To punishment the avenger

One of the Pandava charioteers had somehow escaped from the total massacre by Aswatthama. He reported the matter the same night to Yudhishthira who was sleeping by the river side.

All the Pandavas were grief stricken hearing the death of their children and of their kinsmen. Yudhishthira called Nakula aside and said. “I cannot even imagine how our dear wife, the daughter of the Panchala king and the mother of our children would take this. You must go immediately and get her here.” Accordingly, the young Pandava brought Draupadi where they had encamped at night.

Yudhishthira did not go wrong in guessing the condition in which his dear wife was. Draupadi got into a state of shock when she heard the death of her innocent children and brothers at the hands of a reckless enemy committing a heinous act by way of revenge. The good lady collapsed on the bare floor as soon as she reached the place.

When she opened her eyes she looked at Yudhishthira and spoke hurting words. “It is fortunate, my dear husband, that you would enjoy ruling over the whole empire, even though we have lost all our children”. Then she declared. “If someone does not immediately punish the sinner, Aswatthama, I am going to fast until death right from this moment”.

Yudhishthira tried to pacify his wife with the words, “console yourself that your children have reached heaven and attained immortality”. But, that was not what the princess of Panchala wanted to hear. So, she turned to Bhima. “You were the one who came to my rescue whenever I was in trouble. Please find the son of Drona who has committed this outrage against our children and destroy him without delay”.

That was enough to launch Bhima hastily on the quick pursuit of the hot headed enemy.

Krishna worried

Krishna was not around at that time. When he came to know what happened he spoke to Yudhishthira. “How could you let Bhima run after so dangerous an enemy? Don’t you remember that our Acharya had given the all destructive arrow, the Brahma Astra to his son? Bhima will be totally helpless against such a powerful enemy”.

Krishna continued recalling a past incident. The Pandavas and Kauravas had completed their training under Drona. The Acharya had developed a special regard to Arjuna because of his unique qualities which included the total control oh his emotions. So, Drona called Arjuna one day and gave him the secret of the all-powerful weapon, the Brahmastra. He said that he was confident that the weapon would be safe in the hands of his accomplished pupil.

The Acharya was not that sure of his own son who, he knew, was highly temperamental and prone to act rashly under circumstances. So, Drona had kept the secret of Brhmastra away from him.

But, Aswatthama became touchy about it, thinking that he was entitled for something that his father possessed, especially if that was given to Arjuna. So, he started complaining about it to his father. The Acharya, finally, had to yield, but after giving him a stiff warning. “Son, you must refrain from using this weapon, especially against humans unless it becomes absolutely imperative”.

An offer to Krishna

Krishna, then, recalled one strange incident. He had already settled in Dwaraka by then. One day the son of Drona called on him quite unexpectedly and announced. “Krishna, I have received the Brahmastra from my father. I want to exchange this with a weapon of yours, preferably, with your discus, the Sudarshana”.

Krishna was amused with the offer. He told his visitor. “If you are so keen, you are welcome to pick any one of my weapons of your choice”.

Aswatthama was highly pleased with his luck. He tried to pick the Sudarshana with his left hand. Failing to do so he used his right and then both his hands with all his might. Even then he could not even stir the formidable weapon from its position.

Krishna, then, smiled and spoke to him. “There is none in the entire world who is dearer to me than Arjuna. I have not offered the Sudarshan even to him. Why, I have not favoured my own son, Pradyumna, with this weapon. By the bye, who do you want to fight against, with my Sudarshana?”

Aswatthama replied. “Krishna, it is you that I wanted to fight with you!”. Krishna smiled and said. ““You are a gifted warrior. There is no doubt about it. But, remember that the entire human race with the gods and demons included would not match even to one hundredth of me in valour”.

In hot pursuit of the enemy

Krishna told the above story to Yudhishthira and said. “The son of Drona felt embarrassed afterwards. But, I blessed him and offered various other gifts to him and sent him off from Dwaraka. I told the story to you to remind you that he has the highly destructive Brahmastra and to give you an idea of his immature character. So, we should not waste even a minute to go after Bhima for his safety”.

So saying, Krishna and the four Pandavas hastily climbed into their own chariots and drove the way Bhima had left.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 11)

Let us remember that Krishna had anticipated trouble and taken the five Pandavas and Sathyaki to spend the night at the river side. Every one else was in the Pandava camp thoroughly exhausted and deeply in sleep.

An obstacle

Aswatthama reached the camp of the Pandavas in a great hurry. The other two followed him right behind. They found the entrance guarded by a ferocious looking ghost-like figure (Bhoota). Aswatthama could not tolerate an obstacle on his path. He sent a sharp arrow against the guard hoping to quickly remove the nuisance. But, he found that his arrow had no effect on the guarding spirit at the gate. The son of Drona started sending the special weapons in his kit one by one, but, they all failed against the formidable keeper of the Pandava camp.

Aswatthama was frustrated. Time was crucial for the new Kaurava commander for the success of his plan. He started praying to Lord Siva, the God of ghosts. The Lord was soon pleased with his prayers and appeared before the Kaurava warrior. Siva said. “I posted the ghost to test you. I am pleased with your devotion. I know that the time has come for the Panchalas to depart from this world.” In the next moment the surprised Aswatthama found that both the Lord and the ghost had disappeared from the scene.

The main target

Now the entire Pandava camp lay wide open in front of the son of Drona. Asking Kripa and Kritavarma to guard the entrance he searched for his main enemy first. He had no difficulty in spotting Dhrishtadyumna deeply in sleep in his own quarter. Aswatthama gave him a kick that made the sleeping Panchala wake up with a startled expression. That was precisely the intention of the person who stood menacingly over him. In the next instant, the Panchala found himself being strangled by the bare arms of his attacker. He realized immediately who his enemy was and what his intention was.

Without offering any resistance Dhrishtadyumna pleaded with his tormentor. “Son of Drona, you are welcome to kill me, but, please make it quick, that too with a weapon”.

That was what Aswatthama was not going to do. He replied. “You lied to my father that made him throw his weapons away. Remember that he was also your own teacher. It was then that you, like a coward, killed him. You do not deserve the heaven meant for brave warriors who die fighting.” So saying, Aswatthama strangled his enemy to death.

The massacre

The groans coming out of the dying Panchala awoke others who were sleeping near by.

The desire for vengeance had turned Aswatthama, who was a Brahmin by birth, into a demon, thirsty for blood of every one in the camp. Pandava warriors like Uttamoujas and Yudhamanyu soon became the targets for Aswatthama’s weapons. Next he turned to Sikhandi and all other Panchala princes. They were all trying to get up from deep sleep and were anyway too tired to offer any resistance.

The five sons of Draupadi quickly got ready to challenge the enemy who broke into their midst in the middle of night. But, the son of Drona killed them all one by one without much difficulty.

What followed was a total massacre. The son of Drona went from bed to bed killing every one who lay down exhausted and deep in sleep. If any one tried to escape, he was chased and cut down without mercy. The two guarding the entrance took care of any who were lucky to escape from the sword of Aswatthama.

Soon, the Pandava camp resembled a battle field with bodies of soldiers strewn all over. Aswatthama was satisfied that he had finished the task that he had come to accomplish. The three then set the camp ablaze making sure that if any one was left out, he would surely perish in the fire.

To the dying Kaurava

Aswatthama said. “If our leader is still alive, I want to take this news quickly to him”. So saying he rushed to the spot where Duryodhana was lying down. The Kaurava prince was still breathing, though feebly. The son of Drona bent down and spoke gently in the ears of the dying prince. “My friend, I have kept my word. I have killed every one found in the Pandava camp. Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandi and the sons of the Pandava have all been killed. So are all the soldiers of the combined Pandava and Panchala forces. Only seven are left on the Pandava side, the five sons of Pandu, Krishna and Satyaki. They were not to be found anywhere in the camp. ”

Duryodhana opened his eyes slowly. He had heard what he so desperately wanted to hear. He said. “What you have done makes me happy beyond words. No one else, including Bhishma, your father and Karna could do what you have done for me. Now I can die fully satisfied that we have settled the score with the Pandavas”. With those words the valiant Kaurava breathed his last.

With the death of Duryodhana the chapter of “the killing of the sleeping soldiers (souptika vadha parvam)” comes to a close. We may treat that the war ends here, though related incidents continue through the next episodes.

The War – Day 18 (Part 10)

We now begin the “book of the sleeping men (souptika parvam)” which starts with the chapter titled “the killing of the sleeping men (souptika vadha parvam)”

Aswatthama took a pledge to avenge the death of his father in the presence of the dying Duryodhana. He, then, fled to a nearby forest on horse back in the company of Kritavarma and Kripa. They were scared that the Pandavas might be hot on their chase. They would be slaughtered mercilessly unless they hid themselves safely somewhere.

It was a dense forest that they entered. The three refreshed themselves drinking the cool water from a nearby stream. The horses were let to drink to their fill and tied up giving them the much needed rest.

There was a huge banyan tree close by and the three, thoroughly exhausted, lied down underneath it. Kripa and Kritavarma soon went into deep sleep. Aswatthama was too absorbed in thoughts of revenge. Sleep escaped him altogether.

The Owl and the Crows

The hollow of the tree’s branches housed hundreds of crows. Soon, an owl arrived on the scene. The two, the owl and the crows, are said to be legendary enemies. The owl has poor vision during the day and is confined to its nest. Then the crows attack the owl and destroy the young and old alike.

Now it was the owl’s turn. It started attacking the nests of the crows one by one. The crows were fast asleep in their nests. It was anyway too dark for the crows to see what was happening. The owl had good vision at night. Besides, it had the advantageous position right at the opening of the nests.

The crows had no chance of escape. The owl visited the nests one by one and killed all the crows mercilessly.

An Inspiration

That sight drew the attention of Aswatthama. He thought that the owl came to give him a valuable lesson. The son of Drona awoke his uncle, Kripa, from his deep sleep and spoke. “The Pandavas have played foul at every stage in the war. That was how they have won against us. Now only the three of us are left on the Kaurava side. We fare no chance against the Pandava forces in straight combat. But, if we attack them now while they are asleep with a carefree mind, we can inflict heavy casualty on them and thereby take revenge for all the cruelties they have inflicted on us. Forget all the principles of the Kshatriyas (warrior class) and let us fight the battle in the only way left for us”.

Kripa asked Aswatthama to take rest for the rest of the night. The next morning he and Kritavarma would accompany his nephew to face the Pandavas.

But, Aswatthama refused to budge from his resolve. He said. “I am too deeply in sorrow to go to sleep. I shall not rest until I put an end to the life of Dhrishtadyumna who killed my father in the most heinous way.”

Kripa said. “Let us go, if you are so bent on an attack on the Pandavas now itself. But, remember that we shall be committing a crime for which we shall definitely end up in the worst of all hells. You earned impeccable reputation through your fair deals all through the war. Think twice before you lose all that through a hasty act”.

But, Aswatthama was already burning with a passion for revenge that no words of caution changed his mind. He replied. “There is none in the whole world who can change my mind at this stage”. With those words the son of Drona quickly bridled his horse and started towards the Pandava camp. Left with no other choice the other two followed him.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 9)

Duryodhana’s parting words

Sanjaya found Duryodhana lying down in the dust and profusely bleeding from his broken thigh. He was wailing over his own pitiable condition. At the same time the proud prince was hissing like a cobra at his enemies.

He lamented. “I was the lord of eleven divisions (AkshauhiNi) of army commanded by great warriors like Bhishma and Drona commanded. Yet, I find myself in this pitiable condition. None can overcome what fate one has in store”.

“Sanjaya, please tell all our people who remain alive that Bhima felled me using unfair tactics. The Pandavas, besides, have committed several such heinous crimes to win the war. The way they put down Bhishma, Drona, Bhurisravas and Karna was cruel and unpardonable”

“You must convey the following words of mine to my aggrieved parents. I ruled the land that spread as far as the oceans on all the sides. I went to all the hostile kingdoms, won them in straight battles and made them my vassals. I was formidable to my enemies and generous to the needy. I performed great sacrificial rituals with the money I so amassed. At the end I have been beaten by Bhima in a battle that was against the codes. But, luckily, I never had to be a slave to an enemy after losing a battle”.

“You must tell my friends like Aswatthama, Kripa and Kritavarma that they should never trust the Pandavas who have cheated us throughout this war. Tell them all that I am now going the way Drona, Karna, Salya and Sakuni went”.

The Kaurava prince was not repentant even a bit. Even at his death bed we find him in his usual haughty mood.

A new commander

The son of Drona (Aswatthama) rushed to Duryodhana in the company of Kripa and Kritavarma when he heard the news. When Duryodhana saw his friends he repeated the same words that he had spoken to Sanjaya. Aswatthama got into an uncontrollable rage. He swore in front of his friend. “I know how Dhrishtadyumna killed my father after getting Yudhishthira speak the lie about my death. Mark my words! I shall send all the Panchalas to the abode of Yama (God of Death). I shall thus avenge the death of my father”.

Duryodhana was greatly pleased hearing the words of the son of Drona (Droni). He addressed Kripa. “Acharya (teacher), please bring water to install Droni as the commander of our army!”

The consecration ceremony was done as the dying Kaurava watched the scene with great satisfaction. Aswatthama let out a terrible battle cry at the end and set out to execute his pledge in front of his dying friend.

The chapter of “battle with maces (gadaa yuddha parvam) and the Book of Salya (Salya parvam)” end here. But, the battle of the 18^th day continues in the next episode. We have covered only about two thirds of Mahabharatam by volume. But, we are left only roughly with ten percent of the main story. There are interesting stories later, too. We may cover them depending on the interest left with the readers at that time.

The War - Day 18 (Part 8)

Arjuna’s Chariot

The fall of Duryodhana meant the total defeat of the Kauravas. The Pandavas wanted to pay a visit to the camp of their enemies. Each travelled in his own chariot or on animal. Arjuna went with Krishna in his own chariot pulled by eight white horses.

When they reached the site of the camp Krishna asked Arjuna to get down first. The Pandava did as he was told. Krishna, then, alighted next. Immediately, as though by a miracle, the chariot went up in flames.

To the baffled Pandavas Krishna said. “You all look surprised. There is no mystery in this. So many divine weapons, sent by veterans like Bhishma and Drona, have struck this chariot. It is simply because of my presence that it did not burn up on those occasions. Arjuna, you have accomplished your task and this chariot has served the purpose. There is no need to keep the chariot going any more.”

Yudhishthira praises Krishna

Yudhishthira was overwhelmed. He said. “Only you could have protected us from the arrows of Bhishma and Drona. The words of sage Vyasa, “where there is righteousness there is Krishna and where Krishna is, success is sure to be there (yato dharma-statah krishNo yato KrishNa-stato jayah), have indeed come true.”

The Pandavas in the Kaurava camp

With those words Yudhishthira entered the tent. It was empty of all enemy warriors. Only the attendants stood bowing in front of their new masters. It is said that the Pandava soldiers returned carrying the wealth that was left behind by the fleeing Kauravas in the camps.

Krishna’s advice

When they were about to return Krishna told the Pandavas. “Let us stay away from our tent this night”. They decided to encamp near the shores of the river.

Yudhishthira’s anxiety

Yudhishthira had one great apprehension in his mind. He addressed Krishna. “I am scared of Gandhari. She has lost all her sons. She, certainly, would bear in mind that Bhima killed her eldest in an unpardonable way. How will she tolerate us? The lady has acquired immense power through chaste living and long years of meditation. If she sets her mind to curse us, all the Pandavas will be reduced to ashes within no time. Krishna, please save us from this impending calamity. Otherwise, all your efforts in winning the war for us would go waste”.

Krishna in Hastinapura

Krishna agreed to pay a visit to the elderly couple in Hastinapuram. He thought of his charioteer who immediately appeared with the chariot that was made ready for the journey.

The news of Krishna’s arrival was heralded to the blind king immediately. Krishna bowed in front of the elderly couple. Dhritarashtra was already shedding tears of deep sorrow.

Krishna addressed the king. “Sir, you know everything that has happened. You must realize that the Pandavas tried their best to avoid war. They did abide by all the conditioned imposed, unfairly, on them and suffered for thirteen years in forest. After that I came myself and begged just for five villages for the five Pandavas to live in. It was primarily because of your mistake that they were denied what was their legitimate share of the ancestral empire. All the wise men, including Bhishma, Drona and Vidura advised you to settle for a compromise. You did not listen to their words, carried away by your misplaced love for your son. You know that Yudhishthira holds you in high esteem. But, he is hesitant to come and see you in this situation. That is why he asked me to pay you a visit. Remember that the Pandavas are the ones left to perform your last rites . I have this request to make. Please do not find fault with the Pandavas now. Also, it is time that you stop tormenting yourself”.

Krishna, then, turned to Gandhari. “Good lady, you advised your son in the presence of all with the words, where there is Dharma success shall be there. Your prophetic words have come true. Think only that way and kindly do not keep any ill feelings towards the Pandavas!”

Gandhari replied. “Krishna, what you say is true. I am burning all inside my body. My mind wavered for a moment and it could have turned against the Pandavas. But, I am now trying to console myself after listening to your words. Now, for the blind old king and myself, you and the Pandavas are the only refuge”.

With those words, the blameless lady covered her face with her upper garment and started weeping. Krishna consoled her with his soothing words of wisdom.

Krishna bids farewell.

Sage Vyasa was present there at that time. Krishna bowed before him and said. “I am apprehensive of Dhrishtadyumna. He is hot tempered. He may make a rash move against the Pandavas any time. Let me go quickly”. Vyasa said. “Krishna, go and protect the Pandavas!”. Krishna made a hasty departure after his brief meeting with sage Vyasa.

Sage Vyasa, then, tried on his part to pacify further the blind king and his noble queen.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 7)

Bhima’s Exultation

Bhima could not contain his joy after bringing his main enemy down at the end of a grueling battle. He rushed to Duryodhana who was lying down soaked in blood. Recounting all the wrongs the Kaurava had done towards him and his people Bhima kicked the head and stamped on the face of his enemy with his own left foot.

Yudhishthira Sorry

Yudhishthira came rushing to the scene. He admonished his brother for his behaviour that was not becoming of a gentle prince. He said. “Bhima, you have done what you promised to do, by hook or crook. That is enough. After all, he is our cousin. Do not insult him any more. Remember, he is without his brothers and friends who have all been killed in the war. It is highly immoral to kick on the enemy who has already been fallen down in battle.”

He, then, apologized to Duryodhana. “Brother, please do not get angry on account of Bhima. You must remember that what you got is the result of your own action. You are, in a way, fortunate. You are soon to leave for the world where there will be no more sorrow. We are the unfortunate ones who have to continue living in this world with most of our dear ones already dead.”

Balarama angry

Balarama was beyond himself with anger watching Bhima hit his enemy below the waste which was against the code of mace fight. The mighty Yadava jumped up with his formidable weapon, the axe, raised high in the air. Shouting angrily at Bhima he started rushing to him.

Krishna caught hold of his brother just in time. “Brother, calm down. Think of all the injustice done to the Pandavas by Duryodhana and his people. You must also remember that Duryodhana had sealed his own fate when he received the curse from sage Maitreya. You know the wise saying that the welfare of the self, of the friends, and of the friends of friends is desirable. Similarly, the downfall of the enemy, of the friends of enemy, and of the friends of friends of enemy is also something to be cherished. (Aatma vruddhir mitra vruddhir mitra mitrodaya statha vipareetam dvishas tvetad shadvidhaan vruddhir aatmanah) The Pandavas are the sons of our own maternal aunt, Kunti”.

Balarama was somewhat calmed down by the words of Krishna. But, he said, still in an angry mood. “Whatever you say, Bhima was wrong in hitting Duryodhana on his thighs. He shall suffer for it.”

Krishna continued trying to pacify his brother further. “The epoch of Kali (Kali Yugam) has already set in. The moral codes of conduct will suffer greatly. Let us leave the act of Bhima as one of revenge.”

Krishna’s diplomacy worked. Balarama sat down, though he continued to speak angrily against Bhima for a while.

Krishna, then, spoke to those who had gathered around. “This sinner was already doomed to die the day he rejected the wise words of all his well wishers like Bhishma and Drona. Lucky, that he is now, finally, fallen down in the battle”.

Duryodhana’s rebuke

Duryodhana was listening to all the conversation around him. He raised his head with great effort pressing his two hands firmly on the ground. Then, he started to speak, addressing Krishna. “You, the son of Kamsa’s slave (Vasudeva)! Are you not ashamed to have prompted Bhima to act immorally? Do you think that I did not notice you persuading Arjuna to give the hint to Bhima? You were the one behind every act of unjust behaviour in this war. You persuaded Arjuna to fight against the grandsire keeping Sikhandi as a mere proxy. You asked Yudhishthira to tell the lie that made Drona to drop down his weapons. From then on every other act of cowardice had your stamp of approval on it.”

Krishna replied. “It was on account of your own sin that all the great warriors like Bhishma and Drona perished on the battle ground. All that primarily resulted from your greed for the land which legitimately belonged to the Pandavas”.

“I have acted like a king all through my life. I enjoyed everything that a monarch was entitled to. Now, I am going to die after fighting a battle which is the most covetous way for a king. Bhima would never have defeated me in a straight battle. There is no doubt about that. I am now going to heaven fully contented with the thought that I lived a life keeping my head high all along like a king.”

Krishna turned to the Pandavas around and said. “True, Bhima would not have managed to put down Duryodhana in any other way. If I had not done all those tricks at appropriate points in the war, you would never have won.”

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 6)

The fight continues

Bhima and Duryodhana continued their combat like two elephants in rut fighting with their tusks. It was difficult to know who stood better chances to win. Both were wounded and bleeding all over their body. Yet, they fought with unabated vigour and ever rising spirits.

Balarama sat watching his pet disciples emplying every tactics he had taught them.

Krishna’s hint

Arjuna was sitting next to Krishna. He watched his brother in the middle of a fight that gave no signs of an end. He asked his friend and guide. “Krishna, who between these two, fares a better chance to win?”

Krishna replied. “Bhima has superior strength, but, Duryodhana has better tactics. Your brother can never win over his foe in a straight combat. You must remember that all of you are now in a crucial stage of battle after winning over all other important adversaries. If Bhima loses to Duryodhana, then it can cost you the war itself.

There is the famous saying by sage Sukra. Beware of those enemies who have returned to fight, or have been ruined, or those who care too much for their lives. They fight to the end with determination. (puna-raavartamaaNaanaam, bhagnaanaam, jeevitaishiNaam bhetavya-mariSeshaaNaa-mekaayana gataahite). Duryodhana qualifies for all these cases. Hence, he should be feared. If he wins, be sure that he will become the king.

Remember, Bhima’s pledge when Draupadi was pulled by hair to the open Kaurava assembly. This haughty Duryodhana at that time openly invited your dear wife to sit on his lap by baring his thigh. Bhima noticed the insulting gesture and swore loudly that he would break the thigh of his arch rival with his mace.

Ever since that day, this man was preparing himself for this ultimate battle against Bhima. He fought for those thirteen long years against an image of Bhima with a heavy mace made of iron.

So, I see no chance for Bhima in a fair combat. You have been wronged in various ways all these years. This war, itself, has been unjust. Bhima should remember his own oath and use tricks that are not in the code of mace combat”.

Arjuna got the hint. He must have also remembered the curse of sage Maitreya on Duryodhana. The Sage was sorry to find the noble Pandavas unjustly suffering in the Kamyaka forest. He went to Duryodhana to reason with him. The Kaurava prince remained quiet, without even pretending to listen to what the sage had to say. He kept drumming on his thigh as though in boredom. Maitreya felt insulted. He cursed Duryodhana that his very thigh would be broken in the crucial fight.

Krishna’s words and the precarious condition of the Pandavas must have influenced Arjuna to give a direct hint to Bhima by slapping on his own thigh when the latter looked in his direction in the middle of fight. Bhima got the message immediately.

The fatal blow

Soon, Bhima swung his heavy mace against his foe with all force. Duryodhana jumped up in an effort to avoid a direct hit. That was the opportunity Bhima was looking for. He aimed the thigh of the Kaurava this time and swung his mace again.

Duryodhana had least expected that. The mace hit the target without fail. The Kaurava prince fell down with his thigh completely shattered. He was fatally wounded.

The Pandavas blew on the conch shells to herald victory. It is said that the gods dropped flowers from heaven to congratulate the Pandavas. But, elsewhere terrible omens of evil nature started appearing.

We shall learn about the tragedies that followed the fall of the Kaurava prince in the next episodes.

The War - Day 18 (Part 5)

Duryodhana was highly pleased to see Balarama at the time of his crucial fight against Bhima. He bowed before his teacher and enquired about his journey. Balarama was also happy to be in the company of his two disciples.

Samantapancakam

The Yadava prince called Yudhishthira and said. “Let us all go to Samantapancaka. It is a very sacred place. If any of these two die fighting against the other, he is sure to go heaven there”. All agreed to the proposal.

Sage ParaSuraama had annihilated all the kings on earth to revenge the death of his father. He, then, washed his axe at the same Samantapancakam. He offered the blood that flowed from his axe as sacrificial water (TarpaNam) to his ancestors. That was how the place got its fame.

Both Bhima and Duryodhana walked towards the chosen place holding their huge maces in the company of other Pandavas and Kauravas. Others blew on conch shells and played trumpets.

The venue

They chose a firm ground to the south of river Saraswati for the battle. A large gathering soon assembled there to witness the fight. The royals sat on appropriate chairs. Notable among them was Balarama looking intently for the fight to start. Others stood with their eyes wide open, reluctant to miss even the slightest of the moves made by the fighting heroes. It is said that even the gods gathered above, intent on watching the battle between two who were the best with their maces. Those assembled remembered the famous battle between Bali and Sugreeva, and, Rama and RavaNa.

The challenges

As usual there were the routine challenges thrown by both the opponents against the other. Bhima proclaimed that he would smash the head of his enemy into a hundred pieces and thereby take revenge for all the cruelties done against the Pandavas. To that Duryodhana simply said. “Why do you prattle like a primitive ape? I am not moved by mere words. If you have the skills, better show them with your mace”. The onlookers widely applauded the words of the Kaurava.

The fight

Then, they the fight started. It is said that several bad omens appeared on the sky at that time indicating that a great tragedy was in store.

.

The two rushed against one another with battle cries, swinging their mammoth maces in the air. They moved around one another looking for a chance to strike. Each of them hissed in extreme anger and swung his mace against the other with all force. The other, then, would avoid the hit by jumping aside. It would be the turn of the other to try and make a hit.

Often, the mace found the target and soon, both Bhima and Duryodhana started bleeding profusely. Duryodhana once hit Bhima with all his might and the Pandava fell down losing his senses temporarily. The next moment Bhima got up and continued his attack against his enemy with renewed vigour. Later, Bhima managed to give such a powerful blow on Duryodhana that the Kaurava prince was knocked down unconscious. It took a while for the Kaurava to regain his senses. This way the two fought for a long while, neither finding easy victory against the equal enemy.

(We get back to the pilgrimage of Balarama in www.kunjunny.blogspot.com and return here after a few episodes)

The War – Day 18 (Part 4)

The next chapter, titled “the battle with maces (gadaayuddha parvam)” starts with the conversation between Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya in the background. We get a good picture of the character of Duryodhana from his own father. The king asks his minister. “How did my son react to such insulting words from the Pandava? No one has ever talked that way in front of him before. The whole world once stood by his command. He is so proud that he does not tolerate someone saying even that his royal umbrella protects him from the sun’s scorching rays. (yasyaatapatra cchaayaapi swakaa bhanostathaa prabhaa khedayaivaabhimaanitvaad sahed saivam katham girah? ) He thinks that he is capable of taking care of himself. How did my son bear the insults that too, from the Pandavas! What reply did he give?”

Sanjaya, then continues with the story. “Duryodhana, standing in the water, threw his arms up in anger, breathed heavily and replied…..”

Duryodhana’s reply

The Kaurava prince replied. “You are many and are all well armed and mounted on your vehicles. I am without weapons and chariot. My armour is broken and I am wounded all over. How can I meet you in so unequal a battle? You offer me fight, one by one. I am not scared of any of you, yourself, Bhima, Arjuna or Krishna. I shall meet you all in turn as the year touches all the seasons or the sun visits every star in the morning. I shall kill you all and thus pay my dues to those like Bhishma, Drona and Karna who have fallen fighting for me”.

With those words, Duryodhana came out of the pool and walked towards the battle field. He appeared like the god of death holding his mighty mace in hand. There were widespread cheers from the Pandava soldiers finding Duryodhana coming to fight. Mistaking that for mockery Duryodhana was infuriated even further.

Yudhishthira said. “Lucky that you know righteousness (Dharma) and that you still want to fight. You say that it is not fair for many to fight against one. Where was your sense of justice when all of you cornered Arjuna’s young son, Abhimanyu, and killed him after he had lost all his weapons? But, let it be your way. You chose any one among us and win over him. We shall all accept defeat and make you king in that case.”

Krishna angry

Krishna lost his temper when he heard Yudhishthira make such a reckless offer to Duryodhana. He said. “Why did you say so to the Kaurava? What, if he had chosen you or Arjuna? I do not see any one other than Bhima who stands any chance against Duryodhana fighting with his mace. You committed yourself as foolishly as you did at the game of dice. It seems that you are destined to live in the forest for ever”.

Bhima intervened at that time. He said. “Krishna, have no fear. I shall face Duryodhana and surely kill him at the end”.

Then, he turned to the Kaurava and spoke harsh words meant to infuriate him even further. “You have sinned against us right from our early days. You were the one who poisoned me when I was a child. It was your crooked mind that plotted to kill us in the house of wax. The cheating in the game of dice was your idea. Then, you asked your brother to pull dear Draupadi by her into the open assembly. There is no doubt that I shall smash you into pieces with my mace today and settle the score for all your evil deeds”.

As expected, Duryodhana turned wild with fury. He burst out. “Why do you talk? Come and face me in battle. You are no match for me in a straight fight. If you cheat, then that will be a blot on your image for ever”.

Even the supporters of Pandavas applauded those words of Duryodhana.

The arrival of Balaraama

Balaraama, the elder brother of Krishna, had gone on a pilgrimage when the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas became certain. He returned just when that terrible battle between Duryodhana and Bhima was about to commence. Yudhishthira embraced him by way of welcome. Krishna and the other Pandavas bowed before him.

Krishna must have anticipated his brother objecting to the battle. He always knew how to tackle his senior. Krishna said. “Welcome, brother. You can now watch the skill of your two dear disciples in battle”, as though it was a friendly combat.

Krishna’s words excited Balarama with prospects of watching a good fight between two equals, both groomed by him. So, he replied. “Yes, I do want to see how my disciples fight”.

Both Duryodhana and Bhima lifted their maces and paid obeisance to their teacher. Then, the fighting began.

As we said in the very beginning of the Mahabharata, the story was told by VaiSampaayana, the disciple of Vyasa to Janamejaya, the grandson of Abhimanyu at the great serpent sacrifice held at the Naimisha forests. Janamejaya requested VaiSampaayana to tell him all about the pilgrimage of Balaraama. Accordingly, the sage went into the details, describing the places the mighty Yadava prince visited. We shall (try and) cover the journey in a few episodes in www.kunjunny.blogspot.com.

The War – Day 18 (Part 3)

We are on a new chapter, “Entering into a pool of water (hradapraveSa parvam)”, in the “book of Salya (Salya parvam)” on the eighteenth day of war.

The sun was about to set when Sakuni was killed. Duryodhana got his scattered army together and sent them against the Pandavas once again. But, they were all killed within no time by the combined forces of Pandavas and Panchalas. Even those who tried to escape were chased down and butchered mercilessly. Hardly anyone, including the animals of war, remained out of the eleven divisions (Akshauhini) of Duryodhana’s army. A few thousand animals and about one hundred thousand soldiers remained on the Pandava side.

Duryodhana was beyond himself with grief looking at the total destruction of his entire army. He remembered the wise words of Vidura, “the war will destroy you along with the entire race of Kshatriya”. He walked slowly eastwards with his mace in hand, sore all over his body with wounds from the war, and with a mind that was totally dejected from defeat. His aim was to reach was a deep pool of water at a distance.

Sajnaya set free

Satyaki was about to chop the head of Sanjaya as ordered by Dhrishtadyumna when Veda Vyasa appeared on the scene. On the advice of the great saint the Pandavas set the Kaurava minister free.

Sanjaya met Duryodhana on the way. He reported his story to the Kaurava prince, concluding, “we are left with three chariots, nothing more”. Duryodhana replied. “I do not find anyone other than you on our side. Tell the king that I am going to spend time in a pool of water”.

When Sanjaya left Duryodhana entered into the pool. He knew the secret of remaining under water as long as he wanted.

Sanjaya encountered the three veterans left on the Kaurava side, Aswatthama, Kritavarma and Kripa. They were desperately looking for Duryodhana all through the battle field littered with the body of thousands of men and animals. They exclaimed. “Luckily, you are alive. Do you know, if Duryodhana is dead or living?” Sanjaya pointed in the direction of the pool to which the Kaurava prince had gone.

The three Kaurava warriors lamented about the pitiable condition of their prince and carried Sanjaya in their chariot of Kripa along with them to the camp.

Kaurava camp deserted

What they saw in their camp was a pathetic scene. The elders were leaving with the womenfolk to the safety of the capital city. They feared Bhima in his angry mood. All the women were crying and beating on their breast and head lamenting about their dear ones killed in the war. Sanjaya left along with the rest to meet the blind king. He reported his imprisonment and escape from death to Dhritarashtra. The king shed tears listening to the total defeat of his army and the death of all his sons. The only surviving son, Duryodhana, had gone hiding.

Yuyulsu

Yuyulsu was the son of Dhritarashtra born of a Vaisya (merchant) woman. He had taken a stand for justice from the beginning. When the war broke out, he had joined the Pandava side. When the war ended he took permission from the Pandavas and returned to the capital city.

A visit to the pool

By the time darkness set in the Kaurava camp was totally deserted. The three veterans remaining on the Kaurava side discretely approached the pool where Duryodhana had taken refuge. There they addressed the Kaurava prince. “Why are you hiding yourself in the pool when we are there to win the war for you? Please come out and join us to take revenge on the Pandavas”.

Duryodhana was heartened to hear the friendly voices. He called out. “How lucky that you three are alive! I am sore all over my body. Let me cool my limbs in the water and recover strength. I shall join you tomorrow in your fight against our enemies”.

The secret escapes

The Pandavas searched everywhere for their main enemy, Duryodhana. There was no trace of the Kaurava prince. It was then that some butchers approached Bhima discretely. They used to supply meat to the Pandava. They happened to overhear the conversation between Duryodhana and his friends at the pool. The butchers had gone to fetch water at that time. They thought that the news would be more valuable than what they earned by selling meat on several days.

They were not wrong. Bhima was overjoyed. He had already killed every other son of Dhritarashtra. His main enemy had escaped from his clutches. Bhima sent the butchers away paying them handsomely for the valuable secret and reported his discovery to Yudhishthira. The elder Pandava approached Krishna who emphatically said. “Kill him through fair or unfair means”.

A Challenge for battle

Krishna and the Pandavas waited at the pool for Aswatthama and his two friends to leave. Then, Yudhishthira called out. “Duryodhana, why are you trying to hide yourself in water after destroying all your dear ones? Do you value your life that much? You used to boast of your own valour and courage in warfare. Is this how you show that? Come out and face us in battle like a Kshatriya! You are welcome to kill us all in fight and enjoy all the land without rivalry. Or else, get killed by us and go to the land of the dead”

To the tormenting words of Yudhishthira, Duryodhana replied. “I did not come here out of fear for my life or in desperation. For that matter, what if, as a living being, I care for my life? Do not worry, Yudhishthira, I shall come out and face you in battle. But, keep in mind that I am all alone and even without my own chariot. But, I do not covet the land any more after the death of all my brothers. It was for their sake that I ruled over the kingdom of Kurus. In fact, I see no purpose in fighting any more after the fall of the grandsire and after the death of Drona and my dear friend, Karna. I give you the entire kingdom without a fight”.

Yudhishthira retorted. “You speak like a man in distress. I do not want any gift from you, let alone the kingdom. There was a time when we begged for our rightful share. At that time you were not prepared to part even with a needle point of land. Besides, I do not think that you are the lord of any land any more for you to make generous gifts”.

Yudhishthira, thus tried to instigate Duryodhana for battle, the latter trying in his own proud way to defend his action. With that ends the chapter titled “the entering into a pool of water (hradapraveSa parvam)”. However, the war on the eighteenth day continues in the next few episodes.

The War – Day 18 (Part 2)

Sakuni

Sakuni was Duryodhana’s maternal uncle. His influence on the Kaurava prince made the major turning points in the story of Mahabharata. The game of dice was his idea. The cunning prince of Gandhara knew the weakness and lack of skill of Yudhishthira in the game. Sakuni, on his part, was an expert. His sleight of hand at the game made victory sure for the Kauravas. He consistently advised Duryodhana against any peace initiatives with the Pandavas. In a sense, the Mahabharata war was mostly his creation.

Fighting continues

The death of the commander did not stop the war on the eighteenth day. The army of Salya turned against Yudhishthira to avenge the death of their king. Duryodhana tried to dissuade them, but, without success.

But, Sakuni thought differently. He urged the Kaurava prince to go after the Pandavas in support of the Madra army. The combined Kaurava forces marched with the battle cries, “dispatch arrows, go and catch the Pandava alive, or else, kill him without mercy!”

But, the Madra soldiers were no match to the Pandavas in spite of the Kaurava support. The entire army of Salya was destroyed by Bhima and Arjuna within the blink of the eyes. The rest of the Kaurava army took to flight in panic. It was only after a lot of persuasion that Duryodhana managed to get them back to the battle field.

The end of Salva

The sagging morale of the Kauravas got a boost when the king of Salva launched an attack against the Pandavas mounted on his elephant. He was a formidable warrior with his ferocious elephant. He managed to penetrate into the Pandava formation dispersing their forces in all directions. Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki blocked his progress. At the end of a spirited battle the Panchala killed Salva’s elephant with his mace. At the same time Satyaki sent an arrow that brought down the head of the king.

Duryodhana alone stood firm on the battle ground in spite of all the reverses. When Sanjaya reported that day’s battle to the blind king later, his words were, “I saw only one on your side who fought like a man – that was your son, Duryodhana”.

Sakuni was the other warrior of repute remaining on the Kaurava side. He launched an attack against Yudhishthira at that time. The prince of Gandhara killed the horses of Yudhishthira and roared aloud victoriously. Sahadeva came instantly from behind and carried his brother away to safety.

Both Duryodhana and Sakuni wrecked havoc on the Pandava side. Yudhishthira was worried and called Sahadeva to his side. “See how Sakuni is destroying our army. I entrust the task on you to attack the prince of Gandhara and kill him at the end.”

Arjuna’s surprise

Arjuna thought that he had destroyed what was left of the Kauravas. It was then that he observed the return of the Kaurava army lead by Duryodhana. Arjuna exclaimed to Krishna. “Look at the foolishness of the Kaurava prince. Hs started with an army that was like a vast roaring ocean. Now that has been reduced, in comparison, to a mere puddle caused by the hooves of cattle ( Goshpadam). Yet, he would not give up. He was advised again and again by his well wishers like Bhishma, Drona and Vidura to settle for peace. What medicine will work for some one who discarded all those valuable advises?”

With those words Arjuna asked Krishna to drive into the middle of what was left of the Kaurava army. He, then, unleashed such an attack with his Gandiva that Vayasa described it “like burning down a forest of dry bushes”.

In the middle of this large scale destruction of the Kaurava army Satyaki was fighting against Sanjaya, the minister of Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya could not stand the onslaught of Satyaki and lost his consciousness. The Yadava prince took his enemy as captive took him away to the Pandava camp.

Eleven sons of Dhritarashtra encircled Bhima at that time. They covered the Pandava with showers of arrow. Bhima withstood their assault and at the end killed all the eleven of them.

The end of Sakuni

Elsewhere Sahadeva faced the formidable Sakuni supported by his son, Ulooka and a small contingent of the Kaurava soldiers. The Pandava suffered intitial reverses. Recovering fast, he first killed Ulooka, sending a sharp arrow that brought down his head.

Sakuni was sorry to watch the end of his son right in front of his eyes. He remembered the wise counsel of Vidura, but, it was too late. He tried to run away. But, Sahadeva came after him and shouted. “Fight like a warrior. You shall suffer the consequences of your foul game of dice today”. With those words Sahadeva sent a knife edged arrow that brought down the head of the Gandhara prince.

The remaining Kaurava soldiers panicked and fled in all directions. The Pandavas blew on their conch shells and came around Sahadeva to congratulate him for the important victory.

We come to the end of the chapter, “The killing of Salya (Salya vadha parvam)”. But, we continue with the “Book of Salya (Salya parvam)” and the War on Day 18 in the next episodes.

The War – Day 18 (Part 1)

We had mentioned earlier that the Mahabharata war lasted for eighteen days. The final day of battle had arrived. So many veterans were already killed by then. Let us remember that Bhishma was still alive on a bed of arrows in the battle field. He could die at will and had decided to wait for the setting of the winter solstice when the sun would start on its northward journey (UttaraayaNa). That was considered to be the auspicious time to die. Drona and Jayadratha were already killed in earlier battles. So were many other great warriors on the Kaurava side. The entire suicide army of the Trigarthas was annihilated single handedly by Arjuna. Finally, Karna also had fallen fighting a heroic battle against his arch enemy. Abhimnyu and Ghatotkacha were the prominent heroes on the Pandava side who sacrificed their lives to get justice done to their parents.

Along with these great warriors thousands of soldiers, elephants and horses had also perished on the battle ground.

Salya

As we know, Salya was the king of Madra and the uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva. He had started with a division (Akshauhini) of army to join the Pandavas, even without their asking. The Pandavas, on their part, had taken his support for granted. But, Duryodhana had cleverly managed to mislead him on the way and got his commitment to join the Kauravas.

Salya had felt unhappy about his word given to Duryodhana against his own conscience. He had gone straight to the Pandavas to report the unexpected turn of events. The Pandavas, then, got a promise from their uncle that he would demoralize Karna on the day of his crucial battle against Arjuna. Salya did keep his word and criticized Karna for his boastfulness on the day he faced Arjuna.

Yet, it was a different Salya whom we see as the battle progressed. He got fully committed to the Kaurava side, guiding Karna on crucial issues.

When the war took place Salya was already an old man.

The new commander of the Kaurava army

The death of Karna was a big blow to the entire Kaurava army. For Duryodhana, he lost his best friend and the greatest warrior. Both Bhishma and Drona, warriors of much greater calibre, were known to have a soft corner for the Pandavas.

With the death of Karna the Kauravas found themselves without a leader. The entire army panicked and started fleeing in all directions. Duryodhana tried his best, but, without success.

Kripa, the first teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas, tried to persuade Duryodhana to stop the fight and make peace with the Pandavas. But, the Kaurava was too proud to beg for peace. He would rather die fighting.

It was then that Aswatthama suggested that they install Salya as the new commander of the army. Duryodhana was pleased with the idea and approached the Madra king. Salya took it as an acknowledgement of his skills and accepted the challenge. He promised that he would fight until the entire Pandavas were annihilated or to his own end.

Yudhishthira with Krishna

Yudhishthira heard the news and approached Krishna for guidance. Krishna said. “I know the king of Madra well. Do not take him lightly. In his true form he can be a threat to all of us. I suggest that the time of reckoning has come for you. Take on Salya yourselves. Kill him without delay forgetting that he is your uncle”.

The war on the eighteenth day

The war started on the final day with renewed hopes on the Kaurava side. There were so many individual battles that day that won the admiration from the onlookers. The fight of Nakula against the sons of Karna was one such. The Pandava killed the three sons of Karna who opposed him at the end of a fierce fight.

Meanwhile, the Kaurava army marched ahead under the command of Salya. Bhimasena stood on the way and challenged the king of Madra for a duel. The two fought using maces for a long time. Bhima had already established himself as formidable with his mace. Only when the battle progressed that the old king showed that he was a power to reckon with. The two fought so fiercely that at one point both fell down losing conscience.

There were similar battles fought valiantly by Arjuna against Aswatthama and Dhrishtadyumna against Duryodhana.

Salya against Yudhishthira

Salya found that his army was getting thrashed by the Pandavas and had started to run helter skelter. He wanted to set an example by leading from the front and asked his charioteer to drive straight where Yudhishthira stood. The Kaurava army took heart by the move and returned slowly to face the enemies.

The Pandavas made a combined attack against the Kaurava commander. But, Salya was in a formidable form that day. He faced the veteran Pandavas all alone. Everyone was astonished to watch Salya in a form that was never to be seen before.

A fierce battle took place between Yudhishthira and Salya. They fought equally for a while. The old king appeared to be winning at some point. The Pandava prince remembered the words of Krishna at that moment. That gave him renewed strength to face his enemy with determination. Yudhishthira pulled out a javelin from his chest of weapons and launched it against his enemy with all his energy. The weapon pierced through the armour of Salya. The old king was holding his hands high at that moment with weapons to be launched against his enemy. He fell down dead with his hand raised hands.

Yudhishthira also killed the brother of Salya who came forward immediately to take revenge.

The remaining Kaurava army fled in all directions. The sun had just reached the middle of the sky at that time.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 17 (Part 10)

Duryodhana briefed

Salya immediately reported the death of Karna to Duryodhana. This was the greatest shock to the Kaurava prince ever since the war began. There were greater warriors like Bhishma and Drona on his side, but, none on whom Duryodhana counted so much as on Karna. Salya tried his best to console the grieving Duryodhana.

The Kaurava army was in total disarray. It was a hopeless situation for all on the Kaurava side. Duryodhana with great effort controlled his own grief and made a desperate attempt to persuade the army to turn back and face the Pandavas.

Arjuna with Yudhishthira

Krishna and Arjuna went straight to Yudhishthira to report the death of Karna Yudhishthira embraced Krishna and Arjuna, again and again, and shed profuse tears of happiness. The end of Karna was so good a news that the Pandava prince wanted to see for himself the body of the most formidable of his enemies lying on the battle field.

Krishna and Arjuna promptly took Yudhishthira to the place where the beheaded body of Karna lay. Yudhishthira had a close look at the body shattered by the arrows from Arjuna’s Gandiva. He, then, spoke. “Now, I feel as though I have already become the king. I can rule over this land with my brothers. There is nothing that stands on the way. I can say that I shall get sleep for the first time after thirteen years. Krishna, all this is thanks to your support and guidance”.

Sanjaya with Dhritarashtra

Let us remember that Sanjaya has been reporting the events on the battle field to the blind king at the end of each day. Most of the story unfolds through the words of Sanjaya. Needless to say that the death of Karna was a big blow to the hopes of victory for the old king.

The sun was about to set when the battle ended. Sanjaya gives a vivid description of the battle field at that time. One particular verse is all the more touching. Vyasa (as reported by Sanjaya) says.

The sun god, tenderly touches the body of Karna soaked in blood with his hands of rays and takes a dip in the western ocean with his blood red body.

(Notation used in writng Sanskrit verses :

Long vowels – by repetition the vowel once as in Bhagavaan.

The third and fourth group of consonant – Ta, Tha, Da, Dha, Na; ta, tha, da, dha, and na; the three “sa”s in the last group are distinguished as Sa, sha and sa )

KarNasya deham rudhiraavasiktam

bhaktaanukampee bhagavaan vivasvaan

sprushtvaamSubhir llohita rakta roopah

sishNaatu rabhyeti param samudram

The description of the setting sun has a connotation. The body that lies down soaked in blood is that of the son of the sun god. He, as though grief stricken, embraces the body with his gentle hands. That may be the reason why he is coloured red. Or, may be that he turned red with grief.

Then, there is the custom of a ritual bath when a close relation dies. The sun god, as Karna’s father, must have performed that after paying a visit to the body of the departed soul.

With this episode we end the chapter titled “the killing of Karna (Karna Vadha Parvam)” and the “Book of Karna (Karna Parvam)”.

The War – Day 17 (Part 9)

Karna

Before we witness the historic fight between Karna and Arjuna let us remember a few details. Both were born of Kunti, the former as the son of the sun god and the latter, of Indra. Karna was, truly, the first born even before Kunti got married to Pandu. That single irony of fate resulted in Karna’s adoption by the charioteer of Duryodhana and his feeling of inferiority as compared to the royal status of his younger brothers.

Karna had stooped low in all his dealings with the Pandavas. But, all that could be explained through the one single greatness in him, his unflinching loyalty to Duryodhana. That was evident when Kunti revealed his true identity and asked him to side with the Pandavas. He did not hesitate even for a second to say that he would be with the Kauravas to the end.

It appeared that Arjuna had an upper hand against Karna on almost all occasions when the two faced one another in the past. Yet, Karna had proven his true skills at the very first time when all the Pandavas and Kauravas appeared for their test in front of Drona and the elder Kurus. Every one had acknowledged on that occasion that it was Karna who would pose the greatest challenge to Arjuna. Each viewed the other as his true enemy from that day to the very end. Let us remember, on this occasion, his promise to Kunti.

“You will be left with five children, in either case, at the end.” Only one of the two between him and Arjuna would survive. Karna promised that he would spare the other children of Kunti.

One wonders, like so many other “if”s in Mahabharata, if Karna had not given away his armour, with which he was supposed to have been born, to Indra! If he had not used up the unfailing weapon, “Sakthi”, against Ghatotkacha! If he had not received the two fatal curses, first from Parasurama that he would forget the secret of his special weapons and then, from a Brahmin that the wheel of his chariot would be stuck in the mud at the crucial time!

The fight

The final battle took place between the two in the afternoon of the 17^th day of war. Each knew that it was fight to the end, either of the enemy or of the self.

At first, the two exchanged ordinary arrows in quick succession. Both got hurt and started bleeding profusely. At one point the onlookers could see nothing but a cloud of arrows engulfing the two chariots carrying the combating warriors.

Then, both Karna and Arjuna started using special weapons. Arjuna dispatched the arrow of fire (Aagneyaastra) which raged against the enemy engulfing even the chariot of Karna in flames. The son of Adhiratha immediately used the arrow of ocean (Vaarunaastra) to put out the fire. The arrow of Karna caused such a torrent of rain that Arjuna had to invoke the arrow of wind (Vaayavyaastra) to blow away the rain clouds. Both used even the weapon of Brahma (Brahmaastra), the effect of one nullified by the other. Thus, the battle raged between the two, each trying to outwit the other with his stock of special weapons.

Veda Vyasa spares no words to describe the intensity of the battle between the two equals. The fight is compared to that of Indra against the ferocious demon, Vritra. Again, he says that the two fought like two elephants in rut taking on each other.

The fighting came to a full stop everywhere else and all gathered around the two heroes. The Kauravas often shouted. “There is no hope for Arjuna this time”. The supporters of the Pandavas called out, again and again, “This is the end of Karna”. Karna’s arrows destroyed thousands on the Pandava side. Similarly large numbers of the Kauravas perished under Arjuna’s attack.

Krishna wondered after a while why Arjuna was failing to put an end to his enemy. He tried to invoke Arjuna’s anger reminding him of the Karna’s heinous acts against the Pandavas.

Karna’s chariot stuck

Suddenly Karna found one of his chariot wheels stuck in the mud. He sensed danger, thinking about the curse he received from the Brahmin. He asked Arjuna. “Arjuna, you are highly reputed as one who sticks to principles (Dharma). You know that you should not send weapons against an enemy who, has dishevelled hair, has turned his back, is a Brahmin, is with folded hands, is asking for protection, has put down his weapons, is begging (for mercy), has exhausted his weapons, is without his armour or is unarmed or has his weapons damaged.

(PrakeerNakeSe vimukhe braahmaNe-tha kritaanjalow

SaraNaagate nyasta Sastre yaacamaane tathaarjuna

abaaNe bhrashtakavace bhrashta bhagnaayudhe tatha

na vimuncanti SastraaNi Sooraah saadhu vrate sthitaah)

Give me minute. I shall pull out my wheel off the mud and give you a good fight”.

Arjuna was hesitant. His chivalry dissuaded him from attacking an opponent in distress.

But, Krishna exhorted. “Karna, fine are your words of advice on Dharma when it suits you. Where was your sense of justice when Bhima was poisoned, the house of wax was burnt down, the Pandavas were cheated in a game of dice or Draupadi was helplessly pulled to the assembly and on so many other similar situations?” Karna heard Krishna’s words and hung down his head in shame.

Krishna, then, turned to Arjuna and asked him. “Use this opportunity and put down your enemy sending your divine weapons”.

Karna noticed the confusion in Arjuna’s mind. He sent a few arrows against Arjuna and Krishna standing on the ground to gain time. Then, he stooped down trying to pull his chariot wheel that was stuck. But, however hard he tried, the wheel remained rooted in the mud.

The end of Karna

Arjuna hesitated for a moment and then took out his special weapon that he had earmarked for Karna. He remained in meditation for a brief moment, invoking the full power of his weapon. Then, he pulled his Gandiva to his ear and dispatched the weapon with full force.

Arjuna’s arrow flew like a rocket and struck on Karna’s neck with unerring accuracy. The next moment Karna’s head was severed from his body. It is said that a divine glow arose from his body and rose towards heaven at that time.

Veda Vyasa explains the end of Karna, comparing the sight to several remarkable scenes in nature. He says, “Karna’s head fell down like a big boulder uprooted by a hurricane, like the glowing sun sinking in the ocean at the end of day”, and so on. The sun was about to set on the 17^th day of war.

Krishna and Arjuna blew on their conch shells to herald victory. The Pandavs erupted into tumultuous joy. There was beating on drums and blowing of trumpets. Thousands of hands waved pieces of cloth (upper garments) in the air to express joy and relief.

The Kauravas fled looking back again and again at Arjuna’s mast as though they were being chased by the god of death.

(The 17^th day’s war to be concluded in the next episode)

The War – Day 17 (Part 8)

Krishna started driving Arjuna towards Karna at full speed. The journey was blocked by the vast army of the Kauravas lead by its veteran leaders at several stages. Arjuna was in no mood to waste much time. So, he drove through the milling army, sending showers of arrow and destroying the opposing forces in large numbers. Great was the damage done by the Pandava all along the way.

Aswatthama’s words to Duryodhana

Aswatthama had already felt dejected when his father was killed by Dhrishtadyumna. He had seen so many die on both the sides before and after that, all unnecessary according to the son of Drona. It was the gory scene of Bhima killing Dussasana that convinced Aswatthama that it was high time to put a stop to the meaningless war. He opened up his mind to Duryodhana. He did not hesitate to point out that victory was beyond hope when Arjuna guided by Krishna fought on the enemy’s side. He concluded by saying, “I can still convince the Pandavas to come to terms with you. So, please give up this futile and disastrous war now.”

But, Duryodhana was beyond any re-conciliation. He said. “Did you not see the cruel and heinous act of Bhima against my brother? Besides, he has openly declared that he is going to kill me next. No, I shall not give up at this stage. I shall, still, win the war with Karna fighting for me.”

Duryodhana, then, gave the command to his army. “Why are you holding back? Go, attack and kill the enemies”.

Meeting of the two foes

Meanwhile Karna, encouraged by Salya, has been advancing fast towards his born rival. Krishna pointed out the flag of Karna seen from a distance. He said. “Arjuna, don’t you see the flag of Karna with the mark of chain ? Now you can notice the white horses carrying the chariot of Radheya (Karna) advancing at a fast tempo towards us.”

Arjuna replied. “Krishna, do not wait for him to reach us. I am excited that my hour of reckoning has come. Please drive on so that I can meet him half way.”

Soon, the two arch rivals came face to face. A fierce fight ensued between the two. Both started sending all the divine weapons in their stock against the opponent. Each knew how to neutralize the enemy’s weapon by one of his own. It was a battle between two equals. The two fought keenly like two elephants on rut.

The soldiers on the Pandava side, like the Panchalas and Somakas, pressed Arjuna to, “hurry, kill Karna!” Similarly, the men on the Kaurava side shouted encouraging words, “Karna, kill Arjuna . Let the Pandavas go back to the forest!”

The whole world to watch the fight

It is said that the whole world, even the entire universe, came to a stop and all gathered around the two to watch their fight. The battle was so engrossing that soon the observers started taking sides. Vyasa says that the entire universe, including celestial objects, supported one or the other side. The gods, in general, supported Arjuna. The exception was the sun god who stood by his son, Karna. The demons, as a whole, came to support the son of Radha. The sky, including all the stars favoured Karna. But, the good earth stood behind Arjuna. Similarly, even the elements of nature like the wind, rivers and the good earth, too, started forming sides.

The gods started arguing on the outcome of the keenly contested battle. After watching battle for a while it is said that the gods approached Brahma and suggested. “It is difficult to make out who, between Arjuna and Karna, is going to win. It will be a pity if either of the two is killed by his enemy. Please put an end to the war so that both survive for the sake of the world”. But, both Brahma and Lord Siva replied saying that Arjuna had to win for the overall well being of the world.

Meanwhile the battle between the two grew in intensity. The two chariots came so close that even the horses of Arjuna, it appeared, took on those of Karna. The flags of the two fighting heroes got mutually entangled giving the impression that even they were in a tussle, one against the other. The two charioteers, Krishna on one side and Salya on the other, stared fiercely at each other, in a visual combat.

Karna asked Salya in the middle of the war. “If I am killed by Arjuna by chance, tell me honestly what will you do?” To that Salya replied. “I shall take revenge by killing both Krishna and Arjuna single handedly”.

Perhaps it was a coincidence that Arjuna asked he same question to Krishna. Krishna’s reply was, “it may so happen that the sun falls down from heaven and even the fire cools down, but, Karna will not succeed to kill you”.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 17 (Part 7)

Arjuna was on way to meet his enemy. He had to pass on a message to Bhima on the way. The latter was busy destroying the Kaurava forces in a pitched battle being fought all alone.

Arjuna’s very presence brought cheers in the Pandava army, more so to his elder brother, Bhima. The two greeted heartily in the middle of the battle field. Arjuna informed Bhima that Yudhishthira was safe and was taking rest in the tent. There was no need for concern on his account. This news gladdened the heart of Bhima. The younger Pandava, then, proceeded with his journey for the historic encounter with Karna.

Bhima against Dussasana

Bhima had already inflicted great damage on the attacking Kaurava forces. It was then that he found Dussasana coming against him. The sight of his arch rival raised Bhima’s fury to new heights. He remembered all the heinous acts the Kauravas had committed against him and his brothers. Dussasana was the main perpetrator of all those crimes. The insult on his dear wife, Draupadi, in the open assembly of the Kauravas came vividly to his mind at that time. It was the same Dussasana who had dragged Draupadi there pulling her all the way by hair. The climax to the insult was when he tried to disrobe Draupadi in front of all who had gathered in the hall. Bhima had sworn openly that day that he would tie her hair with his hands soaked in the blood of the Kaurava who had tormented her.

Bhima decided that the time had come for revenge. He fought with all the hatred that was burning in his heart.

But, Dussasana was not an enemy to be put down that easily. The two fought a pitched battle. Bhima faced some initial reverses from the well marked arrows launched from the Kaurava’s bow pulled to the ear. He soon recovered from the initial shock. Then, he decided to take the drastic step. Bhima jumped down from his chariot and rushed to Dussasana holding his formidable mace in hand. Before Dussasana had any chance of escape he swung the mace against his enemy’s head. The impact was so heavy that the Kaurava fell down in his chariot.

The death of Dussasana

Bhima wasted no time. He pulled his enemy down from the chariot without giving him any chance to recover. His fury had reached such a height that he lost all sense of normal human behaviour. His first savage act was to tear off the two arms of his enemy. He, then, tore the chest of Dussasana who was still struggling for life with his bare hands. Bhima, then, drank the warm blood that oozed out of his enemy’s heart and roared like an animal with its prey. His final act was to chop the head of his enemy with his sword. Bhima then, soaked in the blood of his enemy, announced loudly that he had redeemed his pledge.

People all around watched in disbelief and shook with terror at the savage sight. Soldiers fighting on the Kaurava side started to flee in panic, thinking that it was a demon had attacked the Kaurava prince. Even Karna, who happened to watch the scene from a distance, was horror stricken.

It is not clear whether Bhima, indeed, tied the hair of Draupadi with his hands stained with the blood of the evil Dussasana. As far as Bhima was concerned he had kept his word. The task remained with him was to kill the remaining sons of Dhritarashtra, including Duryodhana. We shall learn about it only much later.

Meanwhile, Arjuna was proceeding to meet his main foe, Karna. We shall learn about their encounter in the next episode.

The War – Day 17 (Part 6)

The war had made tempers fly high. It brought out the worst of both Yudhishthira and Arjuna. Krishna managed to calm down his friend through his wise counsel.

Yudhishthira in distress

Arjuna realized how wrong he was in turning against his brother whom he held in high esteem. He went to Yudhishthira and touched his feet, apologizing profusely for his rudeness.

Meanwhile, the elder Pandava was totally dejected seeing how his words had affected his dear brother. He proclaimed that he was retiring to the forest. He would not stand a similar situation, if it happened again between him and his brothers. It took a lot of effort on the part of Krishna to pacify him.

Finally, Krishna managed to patch up the relation between the two brothers who had turned against one another. Yudhishthira, finally, embraced Arjuna with tears and blessed him for victory against the enemy. Arjuna took leave promising that he would kill Karna without delay in battle. With those words he took leave of his brother.

Arjuna’s journey to meet the enemy

Krishna knew that Arjuna was on the most important mission in the war, against his arch rival, Karna. He decided to mentally prepare his friend for the crucial battle and started to recount his glorious victories in the past. Arjuna had faced so many great Kaurava warriors alone in battle and defeated them all at the end. In conclusion Krishna asked Arjuna. “Was it not with your help that Sikhandi killed Bhishma and Dhrishtadyumna put an end to Drona?”

Krishna, then, went into all the evil deeds of Karna to work up on Arjuna’s emotion. He concluded reminding Arjuna of the most insulting words of Karna. “Arjuna, did not Karna ask your dear wife, Draupadi, to choose one among the Kauravas as husband as the five of you had already become their slaves?”

Krishna’s words had the desired effect on his friend. Arjuna swore again that he would kill Karna without any further delay and requested Krishna to drive the chariot where he could meet his enemy.

Battles in progress

Meanwhile, several duels were being fought on the battle ground. The most notable one was between the Panchala prince, Uttamowjas and Vrishasena, the son of Karna. Both fought fiercely at the end of which the Panchala killed his enemy. Karna was watching the duel from a distance where he was fighting his own battle. The death of his dear son greatly enraged Karna and he unleashed such an attack that the Pandavas found it difficult to withstand.

Bhima worried

Bhima was bearing the main brunt of the Kaurava attack. After a prolonged battle he asked his charioteer. “Visoka, I have not seen Arjuna anywhere on the field for a long time. I have been fighting almost a lone battle. The enemies appear to be in great strength even now. Tell me how many arrows of each type are left in all my quivers together.”

Visoka took a count of the weapons in stock in the chariot by category and reported that to Bhima. He, then, said. “If you listen carefully, you can hear the twang emerging from Gandiva. It seems, Arjuna, lead by Krishna, is appearing on the scene.”

The news of Arjuna joining force with him was highly encouraging to Bhima. He fought even harder against his opponents with renewed vigour .

Duryodhana noticed the damage Bhima was doing to his force. He requested his uncle, Sakuni, to take on the Pandava before he did further damage.

Bhima fought against Sakuni with a vengeance. In spite of some early reverses, he defeated his foe at the end of a fierce battle. The king of Gandhara fled from the field with his life.

The Kaurava forces were completely unnerved by the defeat of their leader and took refuge under Karna who was fighting elsewhere.

(To be continued. Please refer to www.kunjunny.blogspot.com for an interesting anecdote.)