Epilogue

Dear Readers,

Mahabharata, one of The Greatest Epics in the World (8 times greater than Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey put together ) tells us the story of how an ordinary brother rivalry eventually grew to become the greatest war in the history. Mythology can be complicated, but can be equally compelling and interesting.

As I recall my first steps into Mythology, I may not have come this far without my grandfather. He is an avid reader and his library is full of books of all types. He provoked the interest for mythology in me with his simple stories and narration. It is he who guided me through this incredible journey. My mother started the idea of me penning down the story I knew one fine day, more to help me improve my narrative skills. But as the journey progressed, the interest in me grew and there was more reading and listening.

The writing experience was as interesting as the story itself.  First, I get to know what is to be written from my grandfather. We discuss the story and research for additional information from various books and blogs. Then I write down the story for each chapter with all the gathered knowledge. Then I sit with my mother without whom my narration would not have been taken outside our small home. Me and my mother take a joint call on what may interest the readers and what of my writing may not. Once the construct is finalized, my mother types it into a blogpost (I have a restriction to computer usage at home. My parents encourage more paper than Word docs). The experience of blogpost conversion with my mother taught me how to write crisply, usage of new words, idioms, phrases and most importantly improve my narration skills ( I hope I fulfilled my mother’s initial reason for my writing ).

There are people to whom my thanks goes – My Parents and Grandparents for their support and love, my little sister Sanjana for her patience during my writing time, my School for all their encouragement, my Friends who are my second family and my parents’ and grandfather’s colleagues & friends for their blessing. My thanks also goes to “Google” for the uncountable references.

For all young readers, I implore you to read many books. Reading saves a lot of screen-time says my mother. But my thought, Reading gives a lot of happiness and joy.

As our ex-President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam said, “Dream Big!” I never thought I would come this far. I challenged myself that I would finish the complete story in less than 3 years, the time that Lord Ganesha took to scribe it as narrated by Ved Vyasa. I stretched, I dragged but I finally made it.

Once again, Thank you all for the continuous support & thanks for reading “My Mahabharat”.

Read “The Mahabharat I know” and send me your thoughts and feedback.

To read my thought-provoking musings and intriguing stories, check out Gautam’s Scribblings.

Chapter 37 – The End

The Pandavas returned to Hastinapur. They took the blessings of the elders at the palace. Dhritarashtra blessed each of his nephews. But he was looking for someone. Krishna, realizing Dhritarashtra’s intention pushed an iron statute before it was Bhima’s turn. Dhritarashtra hugged the statue, thinking it was Bhima , released all his anger in his embrace and crushed the statue. Not able to bear the strength of Dhritarashtra, the statue collapsed and broke into pieces. His arms started bleeding. Dhritarashtra, realized his foolishness and began to cry at his action. Krishna consoled him and mentioned it was not Bhima and just a mere statue. Relieved, he blessed Bhima. It was Gandhari’s turn. Since she knew the war was Duryodhana’s stupidity, she blessed the Pandavas. But her sons’ death did not leave the mother with no fire. When Yudhishtra bent to seek her blessings, a small fraction of her anger was released from a small gap in the cloth tied around her eyes, that charred Yudhishtra’s toe. This was only a small fraction. However she completely flared up on Krishna. She felt that Krishna was the reason for the removal of her entire clan. She cursed Krishna that the entire Yadava clan will be destroyed like hers. Krishna merely smiled. He knew that no one could defeat the Yadavas and they would fight amongst themselves to bring upon their own destruction.

Yudhishtra’s coronation ceremony was held in grandeur. After becoming the King of Hastinapur, the Pandavas went to meet their Grandsire at Kurukshetra. Bheeshma advised him on the political, social and economical strategies that can help a kingdom flourish. During the sacred period of Uttarayanam, Bheeshma breath his last.

Yudhishtra ruled the Kingdom with his able brothers and in his just rule, the kingdom prospered and happiness prevailed!

Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and Vidura set out to the forest to spend their last days by leading an ascetic life.

36 years from then, Gandhari’s curse came true and the Yadava clan destroyed themselves completely. When Krishna was resting under a tree, a hunter mistook his foot for an animal and fired an arrow. The arrow pierced its way leading to the end of the 9^th incarnation of Lord Vishnu!

Thus the Great Mahabharata happened and ended. Anyone who reads this Epic, will be blessed and have all their sins washed away.

Previous Chapter 36 – Kurukshetra, The Conclusion (Day 18)

Chapter 36 – Kurukshetra, The Conclusion (Day 18)

On the 18^th Day, Shalya was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava camp. Duryodhana, Shalya, Shakuni, his son Ulooka, Ashwattama, Kripa and Kritavarma were the only ones left in the Kaurava team. Krishna told Yudhishtra to kill Shalya because only Yudhishtra could kill Shalya who was a valiant spear-man just like him. Yudhishtra transformed his calm composure to an aggressive combatant. Meanwhile Shalya was demolishing the army. Yudhishtra met face to face with Shalya and engaged in a fierce fight. Yudhishtra released 100 arrows simultaneously and Shalya countered them all back. Yudhishtra, getting really impatient, discharged a bombardment of arrows wounding Shalya. Then, throwing away his bow, he took his favourite weapon, a spear embedded with gems and with a sharp blade. He jumped and hurled it at Shalya. It seemed like Lord Shiva hurling his Trident. The Swift spear found its mark and killed Shalya.

Meanwhile Sahadeva beheaded Ulooka with his spear. Sahadeva marched towards his next prey, Shakuni. Shakuni fell into the trap himself. He tried to injure Sahadeva by his arrows, but Sahadeva broke the bow that triggered. Spear – broken! Mace – Bye Bye! Sword – Farewell! Sahadeva roared, “Your Game of Dice Ends Now!”. He threw his axe at the vile game planner which went spinning like the Sudharshana Chakra and beheaded the sly fox.

Bhima killed hundreds with his mace. Arjuna continued his carnage and by noon, Duryodhana was isolated with neither an army nor a chariot! His army was reduced from 11 Akshauhinis to nothing. With only a mace, he hid himself inside a pond. The Pandavas followed him. Yudhishtra called him out and asked him to join them and he would be happily made one of the Kings in his empire. But Duryodhana declined, “Many great warriors had laid down their lives for me. I would never join you even in my death. If it was death that was woven for me, so be it!”. Yudhishtra then asked Duryodhana to fight any one of them with any weapon of his choice and if could win over, he would be made King. Duryodhana agreed and chose Bhima because he felt he was the only one worthy enough to fight him.

The duel started and went on for so long. Balarama had arrived from his pilgrimage and paid a visit to Kurukshetra. The greatest fight between both his disciples took place when he reached. Krishna told Arjuna that the fight looked never ending and reminded of Bhima’s vow to break Duryodhana’s thighs. Arjuna then signed Bhīma, slapping at his thighs. Bhima took the hint. When Duryodhana jumped to hit him, Bhima hit his thighs with his mace. Duryodhana dropped to the ground.

Balarama got furious when he saw the act, which was against the Dharma of Gadhayudha , where one should never hit below the hip. Balarama summoned his plough to punish Bhima. Krishna intervened and claimed that Bhima was only fulfilling his vow. Balarama left the scene disgusted with the happening. Bhima then placed his foot on Duryodhana’s head and kicked his crown. Yudhishtra asked Bhima to leave him alone since he was also their brother and they all left to their camp.

Duryodhana was left to die all alone! The hatred he had developed over his years rotted with him. But, No! the killing has not stopped yet !

After the Pandavas left, Ashwattama, Kripa and Kritavarma, the only survivors visited Duryodhana. Ashwattama could not bear to see the sight of Duryodhana and vowed to avenge his cruel death. Duryodhana appointed Ashwattama to lead the rest of them. Ashwattama strategized to kill the Pandavas when they were sleeping at night. The other two, though were reluctant initially agreed to do as said. Krishna aware of the plot shifted the Pandavas to the river-side for the night , saying that the river would cleanse them of all the sins of killing their kith and kin in the war. Satyaki too accompanied them.

Ashwattama had a sword gifted to him by Lord Shiva. That night , Ashwattama , with the sword entered the camp and killed all the sleeping soldiers and warriors , including Dhrishtadyumna and Shikandi. He then killed all of Draupadi’s sons, assuming them to be Pandavas. He then set fire to the entire Pandava camp and returned to Duryodhana. He proudly claimed to have taken the lives of the Pandavas.

Duryodhana thanked him and praised him, “You are my true friend. You have accomplished a feat that the great Bheeshma, Drona or Karna could not achieve!”, With that, he let his last breath in peace. Ashwattama left to the jungle to meditate.

The Next day, when the Pandavas returned to see only ashes left of the entire camp! When a surviving soldier briefed them of the incident, their rage was boundless. They set immediately in search of Ashwattama and found the Jewel-Headed Moron who executed the biggest massacre, seated under a tree. A fight picked up between them and

Ashwattama hurled the Brahmastra at Arjuna. Arjuna retaliated with the same Astra. Terrified, the Sage Ved Vyasa rushed to the spot and warned them that the collision will destroy the whole world! Arjuna summoned the astra back before it could cause a mass destruction. But Ashwattama had no clue how to retrieve it back and he made it worse, directed it to Uttara(Abhimanyu’s wife) womb, killing the successor of the Pandavas.

 

Krishna took away Ashwattama’s Gem and cursed him of immortality. Immortality is the greatest boon a man can ever earn, but for Ashwattama , it was a curse that he would roam the earth with blood and injuries and would search for death for relief from the pain in all Yugas! There would not have been a cruel curse ever !

 

Krishna later revived the Abhimanyu’s child with his powers who came to be known as Parikshit Maharaj who succeeded Yudhishtra to the throne of Hastinapur.

The war thus ended with very little of lives surviving. Victory came to the Pandavas not without any loss.

Previous Chapter 35 – Karna as a commander (Day 16 & 17)

Next Chapter 37 – The End

Chapter 35 – Karna as a commander (Day 16 & 17)

The 15^th Day ended on a sad note for the Kaurava camp. As they performed the rites for Drona, they decided that the only one worthy of taking the responsibility of their commander-in-chief was Karna. Duryodhana praised Karna that though Bheeshma and Drona were able commanders, they were partial to the Pandavas. He was sure that Karna would definitely uproot the Pandavas.

On the 16^th Day, Karna led the Kaurava army as decided. He arranged the warriors in Makara vyuha. The Pandavas went for the Ardha-Chandra Vyuha. Everyone were attacking from every end possible. Nakula was riding a horse with swords on both his hands, slaying the soldiers on both the sides. He looked like a hawk swooping on the soldier troops. He came face to face with Karna. The hawk looked like a chick in front of Karna. Karna advised him to flee to Arjuna or Bhima, because of his promise to Kunti to not kill any other Pandava. It was bloodshed everywhere, but no fall worth mentioning for the day and the day thus ended. That night Duryodhana firmly told Karna to do something with Arjuna who was becoming a big threat day by day. Karna assured Duryodhana that the next day would be the doomsday for Arjuna or for Karna. But Karna mentioned that he lacked an able charioteer like Krishna. Duryodhana said he would try to convince Shalya for the role. Shalya was an excellent charioteer. But when he was approached by Duryodhana, he felt insulted when he was offered such a lowly post. Duryodhana praised him that he was much superior to even Krishna. After further persuasion, Shalya agreed.

Day 17 started. Karna made Kurukshetra his home ground and thrashed the soldiers all around. Arjuna was no less and was equally wreaking havoc. Bhima equally matched the archers and was creating terror with his mace.

Dushasana got unfortunately stuck with Bhima. Oops! Bhima made a decision. It was Dushasana that day for his palate. Dhritarashtra, as he was listening to Sanjaya trembled at Dushasana’s plight. Out in the war field easily defeated Dushasana and pulled him down from his chariot. Bhima then ripped off Dushasana’s right arm, tore his chest and drank his blood reminding the whole world of Dushasana’s disgusting act of disrobing Draupadi during the game of dice. The entire battlefield stood still. Duryodhana let out a huge roar of sorrow when his most favorite brother met a horrendous death. Thus Bhima killed 99 sons of Dhritarashtra. With just one more to go, he set out for his last and final target – – Duryodhana,as per his terrorizing vow.

 

Arjuna was firm to kill Karna and charged towards him. The battle between them was one of the greatest between archers. Arjuna’s sharp arrows pierced Karna’s arrows but could not even touch him. Seeing Arjuna’s efforts going in vain, a frustrated Yudhishtra came to him and asked if he was wielding the Gandiva or just a mere twig. Arjuna’s anger completely exploded. He deployed a heavy barrage of arrows that badly injured Karna.

Meanwhile, Nakula was fighting Vrishasena, Karna’s son. Vrishasena had an upper hand. Soon Arjuna came to his aide and Karna immediately on Vrishasena’s side. Arjuna loaded a sharp arrow on his Gandiva and addressed Karna, “You killed my son. I am just returning the favor”. With his eyes red in anger, he deployed the arrow right at Vrishasena beheading him.

Karna stood shocked and his anger knew no bounds. It was the turn of Astras then. Karna’s Agneyastra versus Arjuna’s Varunastra. Then Karna’s Nagastra came into action. Shalya told him to aim at Arjuna’s chest, but Karna preferred his neck.  When Karna shot his Astra, Krishna stepped forcefully on the chariot which made the chariot sink a little into the ground. The Nagastra could only touch and fly away with Arjuna’s crown. Takshaka considering Karna useless vanished.

In an unfortunate turn of event, Karna’s chariot wheel got stuck in the ground. Karna asked Shalya to push the chariot but the latter just said, “I did not sign up for this!” and got down the chariot and went his way just like that. Karna had no other option but to himself pull the wheel out of the mud. (Refer Chapter 26 for Karna’s curse). Arjuna kept showering arrows at Karna on Krishna’s advice, badly wounding the unarmed Karna. Karna then felt it necessary to use the Brahmastra. But at the very moment forgot the mantra to summon the astra. ( Again Chapter 26 for his curse ).

Krishna knew Karna’s Dharmas were protecting him from death. So he went to the wounded warrior in the guise of a Brahmana and asked for alms. Karna had nothing to offer and asked the Brahmana what he sought. The Brahmana asked him to donate all his accumulated merits. Karna donated it with no hesitation. The Brahmana touched by the generosity of Karna even in a state of despair, decided to give him a boon. Karna asked him if he was such a great man to grant a boon. The Brahmana showed his true form in a Vishwaroopa. Karna thanked Lord Krishna for the view and prayed for a boon where in all his births, he should never ever say no to anyone under any circumstances. Krishna pleased with his ask granted the boon and returned back to Arjuna.

Krishna then instructed Arjuna to kill Karna. Though Arjuna hesitated, the thought of Abhimanyu broke his second of reluctance. He shot the Anjalika arrow at Karna, killing the brave soul.

Thus ended the life of the most unfortunately depicted character in Mahabharata – Karna , the Son of Surya, the Rightful Heir to the Kuru Throne, Eldest of the Pandavas, the Best friend of Duryodhana and the most Virtuous Soul in the epic. 

Kunti heard of Karna’s end and cried out her soul. She came running to the battlefield and spilled the beans of Karna’s birth secret to Yudhishtra. Yudhishtra’s anger knew no bounds and cursed his own mother “No woman would ever be able to keep a secret thereafter in the three worlds!! “.

The Hero was given his due credit during his cremation surrounded by his family, friends and foes. The Sun too set mourning His son’s death.

Previous Chapter 34 – A Dreadful Night (Day 14 continued & Day 15)

Next Chapter 36 – Kurukshetra, The Conclusion (Day 18)

Chapter 34 – A Dreadful Night (Day 14 continued & Day 15)

Arjuna’s oath of killing Jayadratha was fulfilled. The sun had still not set. The fight continued. Bhima had killed 25 Kauravas that day. As it was getting dark, Ghatotkacha came with his army of demons. The Kaurava army was terrified to see them as their powers multiplied in the dark. Ghatotkacha was clearly in his element. Soldiers could not even lift their spears against him. They were trembling with fear.

The sun had also set but there was no hint of withdrawal. No one could barely see each other. Duryodhana ordered everyone to carry torches. The fights continued non-stop – Satyaki with Karna, Arjuna with Drona. But the most terrifying battle took place between Duryodhana and Yudhishtra. They fought with spears where Yudhishtra had an upper hand and then with maces where obviously Duryodhana took the lead. They finally tired out and gave up. Soon the moon also appeared and the battlefield was lit up. Ghatotkacha had completely demoralized the Kaurava army. Everyone begged Karna to use his Vasava Shakti granted by Lord Indra. Karna initially hesitated as he was saving it for Arjuna. But seeing the plight of their army, he had no option but to use it. He hurled the Vasava Shakti at Ghatotkacha. The latter knew that he would be killed. As his last trick of the one-man show, he grew as big as the Mandara Mountain. He got hit by the Shakti and fell to the ground dead. His fall crushed and crumpled one full Akshauhini.

Akshauhini refers to a battalion of a large number of cavalry, infantry, horses, elephants and chariots. When the war started, the Kauravas owned 11 Akshauhinis and Pandavas had only 7.

Even his death was a disaster to the enemies! Such was the greatness of Ghatotkacha. The Death of Ghatotkacha was also one of Krishna’s master plan to avert the use of the deadly Vasava Shakti on Arjuna. The loss of Ghatotkacha was mourned deeply by the Pandavas, especially his father Bhima.

It was then time for sun rise , but the fight continued on to Day 15. Duryodhana as usual complained to Drona that he was not taking any effort to kill the Pandavas. Drona claimed that he put up a fair fight till then avoiding the Pandava death . He was willing to take extreme measures to wipe out the enemies for the sake of Duryodhana. He decided to wield a new weapon which he was not very keen on using – Unfair means. He started fighting like a mad man. He was like death paying the soldiers a visit. He even used celestial weapons like Agneyastra and Vayuastra at common soldiers. He killed Virata and Drupada.

Krishna warned the Pandavas if Drona was not killed, they might have to face the Kauravas without an army and to kill Drona, they would also have to revert to the same new weapon – Unfair means. As per Krishna’s plan, Bhima killed an elephant by name Ashwattama. He screamed “Ashwattama is dead” and made sure it was audible to Drona. Drona mistook it for his son and could not believe his ears. So he ran to Yudhishtra to know the truth. Yudhishtra was known to never utter a lie and would always adhere to Dharma.  When Drona asked him if Ashwattama was dead, Yudhishtra said, “Ashwattama is dead……” Before Yudhishtra finished his sentence, everyone blew their conch shells and that’s when Yudhishtra completed his sentence “…… Ashwattama, the elephant”. His last words got lost in the conch sound and Drona believed it to be his son’s demise.

Yudhishtra’s chariot was always four inches above the ground honoring him for his Dharma and righteousness. With this incident, his chariot touched the ground.

Drona quickly laid down his arms and started to meditate. Dhrishtadyumna seized this opportunity and beheaded Drona, bringing an end to the glorious Guru for the Kuru warriors.

When Ashwattama heard of his father’s death, he erupted like an angry volcano. He hurled his Narayana Astra to the sky without thinking for a second and with a mighty roar came thousands of weapons from the sky. Krishna told everyone to quickly unarm and dismount themselves, because the more they oppose the astra, the more deadly it would become. Bhima had to be convinced twice to give up his weapons and he also finally abided. The Astra did not harm the unarmed warriors and returned to its Master, Lord Vishnu.

Thus Day 14 & 15 ended at one shot with multiple deaths at both the ends.

Previous Chapter 33 – Arjuna’s Do or Die ( Day 14 )

Next Chapter 35 – Karna as a commander (Day 16 & 17)

 

Chapter 33 – Arjuna’s Do or Die ( Day 14 )

Arjuna after vanquishing the Shamsaptakas returned to the camp, but was greeted by silence. He sensed something was wrong. He was aware of the terrifying Vyuha by Drona and was eager to know how they managed to face it. Also, unable to spot his son enquired his brothers about him. Yudhishtra stepped forward and spoke in a stammering tone, “Your brave son…….is…….no more”. Arjuna shocked at his elder brother’s words , fell to the ground and started crying. He then gathered his senses and wanted to understand how Abhimanyu died. Yudhishtra spoke with tears, “Abhimanyu was the only one who knew how to penetrate the Chakravyuha. So I asked him to lead us inside. Once inside we had assured him that we will carry out the fight from then. But after Abhimanyu entered the outer wing, Jayadratha closed the entrance completely, utilized his boon and held us back with no way for us to enter again. Abhimanyu, though isolated fought like a true warrior single-handedly managing the scions of Kuru dynasty. However he could not fight till the end with all the six Maharatis and was killed when he was unarmed.” Hell broke loose. Arjuna blazing with anger took a vow that he would kill Jayadratha the next day before sunset or throw himself into the fire. The entire camp trembled at Arjuna’s rage.

Meanwhile, Jayadratha heard of Arjuna’s oath and a chill ran down his spine. He ran to Duryodhana and begged for their help to save his dear life. He kept jabbering that he wanted to return to his Kingdom , Sindhu to stay away from Arjuna. Duryodhana convinced Jayadratha saying that with such brave warriors on their side, he had nothing to worry about. He assured Jayadratha that the next day would be Arjuna’s doomsday. Drona also promised to create such a formidable formation the next day that it would be impossible for anyone including Arjuna to break it. So Jayadratha seemingly convinced retired to sleep only to be engulfed by dreadful nightmares.

On the 14^th Day, Arjuna suited up and pulled his Gandiva with such fury that the sound created a loud wave across all the three worlds. As he mounted his chariot, Krishna warned him that the day would not be easy for Arjuna and he would have to face with the toughest of the fights, terrifying Vyuhas and the most deadly weapons before he could touch Jayadratha. Arjuna prepared himself mentally and they marched to the battlefield.

Drona had arranged his forces in a mind-blowing complex Vyuha. There was Shakata Vyuha in the front, Padma Vyuha ( Lotus formation) in the middle and Suchi Vyuha (Needle like formation) at the back, at the end of which , Jayadratha was hidden. Satyaki was placed strategically to protect Yudhishtra while Arjuna was away. Arjuna was Yama-in-disguise that day. Wherever he went, warriors, horses and elephants lay dead. Karna fought hard, but Arjuna broke his chariot sending Karna on his heels. His arrows shattered Shalya, Shakuni, Ashwattama, Kripa and Kritavarma in no matter of time. He broke the Shakata Vyuha single-handedly.

He then reached the Padma Vyuha guarded by Drona. Arjuna and Drona could not stop each other. After a long fight, as the sun began to lean to the west , Krishna warned that no further time could be wasted there. Arjuna decided to leave his fight there and passed Drona to continue on his mission for the day. Arjuna sped in a lightning speed that no one knew when an arrow was coming towards them. Soon he made the Lotus formation wither and reached the Suchi Vyuha.

Drona had given Duryodhana an impenetrable golden armour. At the start of Suchi Vyuha, Arjuna had to fight Duryodhana face to face. Though Arjuna shot all his arrows, Duryodhana could not be knocked out. As the last hour neared, Arjuna was frustrated and aimed a perfect shot at Duryodhana’s shoulder which ripped off the armour. Duryodhana soon with another armour, shot back in action bent on protecting Jayadratha. Not that he wanted to protect his brother-in-law. It was Arjuna’s death that he dearly wanted to see. With only half an hour left, Krishna decided to step in. He hurled his Sudharshana Chakra towards the Sun creating an illusion of a sun set. Arjuna looked at the sun alarmed. He sadly ordered for his funeral pyre. Everyone in the Kaurava camp happily gathered around to witness Arjuna’s death. Jayadratha rose out of his hiding and to celebrate the victory. Krishna quickly called off his discus and threw Arjuna his Gandiva. He revealed that the sun set was a mere illusion created by him. He pointed out at Jayadratha and asked Arjuna to aim at him. Krishna asked Arjuna to behead Jayadratha and carry his head all the way to Jayadratha’s father, who was meditating on the outskirts.

Why did Krishna advise so ? When Jayadratha was born, a heavenly voice announced that Jayadratha would be killed by a famous warrior. Jayadratha’s father granted a boon to his son that “whoever drops his head to the ground, their head will break into a thousand pieces”.

Jayadratha’s head was dropped in his own father’s hands by Arjuna’s arrow who then dropped it to the ground, thereby having his head shattered as per his own boon.

Finally, it was Mission Accomplished for Arjuna.

Previous Chapter 32 – Abhimanyu, The Hero (Day 13)

Next Chapter 34 – A Dreadful Night (Day 14 continued & Day 15)

Chapter 32 – Abhimanyu, The Hero (Day 13)

Drona , furious with himself for not even able to near his own student, resolved to kill atleast one great warrior from the Pandava camp.

On the 13^th day, Drona arranged his army in Chakravyuha. The complexity of this deadly Wheel shaped defensive formation was that it was made up of multiple layers that would be constantly rotating. The formation hence would be impenetrable because if one soldier gets killed, he would be replaced by another because of the continuous rotation.

Only Arjuna, Krishna , Abhimanyu and Pradyumna(Krishna’s son) knew how to break into the Vyuha.

Here , will give a small account of King Jayadratha. (Duryodhana’s brother-in-law) . Jayadratha once tried to abduct Draupadi when the Pandavas were in exile. Bhima captured him and insulted him by shaving his head leaving about five spots of hair alone. So Jayadratha penanced and was blessed by Lord Shiva. Jayadratha requested the Lord to grant him a boon of defeating the Pandavas in a battlefield. The Lord however said that the Pandavas were too mightly to defeat them in a battle, but He gave him a boon to be able to defy the Pandavas one whole day, with Arjuna as an exception to this boon also.

Drona’s game plan for the 13^th day was totally formidable.  Arjuna was challenged by Shamsaptakas as per Drona’s plan to divert both Arjuna and Krishna from the Vyuha, leaving the Pandavas wondering how to break the Vyuha. After multiple attempts, the Pandavas were to unable to penetrate the Chakra. Yudhishtra had no choice but to request Abhimanyu to help them break inside the Vyuha. Abhimanyu agreed to penetrate with his knowledge of the Vyuha and proclaimed that his brave deeds that day would make his father and uncle proud of him. Abhimanyu also mentioned to his uncles that he only knew how to penetrate inside and had never learnt the return.

When Abhimanyu was in Subhadra’s womb, Lord Krishna narrated the art of breaking into the formidable Chakravyuha to Subhadra. The child in Subhadra’s womb listened and gained the knowledge from his uncle. Subhadra, after a particular time fell asleep and so Krishna stopped his narration. Sadly, Abhimanyu never got to hear the art of breaking out of the Vyuha hence.

Yudhishtra and the others assured Abhimanyu that they will follow him till the core of the Chakra, thereby required Abhimanyu to only create a path for them to reach the centre point. Reassured by them, Abhimanyu broke the formation with ease and style

(One had to kill a row of soldiers at one go and not giving enough time for replacement. This time would be used to enter the Vyuha. Only a skillful archer can perform this task).

Once Abhimanyu broke the first layer, he was completely isolated from his uncles and the entire army by Jayadratha. Jayadratha had decided that it was the day to use his boon. He managed to keep the Pandavas completely away from Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu was all by himself to face the entire crew of the Kaurava force. Nevertheless, nothing stopped Abhimanyu that day and he fought like a God. He looked like Death Incarnate for everyone there. The soldiers ran helter-skelter fearing Abhimanyu. Duryodhana charged at him. Drona realized that Duryodhana would not be able to confront the day’s Hero alone and ordered everyone to bring back Duryodhana. Drona was awestruck and gazed upon the talented young man’s valour which was even greater than Arjuna. Abhimanyu made Shalya unconscious with his arrows and shattered Karna’s armour. Duryodhana accused Drona (as usual) for not taking any measures in killing Abhimanyu because he had a soft spot for his favorite disciple’s son. Dushansana tried some tactics only to be left unconscious by Abhimanyu and was carried out of the field. Karna again tried attacking Abhimanyu but in vain.  Abhimanyu beheaded Lakshman, Duryodhana’s son.

Karna in despair sought Drona’s suggestion to stop the boy from further destruction. Drona told Karna that he could only think of breaking his bow and suggested Karna to do it from the back. Karna did as told and was assisted by another warrior, Kritavarma who broke Abhimanyu’s chariot , killing the horses as well. Abhimanyu deprived of his chariot and bow took his sword and shield. Drona’s arrows hit the hilt of his sword and Karna broke his shield. The young warrior picked his chariot wheel and hurled it at Drona, only to be broken by Drona’s arrows.

All the Maharatis showered arrows on Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu was not the one who would give up that easily. He took up a mace and broke Ashwattama’s chariot, making him flee. Dushasana’s son, whose chariot was destroyed by Abhimanyu wielded a mace and charged at Abhimanyu. After a raging fight, both of them collapsed to the ground. Dushasana’s son recovered first and hit Abhimanyu on his head, killing the Warrior. Abhimanyu let his last breath with a smile on his face.

The Kaurava forces including the righteous Drona, Karna, Kripa breached the code of battle ethics and cruelly brought down the son of Arjuna, an act that they would repent for the rest of their lives. In a way, Abhimanyu’s death was the complete turning point to the long lasting war.

Watch out for the upcoming chapters where Arjuna and Bhima savage the Kaurava army to avenge their son.

Previous Chapter 31 – Drona takes Charge ( Day 11 & 12 )

Next Chapter 33 – Arjuna’s Do or Die ( Day 14 )

Chapter 31 – Drona takes Charge ( Day 11 & 12 )

Drona takes charge as the Commander of the Kaurava army after Bheeshma’s fall. With Bheeshma out of the war scene, the “Son of the Sun” also made his entry into Kurukshetra.

As the 11^th Day started, Duryodhana told Drona to capture Yudhishtra and end the war. Drona was happy that Duryodhana probably made some sense. With capturing Yudhishtra, Drona thought a big bloodshed can be riveted. Then Duryodhana told his sinister plan of tricking the Pandavas for another game of dice and sending them to exile again. Drona told Duryodhana that his evil thoughts would never change. But Drona still agreed to capture Yudhishtra for the larger sake of preventing the death of all his loved ones.

Drona and Yudhishtra chose the Shakata (Cart formation) & Krauncha Vyuha respectively. Krauncha Vyuha was the most common formation in the war.

Nakula and Shalya fought furiously and Sahadeva picked Shakuni. Shalya and Shakuni were no match for the twins. Shalya fled but he came face to face with a bigger threat, Bhima. He had to finally flee with much bigger blows.

Drona almost had Yudhishtra captured as promised to Duryodhana. But an arrow came out of nowhere to save Yudhishtra. The arrow came from the Gandiva. Drona now turned his attention to Arjuna. They both fought for a long time. The day also ended.

On the 12^th Day, Arjuna was challenged by Shamsaptakas, the warriors of Trigarta. Arjuna accepted the challenge and got ready to torment them.

Meanwhile Satyajit(one of the Maharatis) was left in charge of protecting Yudhishtra. Drona charged towards Yudhishtra, but was stopped by Dhristadyumna and Satyajit. The fierce Two Vs One battle ended with the death of Satyajit. Shikandi, Satyaki and Virata’s son came to Dhrishtadyumna’s help. Virata’s son got killed and the other two tried hard to engage Drona, keeping him away from Yudhishtra. Drona however quickly was backed by Karna and Duryodhana. Soon Bhima came charging like a mad elephant. Duryodhana re-sent his elephant army to tackle Bhima. Bhima finished the army in minutes.

End of Bhagadatta:  Bhagadatta then came face to face with Bhima on his mighty elephant Supradeepam. A fierce battle took place between Bhima and the elephant which was as famous as Airavat, Lord Indra’s mount.

Arjuna, hearing the booming elephant and his roaring brother tried to come to his brother’s aide, but was repelled by the Shamsaptakas. Arjuna then used Brahmastra to finish them all immediately.

Arjuna then went to Bhima and with a shower of arrows attacked Supradeepam. One snake-like arrow finally killed Supradeepam which enraged Bhagadatta. Bhagadatta summoned the Narayana Astra, one of the most powerful astras in Hindu mythology which was under his possession. The Sky became clear and after a flash of lightning, appeared the Narayana Astra as bright as Lord Narayana Himself.

Bhagadatta hurled the Astra at Arjuna. Arjuna thought that he definitely could not fight the Narayana Astra and closed his eyes to accept his end. One should not forget, Arjuna’s charioteer was Krishna, the ultimate Strategist. Krishna rose up from the chariot and absorbed the very Astra. The powerful Astra charged only to fall as a garland around Krishna’s neck!!! Arjuna opened his eyes. He realized what had happened and asked Krishna the intent behind his action. Krishna smiled and said, “I just retrieved what was mine”.

 Coming to Bhagadatta, he actually was a very old man. So old that his eyebrows fell over his eyes. To prevent his vision being completely blocked, he always tied the eyebrows with a cloth around his temple. Arjuna thought wisely and with a well-aimed arrow, he cut off the cloth blocking Bhagadatta’s vision. Arjuna then used this opportunity and pierced Bhagadatta’s heart.

Then a fierce battle took place between Arjuna and Karna and the sight resembled two Gods fighting. The Sun also Set after the tiring day, giving our heroes some rest !

Previous Chapter 30 – Bheeshma meets his end ( Day 9 & 10 )

Next Chapter 32 – Abhimanyu, The Hero (Day 13)

Chapter 30 – Bheeshma meets his end ( Day 9 & 10 )

The 9^th day continued like the other days. Abhimanyu fought with Alambusha and broke his chariot. The latter tried to escape in a horse, but Abhimanyu killed the horse. Alambusha tried to come up with some illusions to escape , but Abhimanyu tied his hands. Alambusha ran away crying which brought out a smile from Abhimanyu. Satyaki fought with Ashwatama (Drona’s son) and got badly injured. Arjuna fought with Bheeshma with reluctance and not like the way he generally used to. Krishna got frustrated and got down with his discus to fight Bheeshma. Arjuna stopped him and promised him to fight with vigour. The duel then continued with both of them putting up a strong fight. Bhima killed couple more Kauravas. The day ended with Pandava army completely fallen prey to Bheeshma’s arrows. That night, the Pandavas gathered for a conference and decided that unless they uproot Bheeshma, Duryodhana would use him as a war machine to wipe them all out. Krishna hence devised a plan to kill Bheeshma.

The 10^th day started. The Pandavas targeted only Bheeshma and did not touch the others. The Kaurava soldiers experienced both relief and fear. Relief because they were spared and Fear because of the thought of losing Bheeshma. The Pandavas kept crossing all the hurdles created by Duryodhana to protect Bheeshma. Finally when they reached the Grandsire as per the plan, Shikandi hopped onto Arjuna’s chariot. Bheeshma, seeing Shikandi put down his bow. Shikandi was a woman in her previous birth and Bheeshma had vowed that he would not fight Shikandi. Arjuna using Shikandi as a shield, badly injured Bheeshma with his darts. Bheeshma took a sharp spear-like missile and hurled it at Arjuna. Arjuna easily broke it with his snake-like arrows. Then Bheeshma took his sword and shield and charged towards Arjuna. But Arjuna perfectly aimed his arrows and removed the sword. Bheeshma started fighting with his shield (Captain America!!). Arjuna broke it too.

Bheeshma realized that his game was done. As a rain of arrows deployed by Arjuna charged towards him, Bheeshma happily accepted the arrows that completely engulfed him and the Great Warrior fell on the battlefield. The news spread like fire in the warfield. Both the sides called for a ceasefire. Arjuna carefully made a bed of arrows for his dearest grandfather and ensured that he was laid down comfortably.

All the Warriors surrounded Bheeshma. To support Bheeshma’s hanging head, everyone ran to their camps to bring a head rest. But Arjuna quickly created support with his arrows. Bheeshma asked for water and again everyone ran to bring him water. Arjuna immediately pierced the ground with his arrow and got a fountain of the Holy Ganges spurt out of the ground to quench his thirst. 

Bheeshma warned Duryodhana of Arjuna’s valour and advised him to make peace. Duryodhana just laughed and walked away.

By the time news also reached Karna and he came to meet Bheeshma. Bheeshma called Karna closer. Karna, saddened at the sight asked Bheeshma, “Why did you always corner me and humiliate me?”. Bheeshma responded that he knew of Karna’s birth secret from sage Narada. He only wished good for Karna and wanted to drive Karna to the side of his rightful brothers. Bheeshma thought that by cornering him, he would move to the other end which is rightfully his. Bheeshma requested Karna to switch sides. It was a request Karna had to strongly refuse. He told the grandsire that his gratefulness to Duryodhana could never be compromised. Bheeshma moved by Karna’s greatness blessed him and wished him luck. Bheeshma had the boon to choose the time of his death and hence he decided to end his life during the holy period of Uttarayanam.

Thus the day ended with the fall of a legend & giving way to the next. Karna geared up for his entry into Kurukshetra.

Previous Chapter 29 – The War is still ON (Day 3, 4, & 5 )

Next Chapter 31 – Drona takes Charge ( Day 11 & 12 )

Chapter 29 – The War is still ON (Day 3 to Day 8)

Sanjaya viewed the happening from the palace through his Divine vision & narrated the incidents to Dhritarashtra every day.

The 3rd day had a rough start. The Kaurava forces started their attack in the Garuda Vyuha (Hawk formation). The hawk swooped & attacked the Pandava army but was brilliantly countered by the Ardha-Chandra Vyuha (Crescent formation) from the Pandava side. Arjuna picked up a duel with Bheeshma and Bhima with his arch-nemesis (You guessed it right), Duryodhana.

Duryodhana also took the help of his brothers to fight Bhima. Bhima then called his Rakshasa son, the beastly Ghatotkacha to his side to fight the Kauravas. They almost rooted the Kauravas. Duryodhana got further reinforcements from Bhishma to counter the Father-Son duo. Bhishma fought violently and the duo began wearing out. Quickly Arjuna came to the rescue along with Shikandi (Refer Chapter 3). But the foursome were still no match for the prowess of the Grandsire. Luckily, the sun came to the Pandavas rescue by hiding in the west. The Conch-shells were blown and rescued the Pandavas for the day from the mighty Bheeshma.

The Sun rose & Day 4 began. Different heroes today. Abhimanyu fought with five Maharathis (Maharathis are people with higher ranks in any army, well-versed with all arts of warfare) at the sametime & the opponents were spell bound by his prowess. However, Arjuna felt that the sides were not evenly matched and went to aid his son. He was followed minutes later by Dhristadyumna. All the three warriors easily disrupted the Maharathis. Abhimanyu then engaged in a fierce duel with Shalya and easily overpowered him. Meanwhile Bhima was creating havoc in the Kaurava army. Duryodhana sent his elephant brigade, headed by five of his brothers to attack Bhima. BIG Mistake! When Bhima saw the rush of elephants, he was amused by the stupid move of his cousin. He hurled his mace at the marching brigade, hitting the elephants all at one go. (For all you in the Avengers generation, the Hammer of Thor is no match to Bhima’s Mace). The felled elephants crushed the Kaurava brothers killing them immediately. Duryodhana could not believe his eyes. The giant just eliminated the huge brigade with one sweep. Raged with anger to avenge his brothers, he charged at Bhima like a mad bull. Ghatotkacha came to his father’s side & counter attacked the angry Duryodhana. The sun was about to set. Drona aware of the enormous power Ghatotkacha would wield post sun set, warned Duryodhana of the approaching danger & asked him to step back. The day thus ended. Sanjaya’s account of the day’s events also ended, leaving Dhritarashtra heart-broken at the demise of his sons. Sanjaya kept reminding the King that Truth Alone Triumphs!

The Day 5 also had warriors winning & falling. Kauravas attacked using the Makara vyuha (Crocodile formation) while the Pandavas used a Bird formation.The day went on and on till dusk and Arjuna had vanquished 25,000 warriors single-handedly by the end of the day.

 

Day 6 now. The Pandavas went for the Makara vyuha while the Kauravas arranged their army in the Krauncha Vyuha. The fight continued till sun said goodbye. All Sanjaya could view was violence, bloodshed and destruction.

Day 7 started off with the Vajra vyuha (Thunderbolt formation) from Pandavas and a complex Mandala Vyuha (Galaxy formation) from the Kauravas. Ghatotkacha met his match in Bhagadhatta, grandson of Narakasura. Both being Asuras, the clash sounded like the Big Bang. They fought a never-ending duel from Sun to Moon. Meanwhile Drona killed Virata’s another son in an ensuing battle. Bhima also ensured his daily dose of Kaurava killing. They all finally had to stop once the day ended.

On Day 8, the Kaurava army fought with Kurma Vyha (Turtle formation) and the Pandavas countered with a Sringataka Vyuha (Horned formation). Bhima started fighting with Bheeshma. Ravaan, one of Arjuna’s sons fought fiercely with Alambusha, the brother of Bakasura (Ref Chapter 15 ). Alambusha managed to break Ravaan’s bow. Then started fighting with maces. Alambusha hit Ravaan on his head and killed him. Ghatotkacha was busy counting with one hand and killing with another. Duryodhana went to him with a big army, but Ghatotkacha using his magical powers multiplied himself into 10 Ghatotkachas and cleansed the pace leaving no survival. He however spared Duryodhana as he did not want to interfere in his father’s business. Bhima had killed 16 more Kauravas that day. His golden mace ultimately turned red every day with blood of the enemies. The day thus ended.

Read on as we are approaching the days of war where history saw massive wins & deaths, bravery & defeats, strategies & tactics. After Day 8 is when the real action starts. The main characters meet their end one by one, each with interesting turn of events. Hold your Horses for some baffling stories are about to be unveiled.

Previous Chapter 28 – Kurukshetra Day 1 & 2

Next Chapter 30 – Bheeshma meets his end ( Day 9 & 10 )