The War – Day 8

The Battle Formations

Bhishma arranged his army like an ocean surging high with mighty waves. Yudhishthira noticed the unusual formation of the Kaurava army and consulted Dhrishtadyumna on the most effective way to counter that. The Panchala prince chose one resembling a mountain with two peaks. Bhima stood at one peak and Satyaki stood at the other. Arjuna guarded what would be the navel and at the heart stood Yudhishthira. Abhimanyu, Virata, Ghatotkacha and the sons of Draupadi filled other vital positions of the formation. Then, the two armies marched against each other.

Bhima against Bhishma

The grandsire was in a terrible form that day. He started destroying the Panchala contingent of the Pandava army in large numbers. None of the Pandava princes who were nearby dared to face Bhishma in that form- except for Bhimasena. The Pandava gave a tough fight to Bhishma.

Duryodhana observed that and sent eight of his brothers to support the commander of his army. Without bothering about who else stood against him, Bhima continued his attack on Bhishma. He managed to kill the charioteer of the grandsire with the result that the horses ran amok carrying the him with them. Bhima used that occasion to kill all the eight sons of Dhritarashtra who opposed him, one by one. The morning session ended in that fashion.

Duryodhana with Bhishma

The death of more of his brothers saddened Duryodhana to a great deal. He complained to Bhishma that the grandsire was being partial to the Pandavas. Bhishma was in great pain hearing the stinging words from the Kaurava. He reminded Duryodhana of the wise counsel given to him by himself, Drona and Vidura on several occasions. He also pointed out how invincible the Pandavas were even by the gods. Yet, Bhishma promised, that he would do his best.

Dhritarashtra with Sanjaya

Elsewhere, Dhritarashtra was listening to the current events of the war from his minister, Sanjaya. The blind king also lamented the loss of his sons. Sanjaya, too, reminded his king that he chose not to listen to the advices from all the wise men against a war with the Pandavas. Sanjaya, then, continued reporting the war as was happening in the afternoon.

The Pandavas were fighting a pitched battle against Bhishma . Duryodhana sent all his great warriors to support Bhishma on the two sides. Then, The Pandavas split their attack into three prongs. The middle, comprising the four young Pandavas continued their attack on Bhishma. The others faced the Kaurava army from the left and right sides

The Great Iravan

Iravan, the brave son of Arjuna fought with a vengeance that day. He faced the six brothers of Sakuni( the princes of Gandhara) who made a combined attack against him. Iravan was not bothered that he was outnumbered by the attackers. He fought bravely and killed all the six Gandhara princes one by one.

Duryodhana was greatly angered by the news. He sent the demon Alambusha against Iravan. The two fought fiercely against each other for a while. Then, Alambusha started employing his magic by creating the illusion that thousands of demons had surrounded the Naga prince. Iravan soon got totally confused. Alambusha used the opportunity to chop off the head of the Naga with his sword.

The Pandava forces were in turmoil after their great warrior was killed.

(The eighth day of war to be continued)