The War – Day 13 (Part 1)

We are on a new chapter now. One of the most memorable battles in the war was fought on this day.

We have come across Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s born of Krishna’s sister, Subhadra. The Pandava had a couple of children born of his other wives, Draupadi and Uloopi. Of all, Abhimanyu was outstanding in all spheres of warfare and was Arjuna’s favourite. We have seen earlier how brave he has been against much senior opponents. When this war was fought, Abhimanyu was very young, probably in his twenties. He had recently married the daughter of Virata. Uttara was carrying Abhimanyu’s first child at that time.

Duryodhana complains to Drona

Drona had promised Duryodhana to capture Yudhishthira alive. He tried for two days without success. The Kaurava prince went to his teacher complaining about it. Duryodhana said. “Sir, do you wish to see us all killed? Is that why you are not capturing Yudhishthira as promised though he was within your reach on occasions? If you set your mind on something there is none among men, devils or even gods who can prevent you”.

Drona was pained to hear the words of rebuke from the prince. He said. “It is unfair that you do not see how earnestly I tried to fulfill my pledge. You seem to forget that Arjuna guided by Krishna is fighting on the other side. There is none on earth, heaven or in the world below who can beat them in straight combat. It was part of the bargain that that pair would be kept away from Yudhishthira. That has not happened. You try and achieve that. I am going to make the most formidable formation of our army tomorrow and make an all out attack on Yudhishthira. Let us see who can block me when Arjuna is occupied elsewhere”.

The Circular Formation

The Trigartha king, Susarma, was still alive burning with passion for vengeance on Arjuna. He organized thousands more of his devoted men and formed another suicide squad. He, then, challenged his sworn enemy on the thirteenth day of war.

Meanwhile Drona arranged his army, as promised, in a circular formation (Cakra Vyuha) that day (according to some version, a lotus-like formation- Padma Vyuha). Duryodhana stood at the centre. The best of among the Kauravas stood guarding all around leaving no vulnerable point for the enemy to make any thrust. Drona lead the charge against the Pandava army with such a formation advancing towards Yudhishthira.

The great Pandava warriors like Bhima, Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumna and Ghatotkacha tried their best to check its march towards their leader. The Kaurava army in the circular formation stood like a huge mountain advancing all the time. The Pandavas were at a loss to prevent its progress. The only way out for the Pandavas was, somehow, to make a breach in the Kaureava array. But, Arjuna was only one who knew how to do that and he away fighting against the Trigarthas.

Then, Yudhishthira remembered that Arjuna had taught the secret to his son, Abhimanyu. He called his young nephew aside and spoke to him. “Son, we shall all be killed unless we break into this formation of our enemy. Other than you only your father and uncle know how to do it. Unfortunately, both of them are away fighting against the Samsaptakas (suicide army). You have to help us in this difficult situation”.

Abhimanyu said. “True, that I have learnt the skill to break into this circular formation from my father. I shall gladly undertake this task. But, I did not get chance to learn how to get out of it.”
Yudhishthira said. “Do not worry. We shall all be right behind you. The moment you beak into the enemy, we shall all follow right behind you”. Bhima who was standing nearby also assured his young nephew of support.


The young lion among elephants

With that assurance, the brave Abhimanyu asked his charioteer to drive straight into the Kaurava formation. But, his charioteer cautioned him. “Prince, great is the burden placed on your young shoulders today! Remember that you are against the Acharya who has no equal in this world. All the great warriors like his son, Karna, Salya and Kripa are solidly behind him. Look at their army that is fast approaching like a formidable ocean ready to swallow anything that comes in its way. Think before you rush into it”.

But, Abhimanyu ignored the warning. He said. “I am the son of Arjuna and nephew of Krishna. I do not fear fighting even against them”.

The Kaurava army found, to its amazement, the chariot of Abhianyu driving into their array in the next moment. The unthinkable breach was made by the young Pandava in the Kaurava army. He destroyed all those who stood in his way. Then, his chariot disappeared in the vast army of the Kauravas.

Jayadratha’s Feat

The veteran Pandavas like Bhima, Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki were right behind him. But, before they could follow young Abhimanyu through the array of soldiers Jayadratha blocked their path.

It was said that the Sindhu king was greatly demoralized after losing Draupadi to Arjuna in the Swayamvara. He took to great penance on Siva for a long time. The Lord appeared at the end and offered a boon of his choice. Jayadratha wanted revenge on the Pandavas. He said. “Lord, I must be able to defeat all the Pandavas all alone in battle”.

Lord Siva said. “You shall win over all except Arjuna”.

The boon from the Lord worked this time. Jayadratha succeeded in blocking the entire Pandava army lead by the like of Bhima. As he engaged the Pandavas, Drona succeeded in patching up the breach that Abhimanyu made in his array.
(To be continued)