The War – Day 6

Introduction

We have talked about the five sons born of Draupadi to the five Pandavas – Prativindhya to Yudhishthira, Sruta to Bhimasena, Srutakeerti to Arjuna, Sataneeka to Nakula and Srutakarma to Sahadeva. The last three played important roles on the 6th of the war. We have not forgotten much greater heros like Abhimanyu born to Arjuna in Subhadra and Ghatotkacha to Bhima in Hidimbi. The last two did fight memorable battles which are yet to take place.

We have also come across the Sindhu king, Jayadratha. He came into prominence when he tried, in vain, to carry Draupadi away by force while the Pandavas stayed in exile.

Bhima’s trail of destruction

Tha Pandavas formed the Makara (shark) Vyuha on the sixth day. To counter this, the Kauravas got into the Krauncha (heron ) Vyuha as suggested by Bhishma.

The war started with Bhima making great inroads into the Kaurava formation. The sons of Dhritarashtra noticed the advance of their arch enemy, Bhima, and decided that it was their chance to take him prisoner alive and thus humiliate the proud Pandava. They encircled him and made a joined attack against him. Bhima was amused by their effort. He was impatient with his resolve to kill all the sons of Dhritarashtra. So, he jumped down before his charioteer got a chance to prevent his rash movement. Bhima, then, held his mace in hand and rushed towards the Kaurava princes. He smashed everything that came his way. Hundreds of chariots were crushed by the force of his mace. Innumerable elephants were killed.

Dhrishtadyumna had noticed that Bhima was encircled by several of the Kaurava princes. Fearing for the safety of his dear friend, the Panchala prince rushed to the scene. What he could find was Bhima’s chariot without him. He asked Bhima’s charioteer, Vishoka, where the Pandava was. The charioteer replied. “The prince has jumped down from the chariot even before I could stop him. You can see the direction in which he has moved from the trail of destruction”.

It was exactly as Vishoka had said. Dhrishtadyumna had no difficulty in following the path in which Bhima advanced. Finally, the Panchala commander found Bhima fighting a spirited battle,alone, in the middle of hundreds of enemy warriors. Dhrishtadyumna pulled Bhima into his chariot and faced the Kauravas along with the Pandava.

Duryodhana saw that the Pandava commander had entered the ring of his men in which Bhima was fighting. So, he sent a much larger contingent of army to face the powerful Panchala. Dhrishtadyumna noticed that he was far too outnumbered by the enemy. So, he used one rare arrow from his kit, the weapon that would send the enemies into confusion (Sammohana Astram). The Kaurava soldiers ran helter skelter because of the power of the Panchala’s weapon.

Drona sensed that something terribly wrong was happening there and quickly came to the scene. He sent the remedial arrow (Prajna Astram) that restored the sense in his men. Then, the Acharya fought so fiercely along with his men that Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna were totally helpless to do anything to counter it. The Pandava army received a great thrashing from Drona that day.

There were several mixed battles and duels on that day, too. When the day was about to end Duryodhana found himself face to face against Bhima. The Pandava roared angrily recounting all the injustice committed by the Kaurava against him, his brothers and wife. In his anger Bhima used all his force to send powerful arrows against his arch enemy. Duryodhana’s horses and charioteer were all killed by the arrows from Bhima. Some of his arrows penetrated the armour of the Kaurava. Luckily, the Sindhu king, Jayadratha, came on the scene right at that moment and saved the Kaurava prince from much greater danger.

Elsewhere Abhimanyu fought a fierce battle along with Srutakeerti, Sataneeka and Srutakarma against the sons of Dhritarashtra. The Kauravas could not stand against the combined power of the four sons of the Pandavas. Bhishma came on the scene and gave support to the Kauravas. But, the sun was about to set and the battle was called off for the day.

Great was the loss on the Kaurava side when the war ended on the sixth day.

The War – Day Five

Introduction

We started tracing the story of Mahabharatam from Santanu of the Kuru dynasty. Bhishma was his first born son. He had a nephew by name Somadatta who had a son bearing the name, Bhurisravas. These two were warriors of great fame and they joined the Kaurava side in the epoch making war against the Pandavas. Bhishma, who had listed the outstanding warriors on either side to Duryodhana in the beginning of the war, had specially mentioned Bhurisravas as one of the star fighters in his side. Bhurisravas and his father, Somadatta, played important roles in the Mahabharata war.

On the Pandava side we already have come across Satyaki who belonged to the Vrishni clan of the Yadavas. Being a Yadava, he was a distant relation of Krishna. Satyaki was a good friend of Krishna and was one of the outstanding warriors on the Pandava side.

Dhritarashtra laments

The blind Kuru king lamented as usual at the end of the fourth day’s war. Sanjaya, then, reminded him of the origin of Arjuna and Krishna from Nara and Narayana who were great ancient sages and invincible warriors. The two were also good friends. The story was retold by Bhishma to Duryodhana to point out how futile it was to fight a war against the two. (We have already covered the story earlier).

The Kauravas arranged their forces in the shape of a shark (Makara) in the beginning of the fifth day. To counter this, the Pandavas got into a falcon (Shyena) formation. Bhima stood at the face of the falcon and Shikhandi and Dhrishtadyumna guarded the eyes. Satyaki stood at the head and Arjuna stood guarding the neck. The left wing was supported by Drupada with his contingent (Akshauhini) of army. The right wing was guarded by the king of Kekaya with his own Akshauhini. The back was guarded by the sons of Drupada and by Abhimanyu. Yudhishthira stood at the tail along with his two young brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva.

Duryodhana tried to inspire Drona by saying how great a warrior he was and how even the entire Pandava forces would not be a match for him. The Acharya was touched by the praises showered on him by the Kaurava prince and made great thrusts into the Pandava formation. Satyaki tried to check the advance of Drona, but, soon was in trouble. Bhima noticed the predicament of Satyaki and came to his aid. Then, Bhishma and Salya joined the fight on the Kaurava side. That brought Sikhandi on the opposite ranks. Seeing Sikhandi, Bhishma, true to his word, turned away from the scene as he would not face a warrior who was born as a girl.
Several great battles were fought on the day where the warriors on either side faced the enemy jointly. Many were duels. There was a fierce battle between Bhishma and Arjuna and between Bhishma and Virata. Arjuna faced the sons of his teacher, Drona. Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna fought a pitched battle against Lakshmana, the son of Duryodhana. Bhima attacked Duryodhana in a separate battle. Great was the destruction in the two armies as a result of all these battles.

Satyaki against Bhurisravas

It was the afternoon on day five of the war. The Vrishni warrior, Satyaki, was fighting a fierce battle against the Kauravas. Duryodhana sent hundreds of able warriors to check Satyaki. But, the Vrishni hero sent them all to the abode of the dead. It was then that Bhrisravas drove his chariot towards Satyaki. The two fought fiercely for a while. Soon, all those who were fighting in support of Satyaki were scattered in all directions, unable to face the brave Kaurava.

Satyaki’s ten sons noticed the predicament of the Pandava forces and came in support of their father. They challenged Bhurisravas to face them. Bhurisravas welcomed the young Vrishni princes to the battle and turned to them by showering sharp arrows on them. One by one, all the ten sons of Satyaki fell down dead, pierced by the deadly shafts coming from the Kaurava bow.

Satyaki went into a rage seeing the fate of his dear sons. He drove his chariot straight into that of Bhurisravas with the result that the two chariots crumbled into pieces. He, then, took out his sword and was about to face Bhurisravas in a do or die duel. But, Bhimasena arrived on the seen at that moment and carried Satyaki away in his chariot, unwilling to risk the life of his important ally.

Elsewhere, Arjuna made large scale destruction of the Kaurava army. Duryodhana deployed several contingents of his superior men to face the Pandava. But, they all perished by the swift arrows coming from Arjuna’s Gandiva.

The sun was about to set in the western sky. The Kaurava forces were exhausted by the fierce battles fought all day long. So, Bhishma withdrew his forces and called off the fight on the fifth day of war.

The War – Day four

Bhishma and Drona arrayed the Kaurava army into a unique formation and marched into the battle field early on the fourth day. Arjuna saw that and set out with an army surrounded by thousands of elephants to meet the challlenge. There was a fierce battle between the two in the very start of the fourth day. Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son in Subhadra, saw that and joined his father to face Bhishma. Duryodhana dispatched a huge army to give additional support to the grandsire against the combined force of Arjuna and Abhimanyu. But, the father and son fought unconcerned and inflicted heavy casualty in the Kaurava forces.

Sanjaya tells the story of war

It is from Sanjaya, the minister of Dhritarashtra, that we hear the details of war as he reported its progress to the blind king. Whenever his army faced reversals the Kaurava king lamented about it. On all those occasions, Sanjaya would remind the king about his own foolishness in letting the matter out of hand in spite of the wise counsel from himself, Bhishma, Drona and Vidura.

Then, Sanjaya drew the attention of his king to the battle elsewhere where Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Drupada, faced the formidable army of Salya. The Panchala fought tooth and nail against the Madra king. Fearing for the life of his ally, Duryodhana and his brothers encircled the Panchala. But, Dhrishtadyumna thwarted all their attacks. Several veteran warriors were killed by the Panchala prince that day which disheartened the Kaurava forces.

Bhima on the scene

Duryodhana, then, came to assist Salya with a large contingent of elephants. That was the opportunity Bhima was waiting for. He jumped down from his chariot and started destroying the elephant army with his huge mace. Many were killed and the rest dispersed in fright. The fleeing elephants created havoc in the Kaurava army, by trampling thousands to death.
Duryodhana sent a separate contingent of forces to encircle the formidable Bhima. The Pandava fought unconcerned and crushed the attack in no time.

The Kaurava prince rushed himself along with several of his brothers to face Bhima. The sight of the sons of Dhritarashtra whipped up the temper of Bhima. He asked his charioteer to take him straight to the Kaurava princes. He faced a tough time initially. It was then that Satyaki came to his help. Bhima recovered within a short time and, again, faced the sons of Dhritarashtra with well aimed arrows. Many of them perished at Bhima’s hands that day.

Bhagadatta and his brave elephant

Bhagadatta was the king of Pragjyotisha. He had an elephant which was trained for warfare. He was an ally of the Pandavas, but, ended up on the Kaurava side with his sizeable army. The king saw how Bhima was thwarting all attacks that day and came to meet the Pandava, mounted on his elephant. Bhima fought against Bhagadatta with undimished prowess for a while, but, one of the well aimed arrows from the king pierced through the Pandava’s armour. Bhima lost his senses for a while and sat down in his chariot.

Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima in the demon Hidimbi, noticed the predicament of his father and came to his help. He launched a fierce attack on Bhagadatta and his elephant. The brave elephant was tormented to such an extent that it let out a loud cry that reached every corner of the battle field. Bhishma heard the sound and told Drona that Bhagadatta was in trouble. The two drove their chariots quickly to where Ghatotkacha stood. By then, Bhima had recovered and the two were destroying the Kaurava forces in large numbers. Bhishma soon released that his army was exhausted and would not face the combined force of Bhima and the demon any longer. He then ordered his forces to retire for the day

Thus, the Pandavas continued with their record of success on the fourth day also.

War – Day Three

Introduction

It is useful to note that the warrior class (Kshatriyas) took great pride in their skill in warfare. It was their performance in wars that gave them fame and recognition. Money mattered very little. It was also believed that death while fighting a war would take them straight to heaven. These factors influenced the psychology of Kshatriyas in those days.

Let us remember that Krishna was considered a god by most people. Bhishma certainly did. It was the belief that death at he hands of divine persons, like Krishna, would take one straight to that heaven from which there is no return to the birth and death cycles.

Battle formation

Bhishma arranged his forces in the eagle formation and chose the best of his warriors like Drona, Aswatthama (the son of Drona) and Salya (the uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva) to guard the vital positions. There were so many others, equally powerful and ready to fight until death, to support the army from within.

Arjuna noticed this and suggested the shape of the half moon for the Pandava formation. Dhrishtadyumna did accordingly and, as usual, asked the like of Bhima and Drupada (the king of Panchala) to occupy key positions.

Bhima against Duryodhana

Bhima faced his arch rival, Duryodhana that day. The two fought fiercely against one another for a long time. Then, one of Bhima’s well aimed arrows pierced through the armour of the Kaurava prince. He sat in his chariot shaken by the hard blow. His charioteer drove him out of the battle field to save his life. The Kaurava army, then, started to disperse in all directions seeing their dear prince leaving the field. Bhima continued to chase the fleeing army and started destroy it by sending sharp arrows. Even Bhishma and Drona could not hold the army back in the field. Duryodhana, after a lot of effort, managed to get the army back in order to face the Pandava onslaught.

Duryodhana, then, complained to Bhishma, as he often did, about the Pandava’s incursion into his army while the latter was in command. Bhishma, reminded the Kaurava about his old age and the superior skill of the Pandavas, but, promised to do his best.

The Pandavas were in a relaxed mood in the afternoon after winning the battle decisively in the morning. It was then that they noticed the sudden thrust of the Kaurava army into their midst let out by Bhishma. The Kaurava grandsire appeared, as though, he had multiplied himself many fold and was fighting at several places at the same time. The Pandava soldiers fell down in thousands. Unable to stand against Bhishma, the Pandava army took flight in all directions.

Krishna spoke to Arjuna in a persuasive tone. “Arjuna, the time has come for which you have been waiting. Face the grandsire boldly. Otherwise, he will destroy your army completely in no time”.

Arjuna accepted the challenge and asked Krishna to drive his chariot straight to the front of the veteran Bhishma. Arjuna fought with so much vigour that the senior Kaurava enjoyed the show for a while. Then, as if to test the skill of the Pandava further, Bhishma continued his onslaught even more ferociously. Krishna was disappointed with Arjuna and thought that his friend was too soft on the senior Kaurava. He cried out, “Arjuna, if you do not want to hurt your grand father, then I will have to do that on your behalf”. So saying, Krishna jumped out of the chariot and rushed to Bhishma with his discus in hand.

Bhishma observed the turn of events and saw Krishna, who had promised not to take up arms, rushing towards him with his discus, the Sudarshana, in hand. He said. “Krishna, you are welcome. I bow to you. I am ready to die at this very moment, if my death comes by your hand. What better way can I hope to die and get salvation instantaneously?”

Arjuna was aghast watching at the turn of events. He rushed after Krishna and pulled him back into the chariot with great difficulty.

Krishna observed the change of mood in Arjuna and blew his conch shell, the Panchajanya, the sound from which filled all the horizons. That was followed by the twangs from Arjuna’s Gandiva creating terror in the enemy’s hearts.

Arjuna , then, fought so fiercely that none could stand against him. All the veteran Kauravas rallied against Arjuna. But, the Pandava stood firm and thwarted their attacks with ease. In the meanwhile he continued to destroy the Kaurava forces in great numbers.
When the day ended the Kauravas suffered so heavily that everyone on their side left the battle field with a heavy heart.

The Second Day’s War

(Without getting into the details, let us note that the war lasted eighteen days. Many of the battles were fairly monotonous and a day’s events could be summarized in a few paragraphs. Others were so thrilling that each may take several episodes to complete. The whole epic spreads over eighteen books. We are currently on the sixth.)

Battle formation

Yudhishthira asked Dhrishtadyumna to make the famous battle formation resembling a bird with a long neck (Curlew – “Krauncha”). Brihaspati, the priest of gods had suggested this formidable formation to Indra in the war against the demons. Arjuna stood guarding the crown of the bird’s head with Drupada right behind him. Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna occupied the wings. Other veteran fighters guarded similar vital points. The Pandavas were ready before dawn to face the enemy in this formation. It looked solid and difficult for the enemy to penetrate.

Duryodhana came to know of this unique defense of the Pandavas. He organized his army into a suitable formation to counter the challenge with the help of Bhishma. With that, the Kaurava grandsire made an all out thrust into the Pandava army. What was meant to be a fool proof defense system cracked open under the onslaught of Bhishma. The Pandava army perished in great numbers s and there was, again, panic in their ranks.

Arjuna against Bhishma

We have so far not talked about one outstanding gift of Arjuna. He was called Savyasachi, meaning, one who could use either of his hands with equal effect. No other hero in the whole of Indian epics is attributed with this unique quality. Onlookers always admired watching Arjuna sending arrows with equal ease using his two hands.

The Pandava hero, Arjuna, observed the predicament of his forces and requested Krishna to take him where Bhishma was. The two fought fiercely against each other. Each moved about the other to get a vantage point for attack. Arrows fell as showers from each bow against the other’s chariot, horses and charioteer. The battle was so intense that after a while it was difficult to identify who was who except from the mark of the flag. It is said that gods assembled in the sky looking down to watch the unique combat between two equal warriors.

Duryodhana, after a while, feared danger for the grandsire from the Gandiva, Arjuna’s bow. So, he asked a large contingent of the army to go for Bhishma’s support. But, it was well known that only two on the Kaurava side, Drona and Karna, apart from Bhishma himself, could stand against Arjuna. Drona was already busy elsewhere and Karna would not join the war while Bhisma lead the army. So, Arjuna, in no time, annihilated thousands of warriors who came to support Bhishma.

Duryodhana was worried watching the spell cast on his army by Arjuna’s Gandiva. He went and complained to Bhishma that he was being too soft with his favourite Pandava. But, Bhishma retorted saying that he had advised against a war with the Pandavas repeatedly. Nonetheless, he was trying his best.

But, the words of Duryodhana had the desired effect on the aged Kaurava warrior and Bhishma fought with renewed energy against his young opponent.

Dhrishtadyumna against Drona

Elsewhere, the Acharya (teacher) of the Pandavas and Kauravas was destroying the Pandava forces in large numbers. Dhrishtadyumna, the Pandava general and the born enemy of Drona, could not tolerate the unchecked march of the Acharya into the Pandava ranks. He challenged Drona to face him first before targeting others who were much weaker. The two got engaged into a fierce battle. The brave Panchala prince stood firm against the powerful missiles from Drona for a while. But, the Acharya managed to send a well aimed arrow against the charioteer of Dhrishtadyumna killing him instantaneously. Undaunted, Dhrishtadyumna jumped down with a mace in hand and ran towards Drona intent on accomplishing his life’s mission at the very moment. But, One of Drona’s arrows cut the mace into pieces. That did not swerve the Panchala from his aim and he continued towards Drona’s chariot taking up a sword. But, Drona cut the sword also into pieces and sent a shower of arrows against the Pandava general. Bhima was just in time to notice the predicament of Dhrishtadyumna and pulled him into his own chariot. The two, then, started a joint attack against Drona.

Duryodhana was apprehensive of the Acharya’s safety as he was waging a lone attack for a long time. So, he sent the powerful contingent of the famous Kalinga forces to support Drona. The Kalingas encircled Bhima and sent arrows against him from all sides. But, the Pandava fought even harder when faced with the threat from the huge Kalinga forces. He started killing them in the thousands and the remaining started fearing for their own safety.

Bhishma was quick to come to the relief of the Kalingas and that brought Satyaki and Abhimanyu into the scene. One of carefully aimed arrows from Satyaki struck Bhishma’s charioteer and the horses ran away, out of control from the battle field. Bhishma’s exit demoralized the Kaurava army and the Pandavas made good use of the opportunity.

When the day ended the Pandavas could let out a sigh of relief, contending that they had more than compensated for the first day’s losses.

First Day’s war

The sun had just about risen the day after the two sides agreed on the rules of war. Each side blew trumpets to give the order for their armies to march. Dussasana lead the Kaurava army keeping Bhishma in front. The Pandavas marched forward from the other end, lead by the powerful Bhima in his chariot.

Veteran fighters blew their conch shells heralding their entry. The two armies rushed against each other. War cries erupted from thousands of throats. Horses neighed and elephants trumpeted. The battle field was filled with marching soldiers, horses, elephants and chariots. The roar that Bhima let out from his powerful throat could be heard, above all these sounds, creating terror in the enemy ranks.

Soon the battle field was filled with flying arrows and javelins. Arrows aimed at enemies were cut down before they reached the targets. Many found the targets on enemy chests piercing through the protective armour. Elephants and horses were also hit and blood flowed, making streams all around.

Great duels

Initially it was only a confused picture, difficult to know who was fighting against whom. It was one big mass of fighting soldiers with raised swords and pointed javelins.

Soon, one could see veteran fighters facing each other in duels. Bhishma appeared prominent from the Kaurava side. He wrecked havoc in the Pandava forces. The powerful arrows sent by the master Kaurava warrior found their target on thousands of enemy soldiers. It created real panic among the Pandavas. Abhimanyu could not tolerate this massacre let loose by the aged Kaurava. He faced Bhishma boldly and sent powerful arrows to meet the shafts coming from Bhishma’s bow on the way. There was a fierce battle between the aged and the young and for a long time it was not clear who had an edge over the other. The valiant son of Arjuna, after a prolonged battle, managed to bring down the mast of Bhishma. This raised cheers among the Pandava ranks.

Bhishma, initially, was surprised and even pleased to find the young Pandava prince giving him such a stiff resistance. Soon, he realized that he would have to use his full force to check the onslaught of Arjuna’s prodigious son. When the other Pandavas realized that their young hero might be exposed to real danger they soon joined to give support to Abhimanyu.

Salya kills Uttara

In another part of the battlefield Salya was making great advances fighting fiercely and causing large scale destruction to the Pandava army. Prince Uttara, the son of Virata, noticed the advance of the king of Madra. He turned his chariot right in front of the Madra king and challenged him for a duel. The two fought fiercely for a while. At the end a powerful javelin from Salya pierced the heart of the valiant Uttara.

Sweta to avenge the death of his brother

The elder brother of Uttara, by name Sweta, saw what happened to his brother and turned towards Salya to take revenge. He challenged Salya for a stiff battle. He fought valiantly . Thousands of Kaurava soldiers were killed by the shower of arrays from the Matsya prince. Others took plight, unable to stand the fury of Sweta. Duryodhana’s men found that Salya’s life was in danger and took him away from the battle.

Then, Bhishma came on the scene. The two fought fiercely against each other. After giving a fierce fight to Bhishma Sweta swung his mace with great force at latter’s chariot and crumbled it into pieces. Bhishma jumped down just in time to save himself. At the same time he sent an arrow carefully targeting the heart of Sweta. The young prince of Matsya could not escape the swift arrow and he also fell down dead.

It appeared that there was the formidable Bhishma wherever one turned, with the string of his bow pulled as far as his ears and sending showers of arrow in every direction. It was difficult to assess the damage he caused to the Pandava army. It was, as though death appeared in person to swallow the entire Pandava army in one go.

When the first day’s battle ended the Pandavas had suffered great losses in their ranks. Yudhishthira’s heart sank thinking about all the warriors who sacrificed their lives on his behalf. He opened his heart to Krishna wondering whether here was any point in continuing with the war. Krishna consoled him saying the Pandava side still possessed all the great warriors like Bhima, Arjuna, Satyaki and so on. Krishna, himself was around to steer them to victory against all odds. Krishna’a soothing words helped to complains to Krishna. Krishna advised him to plan for the next day’s attack rather than brooding over the losses.

Thus ends the first day of the great Mahabharata war .

Yudhishthira on a strange mission

The war was about to commence. Thanks to Krishna, Arjuna got over his reluctance to fight. Everyone was waiting for the first arrow to fly to its target. Then, all witnessed a strange sight. Someone got down from his chariot and started walking forward, towards the enmy ranks. There was no doubt that he was from the Pandava side. Soon, the contour of Yudhishthira walking on foot emerged out of the dust raised from the horses’ hooves . Everyone was puzzled. What was the Pandava planning to do? He was obviously walking unarmed towards the Kauravas. Was he going to abandon war and give in to the enemy?

Yudhishthira with Bhishma

All his brothers in one voice called out the one question that was in everyone’s mind to Yudhishthira, “where and for what are you going, sir?”. Yudhishthira did not bother even to turn back to offer a reply, but, continued walking to the Kaurava side. There were loud exclamations on the Kaurava side at that time. One could hear words that Yudhishthira was scared to face the formidable Kaurava forces and was offering his surrender.

But, Krishna smiled and said that the senior Pandava was going to meet the elder Kauravas for their blessings. When Krishna hinted what Yudhishthira was after, the other four Pandavas also joined him. Meanwhile, Yudhishthira went first to Bhishma and prostrated before him. He said.

“Sire, we are here to face you in battle. Please give us permission and your blessings”.

Bhishma replied. “If you had not come to me this way, I would have cursed you. I am now pleased with you. Tell me what I can do for you”.

Yudhishthira said. “I only ask for one thing, that you will think of us even as you fight on the Kaurava side”.

Bhishma wanted Yudhishthira to be more specific. So, the Pandava asked, “ you are invincible in battle. How can we fight with you?”

But, Bhishma refused to give a direct answer at that time. He simply said that it was not yet time for him to die (he could choose the time of his death) and that the Pandava could approach him again.

With Drona

The Pandavas next went to Drona. They went around and prostrated before him. Then, Yudhishthira spoke. “Sir, we bow to you. Please give us permission to fight with you and also bless us with victory”.

Drona said, as Bhishma did, that the Pandavas did the right thing in coming to him for permission and for his blessings.

Yudhishthira wanted to hear the secret of winning over his teacher which was otherwise impossible. Drona also tried to avoid a direct answer. But, at the end he gave a hint. “If I hear such news that I do not want to hear, that too, from a reliable source, I shall stop fighting”.

The Pandavas also went to Kripa, their first teacher, and Salya, their uncle and received their blessings. Yudhishthira requested Salya, who was an ally of the Pandavas in the normal course, to help him in one way. The King of Madra (Salya) should put down Karna whenever he got a chance during the war. Salya promised that he would try his best in this regard.

Any one to join?

Yudhishthira then announced in the midst of the two armies that any one who wanted to join the Pandava side would be most welcome. Yuyulsu was a son of Dhritarashtra, born to a woman of the merchant class (Vaisya). He used to support the Pandavas in their troubles in the past. Yuyulsu joined the Pandavas in response to Yushithira’s call. This was welcomed with shouts of joy from the Pandava side.

We shall start with the first day’s battle in the next episode.

Bhishma in command

The last chapter, on Duryodhana’s perverted message through Ulooka, is followed by another, exclusively on the star fighters on the Kaurava and Pandava sides. This was by way of Bhishma’s reply to the question on the topic by Duryodhana. We shall refer to this chapter individually as we follow each warrior in action in the field.

Vyasa tells the story of Amba and how she ended up as Sikhandi in the chapter that follows. We have already covered that story. The book on “War preparations (Udyoga Parvam)” ends with this chapter.

We next go into the book on Bhishma (Bhishma Parvam). The first chapter in the book is a geographic description of earth and the location of Bharatam (India) within it. We skip that.

Rules for war

It was the morning of the first day of war. The sun was about to rise. Both the sides stood facing each other anxiously waiting for the word “go”. The Pandavas faced east ready to meet the Kaurava army facing west. It is said that the armies of the two sides spread as far as the sun’s rays reached.

The two sides mutually agreed on the rules to follow in the battles to be fought. Fighting would start only after the sun rises and should end before the sun sets. It should be a war between equals, that is, a soldier on foot could be attacked only by another on foot and one on horse back by an opponent mounted on his horse. No weapons should be used an unarmed enemy. A group should never attack one isolated from his soldiers. When the day’s battle ends there should be friendship between the opposing sides until the next day.

Visit by Vyasa

Veda Vyasa appeared on the Kaurava side just when the war was about to commence. He warned Dhritarashtra of the grim consequences of the war. He, then, offered temporary sight to the blind king so that he could witness the war. But, Dhritarashtra turned down the offer, saying that he did not want to see his dear ones perish in front of him. Vyasa, then gave Sanjaya, who was Dhritarashtra’s minister a special gift. He could have a vision of everything that happened in the field even as he sat next to his king. This way Sanjaya could narrate all the events to Dhritarashtra as and when they happened. That is why we find a good part of Mahabharatam through the words of Sanjaya spoken to the Kaurava king.

Bhagavad Geeta

The next chapter has the famous Bhagavad Geeta. As it is widely known, the beginning of the war forms the background for Krishna’s advise to Arjuna. The Pandava asks Krishna, his charioteer, to take him to the middle of the two opposing armies. He wants to have a good view of the fighters on both the sides. What Arjuna sees makes him disheartened. He is to fight against those who are his teachers, cousins, relations and friends. He exclaims to Krishna what sort of war he is going to wage. What he is going to benefit by winning a war after killing people who deserve to be revered and loved. He throws away the Gandiva, his famous bow, and his arrows and sits in the chariot totally disillusioned.

Krishna convinces his friend that it is his duty, as a royal, to fight the war that is just. Inaction will spoil his name and ruin his future in this world and the next. The essence of Geeta is that man is just an instrument in the hands of God. The soul is permanent and takes birth in different bodies. It cannot be destroyed. Then, whom does Arjuna think he is going to kill ? The body? The relationships are all temporary. If so, who are the parents, teachers, friends and so on? In any case, when a man is born his death is sure to happen.

The ultimate aim of man is to reach God. Krishna, through several chapters, introduces several approaches to attain salvation.

When Arjuna was finally persuaded by the preaching of Krishna to take up his arms again and face the enemy boldly we witness another strange event, as we are going to, in the next episode.

A taunting message from Duryodhana

The two sides assembled at Kurukshetra by the side of the river, Hiranvati. The war was about to commence. Duryodhana consulted his close associates, Karna, Dussasana and Sakuni and hatched another game to hurt the Pandavas and to stir them to action. He called Sakuni’s son by name Ulooka by his side and asked him to convey his messages to the five Pandavas one by one. He did not spare even their friends like Krishna, Virata and the Panchalas.

Ulooka did as he was told. He announced in the middle of the Pandavas that he was a mere messenger and was simply repeating the words of the Kaurava prince. He, first, conveyed the message to Yudhishthira. Duryodhana’s words were, “you pretend outwardly to hold high moral values. But, now you are about to fight a war against your own people. You are like the cat which pretended to be a hermit by the side of river Ganga and ate several unsuspecting rats”.

The cat who gave up eating rats

Ulooka retold the story of the cat to Yudhishthira as he was asked to do. The cat in the story hit upon a plan to eat rats without much effort. He remained by the river Ganga with his arms held up, apparently in deep meditation. He continued keeping that posture for several days and became lean without eating any food. Several animals came near the cat taking him to be a true sage of high spiritual attainment. There were several rats among them. They were truly taken by the meditating cat which had, apparently, given up all worldly desires.

The rats were without a true leader, one who would protect them at all times. They thought that the cat would best serve their interests and approached him for protection and help.
The cat said that he would sacrifice his personal interest in meditation and look after the rats, purely out of kindness. But, he was too weak to move. Some of the rats should volunteer to carry him daily here and there for bath and other chores. The rats agreed to do the service gladly. The cat, thus found isolated places where he could kill and eat the rats that carried him. But, the game was up soon as the rats found their numbers dwindling and the cat getting fatter day by day.

Duryodhana asked Yudhishthira not to pretend to be a saintly figure outwardly, keeping high ambition for kingdom inside. He asked the Pandava to come out in the open and fight like a royal.

Bhima and Arjuna were ridiculed for their boasting of power and skill in warfare, at the same time acting like cowards. Duryodhana made fun of the two for taking up menial jobs in the Virata palace.

Duryodhana called the Pandavas, who failed to act even under extreme provocation, as impotent men. He dared the Pandavas to try and cross his army that was like a vast ocean. Bhishma stood like huge waves in it. Drona was like a dangerous crocodile and Karna and Salya were like gigantic whales in the sea of the Kaurava army.

When Ulooka finished all on the Pandava side stood up in extreme anger. Bhima’s eyes turned blood shot and he wrung his hands together, unable to hold his rage.

Each on the Pandava side gave his reply to Duryodhana. Each had his sworn enemy. Arjuna had Karna as his main opponent. Bhima had sworn that he would kill all the hundred Kaurava princes. Shikhandi had his revenge on Bhishma to settle. Dhrishtadyumna was born to kill Drona. In response to the provocating words of Duryodhana each reaffirmed his pledge to settle account with his enemy. Krishna smiled and sent the message, “Duryodhana, you know that I shall not take up arms. Then, why are you afraid of me?”

When Duryodhana heard what the Pandavas had to say in response to his messages, he ordered his army ready for combat by the very next morning.

Dhrishtadyumna on the Pandava side, meanwhile, selected veteran fighters to face each of the formidable enemy warriors.

The chapter on “Ulooka’s mission (Ulooka Dootaagamana Parvam)” ends here.

Battle preparations of the Kauravas

Introduction

Let us refresh our acquaintance with the veterans on the Kaurava side. We have come across Kripa, Drona’s brother-in-law, who was the first teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas. We also have come to know of Jayadratha of the Sindhu kingdom. He had tried to take Draupadi by force while the Pandavas were living in the forest. Bhima had disfigured him after defeating his forces in battle. We have mentioned that the only son of Drona, by name Aswatthama, had come to live in the Kaurava palace along with his father. Drona was very fond of his son and would do anything for his sake. We also have gone through the story of Salya, the uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva, who joined the Kaurava ranks by mistake with his one division of army. All these were great warriors next only to the formidable Bhishma and Drona.

Duryodhana organizes his forces

We have mentioned that the Kauravas ended up having eleven divisions (Akshouhinis) in their army. When Duryodhana heard that the Pandavas had marched to Kurukshetra in battle array, he also ordered his forces to be combat ready. He declared eleven commanders for the divisions. They were Kripa, Drona, Salya Jayadratha, the king of Kamboja by name Sudakshina, Hardikya, Aswatthama, Karna, Yoopaketana, Sakuni and Balheeka (we are yet to meet some of them).

There was no doubt in Duryodhana’s mind who should lead his vast army. He approached Bhsihma with that request. Bhishma accepted the responsibility, but, on one condition. He would kill thousands of enemy soldiers each day of the battle, but, would not hurt any of the five Pandavas at any cost. He also cautioned Duryodhana that Karna may not be willing to fight under his command. Bhsihma was right on that count. When Karna heard about the choice of Bhishma to lead the Kaurava army he declared that he would not join in the fight until Bhishma retired.

The Kaurava army marched next morning, after the Pandavas, to Kurukshetra. Countless number of chariots, elephants, horses and soldiers moved making a big noise. All the soldiers were covered in armour and held various weapons in their raised hands.

Balarama remains neutral

When Balarama heard about the decision on war he came to meet Krishna. He was very sad that such a calamity was to befall in the lot of the Pandavas and Kauravas. He declared that he would be no part of it and announced that he was going on a pilgrimage until the war ended.

The only other royal of standing who did not participate in the war was Rukmi, the brother of Krishna’s wife, Rukmini. Rukmi became an enemy of Krishna when the latter took his sister, Rukmini, by force on the day she was to wed Sisupala. Rukmi came with a division of his army and offered his friendship and service to the Pandavas. He was even boastful saying that he would destroy the entire Kaurava army all by himself and hand over the land so won to the Pandavas. Arjuna did not like the tone of Rukmi’s claims. He politely refusd the offer, saying that the Pandavas were quite capable on their own to meet the Kaurava challenges. Unfortunately for Rukmi, Duryodhana also turned him away saying that he had enough men to fight for him.

Vyasa thus ends the chapter on “March for battle (Sainya Niryana Parvam)”.