The War – Day 9

Duryodhana conspires with friends

The Kauravas met with consecutive defeats in the first eight days of war. Duryodhana felt dejected. He had the best of warriors like Bhishma and Drona. His army was far too mightier compared with what the Pandavas had. He could not understand why he could not annihilate the entire Pandava army by then. The Kaurava prince opened his heart to his friend, Karna, uncle Sakuni and brother Dussasana.

Karna spoke to cheer up his dear friend. “Do not lose heart, O! the best of Bharatas. Let Bhishma retire from the commandership. Then, I shall defeat and kill all the Pandavas and defeat their entire forces.

Duryodhana thought that it was a great idea. He immediate ordered a chariot to be made ready for his journey to meet the grandsire.

Duryodhana with Bhishma

The Kaurava prince went straight to meet his grand father. Bhishma was taking rest after the day’s war that wore down his aged limbs. Duryodhana bowed before the grandsire and spoke. “Sir, we have depended entirely on you for victory in this war. We have enough resources even to defeat all the gods, let alone the trivial force of the Pandavas. I ask for only one thing from you. Please kill the five Pandava brothers. I shall take care of the rest”. Both Duryodhana and Bhishma knew that that was something the grandsire would never do. It was a subtle message to Bhishma to leave the stage for others.

Duryodhana’s words hurt Bhishma like poisonous arrows. He was also greatly angered. The grandsire kept quiet for a while. Then he spoke. “Why do you torment me like this? I have been trying my best, in spite of my age, even being ready to sacrifice my life. You sounded as though winning over the Pandavas is that easy. One single example of Arjuna winning the Gandiva bow and succeeding to burn down the entire Khandava forest even by defeating Indra is enough to counter that argument. Where was your valour when the Gandharva tied you and your brothers up and it took the power of the Pandavas to let you free? What about the misadventure in the land of Virata when Arjuna, single handedly, defeated us all? Now, with Krishna to guide them in the war do you think you can win over them that easily?”

Bhishma kept quiet for a while and continued. “Yet, I shall fight till my end for your sake. But, remember my words. I shall not kill the Pandavas nor fight against Sikhandi. You will have to do that. I shall do the rest”

Duryodhana was pleased with the assurance. He went back and asked Dussasana, “make sure that all of us protect the grandsire. Do not let the Pandavas or Sikhandi near him at any time. Then, victory is certain to be ours”.

The Kauravas deployed their army in a “perfect in all respect (Sarvatobhadram)” formation. The Pandavas got into an appropriate counter arrangement.

Bad Omen

It is said that several bad omen appeared when the war started that day. A large number of birds flew overhead making fearful noises. The sun rose in the east, but, without the usual brightness. The wind blew fiercely. Jackals howled in great numbers. Comets appeared in the eastern sky. There was fear everywhere that great calamity was at store.

Abhimanyu’s Valour

The son of Arjuna started the attack on the ninth day. He drove his chariot straight into the Kaurava army and started killing the enemy in large numbers. No one dared to check the onslaught of the young Pandava. Even the great warriors like Drona and Kripa were confused wondering how to hold this brave Pandava prince who fought so brilliantly leaving no gaps in his own defenses for a counter attack. The Kaurava army started to flee in all directions letting out cries of agony and fear.

Duryodhana was worried. He approached Alambusha saying that he alone could face the formidable Pandava prince and restore the order in the Kaurava ranks. The demon was greatly pleased with the prospect of a good fight and let out a cry by way of challenge. Abhimanyu was amused and was happy that he was going to have a worthy opponent. He was ready with his bow and arrows to welcome the demon. But, the Pandavas did not want to risk the life of the young prince against the might demon. The five Panchala princes arrived on the scene to guard Abhimanyu all around. Alambusha, soon, broke into the defenses placed by the Panchalas and reached Abhimanyu for a straight duel. Abhimanyu was waiting for his opportunity to show his skill. He sent sharp arrows in quick succession aimed at the mighty demon. Alambusha, soon, realized that the he fared no chance against his young opponent in a straight combat. So, he made use of his secret weapons that created illusion (Maya). Abhimanyu was confused for a short while, but, soon discovered the trick of the demon. He had learnt appropriate weapons to counter those that made illusion. The demon was soon exposed and found himself facing the valiant son of Arjuna in straight combat. A large number of arrows sent from the bow of Abhimanyu pierced into the chest of the demon. Alambusha could stand the young hero any more and he took flight, thereby creating further despair in the Kaurava army.

(The ninth day’s war to continue in the next episode)