In the meanwhile, Abhimanyu came there on his chariot and joined Dhrutadyumna. He launched nine darts each, upon Kripaacharya, Asvathaama. They, in turn, launched each 12 darts on Abhimanyu.
Lakshmana, son of Suyodhana, came in between and fought aganst Abhimanyu and shot number of arrows on the vital parts of Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu returned those arrows with 50 sharp shafts. Lakshmana broke the bow of Abhimanyu. Kourava troops acclaimed him. Abhimanyu picked up another bow and incessantly showered arrows on Lakshmana. He cut the coat mail of Lakshmana. Beholding this, Suyodhana turned his chariot towards Abhimanyu. In aid of Suyodhana, Bheeshma, Drona and other warriors arrived there to fight against Abhimanyu.
Incapable of being defeated in battle and equal in prowess even to Krishna himself, that hero, Abimanyu, thus surrounded by those heroes, was not agitated in the least. Then Dhananjaya, beholding Subhadra's son engaged in battle, rushed to that spot, excited with wrath, desirous of rescuing his own son.
Yudhishtira waved his hand to his troops to proceed towards Arjuna. The troops of Pandavas arrived there in aid of Arjuna. Thousands of elephants and hundreds of kings, when they came within reach of Arjuna's arrows, were all unable to make any further advance. Then a thick earthly dust, suddenly raised by foot-soldiers and steeds and chariots and cavalry troopers, covered the sky.
When all these combatants of kourava army had fled away, Arjuna and Vasudeva blew their conches, Devadatta and Pancajanya. Beholding Drona, Bheeshma said: "Acharya! Dhananjaya, accompanied by Krishna, is dealing with our troops as he alone is competent to deal with them. He is incapable of being vanquished in battle today by any means. Our troops are fleeing away from the war field. They are almost verymuch tired. The sun is setting on the west. It is better to put an end to the war for this day." said Bheeshma. Drona also agreed for this proposal.
Bheehsma gave a signal to stop the war. All the troops on both sides retired to their own places of stay.
Next day, i.e, the third day of war, Bheeshma arrayed Garuda Vyooha and commanded the troops in the following manner.
Bheeshma stood at the place of the beak of Garuda.
Drona and Kritavarma formed as eyes.
Kripacharya and Asvathaama along with their troops formed into the head of Garuda.
Trigarta Kings, Bhoorisravasa, Salya, Bhagadatta, Souveera, Jayadhradha with their respective troops formed as neck of Garuda.
Suyodhana along with his brothers stood as back of Garuda.
Vinda, Anuvinda, King of Kambhoja, Soorasena, stood at the tail end.
Kings of Magadha and kalinga formed as right wing and Kings of Karnataka and Kosala formed as left wing.
In this fashion, all the troops of Kouravas formed into Garuda vyuha and were ready for the combat.
Beholding this, Arjuna suggested Dhrushtadyumna to form Half Moon vyooha. Accordingly, Dhrushtadyumna arrayed his troops into Ardha Chandra Vyooha.
Bhimasena, along with his troops, stood at the right horn and King Virata, King Drupada, Neela, with their respective troops, stood by the side of Bhimasena.
Yudhishtrira staioned in the middle of the moon.
Dhrushtadyumna, along with Sikhandi stood in front of Yudhishtira, protecting him.
Satyaki, Nakula, Sahadeva, sons of Droupadi, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkacha, King of Kekaya, with their respective troops stood on either of Yudhishtira.
Arjuna stood at the left horn.
In this manner, the half moon vyooha was arrayed.
The sounds of trumpets, horns rose to the sky. Then commenced the battle of third day between your troops and those of Pandava troops, striking one another.
Chariots and elephants mingled in the clash of combat. Large numbers of elephants and crowds of chariots were seen everywhere, to rush towards one another for purpose of slaughter.
Arjuna with his powerful arrows released from his mighty bow, Gandeeva, was striking the chariots, chariteers, steeds, flags tied to the chriots. All your sons together attacked Arjuna from all sides. Remaining Pandavas rushed towards Arjuna to help him.
Kourava troops,under the leadership of Bhishma, and Pandava troops under the leadership of Bhima were fiercely fighting with each other.
At that time, Bhishma and Drona, and Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus and Purumitra, and Vikarna, and Sakuni broke the ranks of the Pandavas. Bhimasena and Ghatotkacha, and Satyaki, and Chekitana, and the sons of Draupadi, supported by all the kings on their side, began to grind your troops and your sons stationed in battle.
Suyodhana drove his chariot against Bhimasena. Bheeshma and Drona were by the side of Suyodhana, to help him. Arjuna drove his chariot and stood in between them and shot Suyodhana, Bheeshma and Drona with his powerful shafts. Stayaki stood by the side of Arjuna and helping him. Both these warriors were tearing off the Kourava troops into pieces.
Sakuni broke the chariot of Satyaki. Satyaki jumped into the chariot of Abhimanyu. Satyaki and Abhimanyu together struck Sakuni with powerful arrows.
Yudhishtira drove his chariot towards Bheeshma and engaged in direct combat with Bheeshma.
Suyodhana attacked Bhimasena and showered sharpedged arrows on Bhimasena. Bhimasena cut off those arrows into fragments and shot an arrow aiming at the chest of Suyodhana. Suyodhana fell down on his chariot and fainted. The charioteer of Suyodhana frightened and drove his chariot away from the war field. All the troups scattered away thinking that Suyodhana fell down and defeated.
Dhrushtadyumna began to chase the kourava troops. Bhimasena joined him in chasing the troops. Kourava army fled away. Bheeshma an Drona were confused. They were shouting "Dont run. Stop. Suyodhana is safe" and checked the troops.
Unable to attack Bhimasena, all the troops were fleeing away. Abhimanyu and Satyaki also were chasing Sakuni and his troops. Sakuni along with his relatives and troops fled away. On other front, Arjuna was slaughtering the Kourava troops.
When everybody was trembling with grief and fear, Suyodhana regained consciousness. Beholding what was happening, he rebuked his charioteer for bringing his chariot out of war field. He saw Bheeshma and Drona staioned at one point, in a helpless condition.
First he has gone round the battle field shouting that he was safe and nothing to worry. Beholding Suyodhana, all the kourava troops stopped and returned back.
Them Suyodhana went near Bheeshma and Drona: "My dear Grand Father Bheeshma! and Dronacharya! you both are capable of vanishing the entire Pandava army in no time. I do not regard it, as at all creditable, that my army should thus fly away, when you are very much alive. I do not regard that Pandavas are a match for you. But, without doubt, you are favouring Pandavas. Had you revealed this much earlier, I would have requested Karna to enter the war field and fight with Pandavas. What can I do now?" said Suyodhana.
Bheeshma smiled at Suyodhana and said: "Listen to me carefully. You know pretty well that even if Indra comes down with his entire divine army, he cannot conquer Pandavas. Still you are talking like this. We are old and half dead. How can you expect Pandavas to be defeated at our hands and at the hands of wicked. Any how, for your sake, we will fight to the extent of our power in this battle." said Bheeshma.
Then he blew his conch. The sounds of trumpets and horns rose high. Bheeshma enraged with anger. On hearing the sounds of conch of Bheeshma and other warriors, Arjuna, Krishna, Dharmaja and Bhimasena also blew their conchs. Bheeshma drove his chariot against Arjuna. All the Kourava warriors were helping Bheeshma. Bhimasena and other kings were guarding Arjuna.
Shouts, cries, alarms, like "Stop , Dont go, I am waiting for you, Kill him," are heard everywhere. Chariots are broken. Deadbodies without heads, hands and legs were scattered everywhere. The deadbodies of horses and elephants were obstructing the combatants on foot. Unable to move in the war field freely, some troops gathered into groups here and there.
Bheeshma was moving like a whirl wind in the entire war field. Bheeshma was slaughtering the Pandava army like enraged fire in forest. The Pandava warriors and their troops were frightened and they were unable to stand before Bheeshma or even look at him.
Beholding that the Pandava army was routed, Krishna asked Arjuna: "O Arjuna! I heard you saying that "I will kill all the warriors of Dhritarashtra's sons, headed by Bhishma and Drona, and all who will fight with me in battle". Why cannot you make those words of yours true. Behold Arjuna! Pandava army is being routed on all sides and the kings in Yudhishthira's army are all flying away, seeing Bhishma in battle, who looks like the Destroyer. Afflicted with fear, they are making themselves scarce like the weaker animals at sight of the lion." sai Sri krishna.
"Sri Krishna! Drive our chariot against Bheeshma. I will see his end" said Arjuna. Krishna took his chariot and stood before Bheeshma. Bheeshma showered powerful arrows on the steeds tied to chariot, and against the charioteer and Arjuna. Krishna grew wild when Bheeshma shot at him.
Arjuna broke the bow of Bheeshma with one arrow. Bheeshma picked up another bow. Arjuna broke that bow also. Bheeshma took up another bow and shot number of sharp arrows on Arjuna and Krishna. Krishna was driving the chariot of Arjuna in various wonderful directions to ward off the arrows of Bheeshma. Arjuna also shot several shafts against Bheshma and pained him. But Krishna was severely injured.
Krishna looked at Arjuna and thought: "Arjuna also was badly injured. Unable to control Bheeshma, pandava troops were fleeing away. Nobody is able to stand before Bhishma. Yudhishthira's army could not survive that slaughter. It appears that in a single day Bhishma can slaughter all the Pandava troops and fulfill the desires of Suyodhana in a single dlay.
All the Kekaya kings, Panchalas and other kings are fleeing away. Beholding this, the kourava troops are madly chasing them. It is of no use if i keep quiet. I should kill Bheeshma and save Dharmaja" thought Krishna deeply in mind.
Again Bheeshma showered numerous keen-edged arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna was unable to hold Gandeeva. On seeing this, Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Asvathaama, BhooriSravasa, Saindhava, Vikarna, all at a time, drove their chriots against Arjuna and surrounded him.
Satyaki quickly rushed to that spot along with his elephant forces, shouting loudly "Why you are fleeing away! stop there. Return back. We know much about Bheeshma. Chase him and kill him. Kill the troops of Kouravas mercilessly" so shouting Satyaki was going round the battle field.
"What Satyaki! why you are calling back those cowards. I will soon throw Bhishma down from his chariot, and Drona also in battle, with all their followers.I will destroy the entire Kourava army. I will enthrone Dharmaja for the entire earth surrounded by four seas."
Saying this, Krishna, abandoning the reins of the steeds, jumped down from the chariot, whirling with his right arm his Sudarsana Chakra, not caring for the upper cloth falling, infuriating with wrath, rushed impetuously towards Bhishma.
All the troops and warriors on both sides stunned. They all stopped fighting and staring at Krishna. Beholding this, Bheeshma, eaving his bow and arrows in the chariot, fearlessly said, "Come, Come, O Lord of the gods, I bow to you, armed with mace, sword and Saranga. O Krishna, forcibly throw me down from my chariot and killme, O Krishna, great will be my good fortune both in this world and the next. My dignity will be celebrated in the three worlds." so saying, Bheeshma, with folded hands, rushed against Krishna.
Arjuna was in a perplexed state. He quickly got down from his chariot, ran on foot after Krishna and seized him by his two hands. But Krishna was dragging Arjuna. Arjuna fell on the ground. He again rose and caught krishna and succeeded in stopping him.
"O Krishna, You are the saviour of the Pandavas, O Kesava. I swear, by my sons and brothers that I will not withdraw from the acts to which I have pledged myself. With your help and guidance, I will kill the entire Kourava army. Is it proper on your part to defame me by killing Bhishma and kouravas. Please cool down and come back." requested Arjuna.
Krishna was gratified with the words of Arjuna and returned back to the chariot and took the reins of the steeds. Arjuna mounted the chariot. Sri Krishna and Arjuna blew their conches, Panchajanya and Devadatta. The sounds of Drums, and Horns of Kourava troops rose to the sky.
Again Bheeshma, Bhoorisravasa, Salya and Suyodhana, all at a time launched the powerful arrows like Sakti, and hurled weapons like mace, tomara etc. Arjuna, with his powerful arrows, tore them into pieces. Arjuna invoked Indra Astra on Kourava troops. That mighty weapon, Indra Astra, producing profuse showers of arrows endued with the effulgence of the blazing fire, cutting off the arms, bows, and chariots, penetrated into the bodies of the kings and of the huge elephants and steeds of the Kourava troops.
Arjuna cut the bow of Bhoorishravasa. He shot nine arrows against Salya. In the meanwhile, Kings of Panchala, Virata along with their armies proceeded towards Arjuna. Kourava troops were unable to stand before Arjuna. All the Kouravas surrounded Arjuna were vanished by him. Krishna and Arjuna blew their conches.
The sun was set. Bheeshma, unable to attack Arjuna, put an end to the war for that day. All the troops returned back to their places of stay.
The Pandava troops were jubilant, acclaiming the prowess of Arjuna. In this manner, the third day was closed" said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.
Sanjaya continued to narrate the incidents of fourth day war.
"Next day, the fourth day war began. Bheeshma, supported by large number of forces, proceeded to the war field. Drona, Suyodhana, Bahlika also assembled in the battle field. Bheeshma blew his conch.
Pandavas along with their mighty army also entered the war field. Krishna and Arjuna were shining like sun and moon. They blew Panchajanya and Devadatta, their conches. The forces on both sides began to fight with each other.
With several types of weapons and arms, Tomaras, Kuntas, Kshurikas, spears, maces, Musalas, Mudgaras etc. the two armies, excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing the other, were fighting with each other. Bheeshmaa was moving every where in the battle field and was killing Pandava armyy. Suyodhana, Drona, Vivimsati, Krupacharya, Somadatta,and Salya were accompanying Bhishma.
Beholding this situation, Abhimanyu, with a single hand, attacked all those warriors. Abhimanyu cut all the arrows and weapons shot by them, in the middle. Bheeshma, leaving Abhimanyu, attacked Arjuna. Arjuna was fighting with Bheeshma fiercely. The troops on both sides, and all the people there, beheld that single combat between those two foremost of men, viz., Bhishma and Dhananjaya.
Asvathaama, Bhoorisrava, the son of Salya, Chitrasena conspired together and fell upon Abhimanyu at a time. Abhimanyu, with a smile, shot a powerful arrow towards the chest of Asvathaama. He broke the bow of the son of Salya. He also cut the bow of Suyodhana. He defeated Bhoorisravasa. With single hand, Abhimanyu was fighting with all those warriors. But nobody was able to stand before him, with life. Proudly looking at his son, Abhimanyu, Arjuna was killing the kourava army with his sharp arrows.
At this juncture, Suyodhana ordered Trigartas, Kritavarma, king of Kekaya to attack Abhimanyu, all at a time, with 35,000 car warriors. Accordingly, all of them attacked Abhimanyu. Beholding this, Dhrushtadhyumna, overtaking the chariot of Arjuna, rushed to that spot. He shot Kripacharya with three shafts, Salya with ten arrows and Kritavarma with one arrow. He killed the steeds tied to the chariots and broke their chariots.
Then the son of Salya shot Dhrushtadyumna with ten arrows and killed his chariot driver with another ten arrows. With great wrath, Dhrushtadyumna, broke the bow of the son of Salya with a spear. He hurled Nagastra. He killed the charioteer, the steeds of son of Salya and broke his chariot also.
The son of Salya jumped out of his broken chariot. He took a sword and shield and began to fight. Dhrushtadyumna took out a mace and attacked the son of Salya. With one stroke of his mace, the sword of Salya's son was broken into pieces. With the second stroke, the head of Salya's son was broken. He fell on the ground and died.
Beholding the death of his son, the wrath of Salya knew no bounds. He jumped upon Dhrushtadyumna. Salya shot wonderful shafts on Dhrushtadyumna.
On hearing all these details about the death of Kourava Warriors, Dhritarashtra was very much annoyed. "Sanjaya! It is becoming certain that Pandavas will vanquish our entire army in no time. Becuse of my son's greediness, covetousness, wickedness and adament attitude, all this is happening. I am hearing these bad news, day in and day out. How to defeat Pandavas is not known. What to do?" said Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra! This is nothing. You will hear more bad news in coming days.. I will continue. In that manner, Salya showered powerful arrows on Dhrishtadyumna. Abhimanyu attacked Salya. Suyodhana instigated his brothers, Durmukha, Dussaha, Durmarshana, Satyavrata, Chitrasena, Purumitra, Vivisati, Vikarna to attack Abhimanyu.
All of them surrounded Abhimanyu and Dhrishtadyumna. Dhrishtadyumna encountered them and gave a fitting reply with his arrows. Nakula and Sahadeva also joined Dhrishtadyumna. They began to fight with Salya. Salya showered sharp pointed arrows on all of them and chase them away.
The kings of Panchala, Matsya, standing on either side of Nakula and Sahadeva, were fighting with Salya. All of them were chasing the kourava troops. Some of our troops went to the help of Salya. By that time it was midday.
Bhimasena armed with his mace and stood before your son, Suyodhana. He challenged Suyodhana that today will be the last day for the war. All of your sons were perturbed. Suyodhana asked the King of Magadha to attack Bhimasena with his elephant forces.
Beholding the elephant forces of King Maghadha, Bhimasena smiled. He roared like a lion. On hearing that sound, some elephants' hearts were broken. Bhimasena was killing the elephants one by one, by breaking their heads with his mighty mace.. Sons of Droupadi, Abhimanyu, Nakula, Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna were standing by the side of Bhimasena and were striking the elephants with their powerful darts.
King of Maghadha drove his elephant towards Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu struck that elephant with one arrow. With another arrow, he shot King Magadha. With that shot, King of Magadha fell from his elephant and died.
On one side, Dhrishtadyumna began to kill the entire elephant forces with his powerful arrows. From the other side, Bhimasena was killing all the elephants with his mace. The tusks, trunks, legs and heads of the elephants were broken and they are rolling on the ground.
Unable to face the onslaught of Bhimasena, all the elephants began to flee away waywardly. While killing the elephants in that manner, Bhimasena was moving between the elephants like a lion. He was driving away the elephants like a shephard driving his sheep. Beholding this, Suyodhana went round the battle field, emboldening the troops and instigating them to attack Bhimasena.
All the Kourava troops rushed against Bhimasena like a ocean. But Bhimasena restrained those forces like a seashore. Dhrishtadyumna, Abhimanya, Sons of Droupadi were helping Bhimasena in slaughtering Kourava troops. Bhimasena was striking the Kouravas with his mace indiscriminately. All the Kourava troops fled away from the battle field with great fear, in order to save their lives..
Beholding this Bhishma drove his chariot against Bhimasena and showered innumerable shafts upon Bhimasena. Satyaki came in between and attacked Bhishma. The Rakshasa King, Alambas attacked Satyaki and fought with him. Alambas shot Satyaki with ten arrows. Satyaki in return shot Alambas with four arrows. Bhoorishravasa, son of Somadatta, shot nine arrows against Satyaki. In return, Satyaki struck Bhoorishravasa with number of arrows.
In the meanwhile, Suyodhana along with his brothers, arrived there to help Bhoorishravasa. All of them surrounded Satyaki. Bhimasena saw this. He showered innumerable arrows on Suyodhana and his brothers. Unable to attack Bhimasena, all the brothers of Suyodhana fled away.
Beholding the fate of his brothers, infuriated with warth, Suyodhana shot nine arrows against Bhimasena. Bhimasena jumped into his chariot and shot fifteen shafts against Suyodhana. With three arrows, he struck Nandaka, charioteer of Suyodhana. In return, Suyodhana, with 60 arrows, pained Bhimasena and his charioteer, Visoka. With another arrow, he broke the bow of Bhimasena. Bhimasena took out another bow and broke the bow of Suyodhana with one arrow. Suyodhana with another bow, shot against the chest of Bhimasena, with a powerful shaft. Bhimasena fainted and fell down.
Abhimanyu observed this. Dhrushtadyumna, sons of Droupadi and Abhimanyu, all at a time, fell upon Suyodhana. Bhimasena regained consciousness and stood up. He again charged against Kourava troops and showered innumerable arrows on Suyodhana and Salya. All the kourava troops fled away, as elephants chased by lion. At that juncture, your sons, Senapati, Sushena, Jalasandha, Sulochana, Bhimasena, Bhemaradha, Bhimabaahu, Dushpradarsha, Durmukha, Vivitsa and some others attacked Bhimasena, all at a time, and showered powerful sharp shafts on Bhimasena. Bhimasena jumped on them like a tiger on calves. Bhimasena cut the head of Senapati; killed Jalasandha with three arrows; broke the chest of Sushena; killed Bhimabahu with five sharp arrows; cut the head of Ugra; killed Bhima and Bhimaradha at a time with one shot; and killed Sulochaana with four arrows.
Beholding these killings of your sons, Kourava troops fled away with fear. Bhishma alerted his troops. "Bhimasena is massacring the sons of Dhritarashtra and kourava troops. Attack him! Dont be afraid!" Bhishma cried aloud. On hearing this alarm, Bhagadatta drove his huge elephant on Bhimasena. He showered arrows on Bhimasena as if clouds are covering the sun. For a moment, the chariot of Bhimasena disappeared behind that shower of arrows.
Abhimanyu and sons of Droupadi, with great wrath, charged against Bhagadatta and afflicted him with sharp shafts. Unable to bear that onslaught, the elephant of Bhagadatta fell upon Pandava troops, curshing the Pandava troops under its feet, hurling them with its trunk and poking them with its tusks. Several soldiers died crushing under its feet.
With a heart filled with joy, Suyodhana rushed aganst Bhimasena and shot several arrows aiming at the chest of Bhimasena, causing a great shock to him. Beholding this, Ghatotkaca came to the help of his father, Bhimasena. Sun was setting on western ghats. Ghatotkaca thought that it was a convenient time for miracle war. Ghatotkaca mounted a mighty elephant and stood infront of Kourava troops.
Everyone was in an illusion that Indra was coming on his white elephant, Airavata. Great Rakshasa warriors surrounded him as if Dikpaalakas were around Indra. Ghatotkaca drove his elephant against Suyodhana and shot most powerful sharp shafts against him.
Bhagadatta came in between. Ghatotkacha caught him by his neck and threw him away and killed his elephant. Again Kourava troops fled away. Ghatotkacha drove against Suyodhana. Beholding this Bhishma consulted Drona: "Acharya! Ghatotkacha is an expert in miracle war. He killed Bhagadatta and rushing against Suyodhana. We have to prevent him. In fact, Bhagadatta is an equivalent and capable warrior to fight against Ghatotkacha. But he was killed by Ghatotkacha. What to do?" so saying Bhishma began to shout "O Kourava soldiers! Stop.Dont flee. Suyodhana is in danger. Save him." cried aloud, waving his hand in air, calling back the troops.
Bhishma drove his chariot against Ghatotkacha. All the kourava warriors rushed against Ghatotkacha. Beholding this, Yudhishtira, his brothers, Panchala troops, Matsya troops, prominent warriors in Pandava Army, all at a time, rushed against Kourava troops.
The war took a violent turn. Bheeshma was massacring the Pandava troops. Ghatotkacha made a leonine roar. On hearing his roar, the elephants in Kourava troops fled away as if lion was charging against them. The sun was about to set. Bhishma thought that it was not convenient to fight with a demon like Ghatotkacha during night. He gave a signal to stop the war for that day. All the troops on both sides turned back to their respective places.
As a sign of victory, Pandava troops were beating trupets, blowing horns and roaring like lions, returned to their camps. Thus, the fourth day war ended" said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.
Having heard that his sons were utterly defeated on the fourth day war, Dhritarashtra was very much annoyed. "Sanjaya! you will always be telling about the victory of Pandavas and the defeat of my sons. While narrating the incidents of war, you will always be belittling my sons. What happened to Bheeshma, Drona, Salya and other warriors. Are they not fighting with Pandavas? Still Pandavas are gaining upperhand. What is the reason for the victory of Pandavas? Please tell me." asked Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra! there are no miracles with pandavas. Pandavas are virtuous and truth loving. But your sons are greedy, wicked, covetous. Endued with every kind of prosperity, and possessed of great strength, they never desist from battle, keeping their eyes on righteousness. And victory is there where righteousness is. It is for this, that the Pandavas are invincible in battle and always victorious.You have heard what Vidura said.
Not only you, your son, Suyodhana, also asked Bheeshma, the same words. I will tell you the apt reply of Bheeshma:
"Suyodhana! I told you many a time that Pandavas got the blessings and companionship of Sri Krishna. Therefore, nothing is impossible for Pandavas. There are none who knows about God, the Almighty. If anybody knows, nothing is impossible for him. Having known about Sri Krishna, and his power, Pandavas sought the refuge of Sri Krishna. But you paid a deaf year to the words of Sri Krishna.
Once, While Brahma was sitting on a mountain to the north of Manasa Sarovar, he beheld an excellent air craft, blazing with effulgence. Having ascertained everything about it by meditation, joining his hands with restrained heart, Brahman, with delighted soul, made his salutations to the highest Divine Being.
"O Lord! you are the Lord of this Unvierse. You are the glory of this universe. You are the supreme master of this universe. I was born to you. I am creating the entire universe. Under your protection, the entire univeris is flourishing. But, at present, the entire universe is trembling. Asuric tendency is increasing day by day. Time has come for your birth in Yadu vamsa. Your bosom friend is Nara. Yourself and your friend, Nara, should take birth on earth and vanquish all the asuras and daityas to lessen the burden of this earth." prayed Brahma.
Narayana blessed Brahma in affirmative. Then Nara and Narayana went away. The celestial bodies, sages and saints waiting there asked Brahma "O Brahma! who are they?" Brahma told them thus: "They are nara and Narayana. I worship them always. I requested them to take birth on earth and they agreed. Those who do not care for them, treating them as human beings, will vanish. Those who worship them with great devotion and heed and follow their words, will prosper." Then Brahma disappeared.
Suyodhana! I heard this story through Narada, Parasurama and Vyasa. On prior occasions also, sages and saints warned you not to bear grudge against Nara and Narayana. But, out of pride and arrogance, you did not heed their words. Even now it is not too late. You take refuge with Krishna and be friendly with Pandavas." said Bheeshma. Still, Suyodhana had no regard to the words of Bheeshma.
O King Dhritarashtra! Have your son ever heed the words of virtuous people. O King! Listen! I will now narrate the incidents of fifth day war.". Sanjaya continued to narrate the important events of fifth day war.
"On the fifth day, two armies on both sides approached each other for battle. Bheeshma arrayed his troops in the shape of Makara (crocodile), called Makara Vyooha.
Equivalent to that, Pandava troops were arrayed n the shape of Syena (eagle). In the Syena Vyooha, the entire Pandava army was arranged in the following manner.
At be beak of array, Bhimasena stood with his troops.
At the place of eyes, Dhrushtadyumna and Sikhandi were standing.
Satyaki with his troops formed as head of the eagle.
Arjuna stood at neck part. Virata and Drupada Kings, along with their armies, formed as left wing and Kekaya Kings with their troops formed as right wing of the eagle.
At the tail end, stood Nakula and Sahadeva, protecting Yudhishtira.
Thus Syena vyooha was formed.
On both sides, trumpets were beaten. Horns were blown. War started. Bhimasena, rushed into the Makara Vyooha, formed by Kourava troops and shattered it into pieces. Bhimasena encountered Bheeshma and showered numerous shafts on him. Bhishma cut those shafts in middle and in return shot several crueal shafts against Bhimasena.
Arjuna rushed to that spot to help Bhimasena. On one side Bhimasena and the other side Arjuna were massacring the troops of Kouravas mercilessly. Beholding this, Suyodhana approached Drona. "O Dronacharya! I thought, today, yourself and Bhishma will see the end of Pandava troops. But it is reversed. Arjuna and Bhimasena are vanquishing our troops and you are remaining as silent spectactors." asked Suyodhana.
"Suyodhana! Arjuna is a hero of great prowess. He is invincible. We are fighting with him to our might. It is not possible to conquer them in one day" said Drona.
Drona proceeded against Pandava troops. Satyaki rushed against Drona and showered innumerable arrows on Drona. Drona released many darts from his bow against Satyaki. Bhimasena turned his chariot towards Satyaki and stood by his side. Salya arrived there and stood by the side of Drona. They are shooting arrows one against the other.
In the meanwhile, sons of Droupadi, along with Abhimanyu along with their troops rushed to that spot in aid of Bhimasena. They attacked Bhishma and Drona. In between, Sikhandi, twanging his bow, jumped on Bhishma. Beholding Sikhandi, Bhsheema turned his chariot to other side. Suyodhana instigated Drona to attack Sikhandi. Drona launched several darts against Sikhandi.
The war took a violent turn. With the dust risen from the earth due to the walking and running of elephants, horses, foot soldiers and movement of chariots, covered the sky. The intestines of horses formed into heaps. The dead bodies of elephants are scattered here and there, obstructing the movement of foot soldiers. The blood was flowing into canals.
On one side Bhishma and the other side Bhimasena, standing in the front, were fighting with other..
At that time all your sons, at one time, rushed against Bhimasena. Their chariots charged against Bhimasena and surrounded him. Beholding this, Arjuna rushed to that spot and attacked your sons with his Gandeeva. Unable to resist Arjuna, all the kourava troops fled away and hid behind Bhishma.
Having observed that his troops were fleeing away, waving his hand, Suyodhana arrived there. Along with him, the kings of Kambhoja, Sindhu, Gandhara, Souveera, Trigartha, and Kalinga along with their troops, rushed there and surrounded Bhima and Arjuna.
Beholding this, Dharmaja directed Chedhi, Kaasa, KarooSa, and Pancala troops under the leadership of Dhrushtadyumna to rush to that spot. Thus the entire battle centered there.
Vinda and Anuvinda attacked King of Kasi;
Saidhava attacked Bhimasena;
Vikarna attacked Sahadeva;
Chitrasena attacked Sikhandi;
Suyodhana attacked Virata,
The kings of Trigarta attacked Nakula,
Drona attacked Chekitana and Satyaki,
Krupaacharya attacked Dhrushtadyumna,
Abhimanyu attacked Salva, and Kekaya kings;
Dhrushta ketu and Ghatotkaca attacked rest of your sons,
Yudhishtira attacked Salya.
Thus the battle became violent. The Astras and Sastras launched by several warriors were attacking with each other and flames are blazing out. Elephants dahsing against chariots are falling down; the chariots were hurled by those elephants with their trunks; foot soldiers crushed under the feet of horses and elephants; the entire battle field was filled with dead bodies.
Beholding the prowess of Bhimasena, Bheeshma shot several sharp arrows against Bhimasena. Satyaki stood by the side of Bhimasena and shot several darts against Bheeshma. Bheeshma killed the charioteer of Satyaki. The horses tied to his chriots fled away.
Not willing to fight with Satyaki who lost his chariot, Bheeshma turned to other side. Virata attacked Bheeshma and shot three arrows upon him. Bheeshma cut those arrows in between and shot ten arrows upon Virata.
Arjuna joined Virata and attacked Bheeshma. Asvathaama intervened in between. Arjuna and Bheeshma and shot six arrows upon Arjuna. Arjuna broke the bow of Asvathaama. Asvathaama picked up another bow and showered innumerable arrows on Arjuna. Both Krishna and Arjuna were severely injured with the powerful arrows of Asvathaama.
Excited with rage, Arjuna shot Asvathaama with powerful darts on his entire body. In the meanwhile, Bhimasena attacked Bheeshma. Suyodhana intervened in between Bhimasena and Bhishma and shot five powerful shafts upon Bhimasena. Bhimasena and Suyodhana were fighting with each other.
Chitrasena, Purumitra and Bheeshma stood by the side of Suyodhana. Abhimanyu attacked them and shot seven shafts on Purumitra, seven shafts on Bheeshma and ten shafts on Chitrasena. All those shafts were cut by them in between. Purumitra showered sharp pointed shafts against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu excited with wrath, shot most powerful and cruel darts against Chitrasena. He broke the bow of Chitrasena and killed the steeds.
Beholding Abhimanyu fighting with great prowess, Lakshmana, son of Suyodhana, rushed against Abhimanyu. First Abhimanyu killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Lakshmana, then killed the charioteer. Lakshmana's chariot was broken. Lakshmana launched Shakti missilee upon Abhimanyu, which was destroyed by Abhimanyu in the sky. Abhimanyu incessantly poured arrow showers on Lakshmana piercing through his entire body. Kritavarma picked up Lakshmana on his chariot and took him away. Suyodhana encouraged his troops to fight against Abhimanyu.
Bhoorishravasa, son of Somadatta rushed against Satyaki. Unable to attack the troops of Bhoorishravasa, the troops of Satyaki fled away. The sons of Satyaki attacked Bhoorishravasa and challenged him:
"O Bhoorishravasa! we are here ready to fight with you. If you are courageous, choose one amongst us and show your vigour and valour."
"I do not care even if you all come against me at one time." said Bhoorishravasa.
All the sons of Satyaki showered sharp pointed arrows on Bhoorishravasa. Bhoorishravasa broke their bows, cut their heads, and made them to roll on battle field. All the kourava troops acclaimed Bhoorishravasa with joy and roared like lions.
Beholding the mass killing of his sons, Satyaki was very much annoyed. Enraged with greatwrath, he drove his chariot on Kourava troops and killed them indiscriminately. Satyaki killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Bhoorishravasa and also killed his charioteer. Bhoorishravasa broke the chariot of Satyaki. Both of them jumped on the ground, picked up sharp swords and were fighting with each other. Bhimasena and Suyodhana picked up Satyaki and Bhoorishravasa on their respective chariots and took them away .
Arjuna incessantly showered powerful arrows on the kourava troops and massacring them indiscriminately. As the sun was about to set, Bheeshma proclaimed that the war for the day ended. All the warriors on both sides retired to their resepctive places of stay. In this manner, the fifth day war ended" said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.
Nextday morning, Arjuna asked Dhrushtadyumna to array the troops in the form of Makara Vyooha. Accordingly, Dhrushtadyumna arranged the troops as Makara (crocodile).
Arjuna, Panchala Kings stood forming as the head of Makara.
Nakula, Sahadeva along with their troops stood at the place of eyes.
Bhimasena stood in forefront as mouth.
Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi, Ghatotmacha arrayed as jaws.
Along with Satyaki, Yudhishtira stood as neck.
Along with Dhrushtadyumna, Virata along with his troops as backbone.
The Kekaya Kings stood on left side and Dhrushtaketu, King of Karoosa stood on the right side.
King Kuntibhoja, KingSataaneeka formed as Waist part and Sikhandi and Iraavanta stood at the tail end.
In this manner, Makara vyooha was formed.
Equivalent to Makara vyooha, Bheeshma arrayed Kouras troops in the shape of Krounca vyooha (standing in the shape of Krounca Bird).
At the Beak stood Bheeshma and Drona along with their troops.
Kripacharya and Asvathaama arrayed as Eyes of that bird.
Krita varma stood at the place of head.
King of Kambhoja and Bahlika formed in the shape of neck of that bird.
Suyodhana accompanied by Soorasena stood at the place of stomache.
Bhagadatta along with Souveera spread as the back of the bird.
Vinda and Anuvinda stood as the left wing whereas Susarma along with his troops stood at the right wing.
King of Yavana, Srutaayuvu, Bhoorisravasa stood at the tail end.
In this manner, both Pandavas and Kouravas arrayed their troops and were ready for war.The sounds of trumpets, horns, and all kinds of war instruments rose to the sky. While Drona was trying to rush towards the neck of Makara, Bhimasena charged towards Drona and showered powerful shafts on the troops of Drona. The troops of Drona fled away. Enraged with wrath, Drona pierced powerful shafts in the body of Bhimasena. Bhimasena killed the charioteer of Drona. Drona was fighting with Bhima while driving his chariot himself.
Bheeshma approached Drona and joined him. Unable to attack Bheeshma and Drona, the troops of Kekaya kings put a step backward. Beholding this, Bhimasena rushed into the Kourava troops and mass massacring them. Suyodhana was waving his hand and encouraging his forces to fight with Bhimasena. Likewise, Dharmaja also was waving his hand and instigating his forces to attack kourava troops. With renewed vigour, both the forces were combatting with each other." said Sanjaya, the 6th days war details, to Dhritarashtra.
" Vidura! we got number of great warriors; still Pandavas are gaining upperhand. That our army should yet be slaughtered in battle is due only to predestined fate, what can it be but the result of Destiny? Indeed Vidura had often said what was both beneficial and desirable. But my wicked son Duryodhana would not accept it. Which is ordained by the Creator must happen as ordained and cannot be otherwise." said Dhritarashtra in a philosophical mood.
"O King Dhritarashra! Your son is not a simpleton. He knows the pros and cons of war. Still he opted for war. Because you have supported the wickedness of your son on the day of dice game, this mass massacre happened. None to be blamed for this. Stop repenting for the past deeds and listen to the war details" continued Sanjaya.
"The heroic Bhimasena, having with his sharp shafts, broken the mighty array of Kouravas, then came upon all the younger brothers of Duryodhana. Beholding your sons Dussasana, Dussaha, Jana, Jayatsena, Vikarna, Chitrasena,Sudrsana, Charucitra, Suvarma, and Dushkaruna at one place, excited with rage, Bhimasena rushed against them. Beholding Bhimasena in their midst, all your sons tried to kill him, as he was alone. They all accordingly surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena alighted his chariot and aksked his charioteer to keep the chariot there itself. He took his mace and fell upon your sons. He was killing the kourava troops mercilessly. He was beating the heads of elephants with his mace; breaking the chariots; killing the horses. He was moving everywhere with his mace.
In the meanwhile, Dhrishtadyumna arrived there and found the empty chariot of Bhimasena. He was very much annoyed. He asked Visoka "What had happened to Bhimasena? Tell me?"
"He is there fighting with Kouravas with his mace. He ordered me to remain here" said Visoka.
Immediately, Dhrushtadyumna rushed towards Bhimasena. "Bhimasena! I am here. Go ahead. Show your prowess. I will kill the rest" so roaring Dhrushtadhumna rushed against the kourava troops. All your sons along with the kourava troops surrounded Dhrishtadyumna. Then Dhrushtadyumna launched a powerful Astra called "Pramohana". Under the influence of that Astra, all the kourava troops along with your sons lost consciousness. There was calm before storm. Bhimasena went near a pond and drank some fresh water. He returned back and joined Dhrushtadyumna.
In another front, Drona was fighting with King Drupada. Drupada could not withstand the powerful arrows of Drona. He slipped away. Drona was searching for Dhrushtadyumna. Then he saw that all kourava troops and your sons were under the influence of Promahana Astra. Drona immediately rushed to that spot, launched Prajna Astra as anti- dote to Pramohana Astra. All your sons and their troops regained consciousness. Again your sons, with their troops, rushed against Bhimasena and Dhrushtadyumna.
In the meanwhile, King Yudhishtira requested the five Kekaya kings, five sons of Droupadi, Abhimanyu along with Dhrishtaketu to rush towards Bhima sena and Dhrushtadyumna. Then all of them proceeded towards Bhimasena. With their help, Bhimasena was slaughtering the kourava troops mercilessly.
Drona was incessantly pouring arrow showers on Pandava troops. Drona cut the bow of Dhrushtadyumna. He took another bow which was again cut by Drona. Drona also broke his chariot. Dhrushtadyumna jumped into the chariot of Abhimanyu.
In the meanwhile, Suyodhana rushed against Bhimasena. The charioteer of Dhrushtadyumna brought another chariot. Dhrushtadyumna mounted that chariot and again began to fight with Drona.
Visoka, the charioteer of Bhimasena, brought his chariot and stationed it near Bhimasena. Bhimasena jumped into his chariot and showered innumerable arrows against Suyodhana. Suyodhana also showered arrows in retaliation. Your sons were very eager and enthusiastic to catch Bhimasena and kill him. They all surrounded Bhimasena.
Beholding this, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi, the five Kekaya kings, Dhrushtaketu, all at a time, rushed against your sons. Bhimasena joined them. All of them, desirous of vanquishing your sons and their troops, fell upon them and chased them.
While all your sons and their troops were fleeing away, Bhimasena, roaring like a lion, shouting "all of you will meet your death at my hands" chased them. Beholding this, Suyodhana instigated his troops to attack Bhimasena. By that time it was afternoon. There was a fiercest fight between Bhimasena and Suyodhana.
In another front, Vikarna and Chitrasena rushed against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, in retaliation, killed the steeds of Vikarna and shot 20 sharp arrows. Vikarna got down from his chariot and climbed the chariot of Chitrasena. Both of them fled away.
The five sons of Droupadi rushed in between Bhimasena and Suyodhana and injured Suyodhana with their powerful arrows. They shot five powerful arrows into the body of Suyodhana.
In another front, Bhishma was fighting with Arjuna. In that part of the battle field headless trunks stood up by thousands, amongst the troops, of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The field of battle resembled an ocean of blood and the dead bodies of elephants look like the islands of that ocean, and the steeds its waves.
On that day, Bhima decided to kill Suyodhana and put an end to the war. Bhimasena stood in front of Suyodhana:
"O Suyodhana! That hour has come which I have desired for so many years. The grief of Kunti and revenge of Droupadi will be dispelled by today. You paid no heed to the words of Sri Krishna. Besides that, you instigated Ulooka to speak ill of us. I will show my prowess today. Show your prowess." so saying, with great speed, Bhimasena killed the horses tied to the chariot of Suyodhana. He also killed his charioteer. Bhimasena broke the bow of Suyodhana and broke the flag flying on his chariot. By the time Suyodhana takes another bow, Bhimasena shot ten powerful shafts piercing into the body of Suyodhana. He was seriously injured and fainted. In the meanwhile, Jayadhradha rushed to that spot with his troops. Kripacharya dragged Suyodhana upon his chariot and took him away.
Abhimanyu and the five sons of Droupadi surrounded Jayadhradha. Chitrasena, Chitra, Chitraksha, Charuchitra, Sulochana, Nanda, Upananda, excited with rage, were fighting with Abhimanyu. The invincible Abhimanyu shot all of them, with five arrows each. Their bodies were drenched in blood. Vikarna, whose chariot was broken, mounted another chariot, rushed against Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu broke his bow and killed his charioteer and the steeds tied to the chariot. Abhimanyu also cut the flag.
All your sons surrounded Abhimanyu all of a sudden. All the five sons of Droupadi intervened and fought with your sons. They broke the flags of all your sons. They incessantly showered arrows on your sons. Unable to withold that onslaught, your sons fled away.
At that time, Sataaneeka, son of Nakula, along with his troops was helping the five kings of Kekaya. All of them were masssacring the Kourava troops. The sun was set. Bhishma announced that the war ended for that day. The troops on both sides retired to their respective places of stay." said Sanjaya the sixth day war details to Dhritarashtra.
Mahabharata, Bhishma 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)