The killing of Jayadratha was highly demoralizing to all the Kauravas, especially to Duryodhana. So much precaution was taken to guard him just until the sunset on the 14th day. But, Arjuna had accomplished what was thought to be impossible.
Drona’s response to the Kaurava’s bitter complaint was an offer to take the war into the night of the 14th . The Pandava heroes like Arjuna, Bhima and Satyaki would be thoroughly exhausted from the day’s pursuits. That must have been the thought in Drona’s mind when he proposed what was against the rules. But, so many other rules were already broken. The war had degenerated into a “no bars” game.
Drona made havoc in the Pandava forces in the early hours of night All those who came across the Acharya perished on the spot. Then, Bhima came on the scene. He checked the onslaught and made heavy casualties among the Kauravas.
Somadataa against Satyaki
Somadatta, the father of Bhurisravas, was waiting for the chance to avenge the death of his son. He met Satyaki on the battle field. Hot words were exchanged between the two which later erupted into a vicious battle. The old Kaurava king had to be removed from the battle field when he was tormented by the heap of arrows from Satyaki.
Aswatthama against Ghatotkacha
Aswatthama waged a terrible war that night. None could stand against the son of Drona who started killing the Pandava forces in large numbers.
Ghatotkacha could not tolerate the damage done to his father’s army. He fought a spirited battle against the son of Drona. It was well known that demons are powerful at night. Besides, Ghatotkacha was an expert in illusion making warfare. But, Aswatthama knew the special weapons that could remove illusion. It was, thus, like a game of wits between the two for a long time.
The son of Ghatotkacha, by name, Anjanaparva, came to give support to his father. But, Aswatthama killed him with a well marked arrow right in front of Ghatotkacha. Soon, another arrow from the son of Drona pierced the chest of Ghatotkacha. His charioteer quickly drove the son of Bhima out of the battle field. All thought that the life of the powerful demon came to an end at that time.
Meanwhile, Aswatthama destroyed the batallion of demons in large numbers. It appeared as though the son of Drona would finish the entire Pandava army all alone.
Drona against Yudhishthira
Yudhishthira, himself, came on the scene to take control of his army that was in great distress. Bhima, Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki also came in support of the elder Pandava. Drona concentrated his attacks on Yudhishthira remembering his promise to Duryodhana. The two fought engaged themselves in a duel exchanging several divine weapons against one another.
Arjuna also came on the scene at that time. Bhima and Arjuna supported their elder brother from the two sides and fought against the Acharya.
Krishna was apprehensive of the danger and advised Yudhishthira to keep a distance from Drona as the Acharya was bent upon catching him alive. Accordingly, the elder Pandava retired from the scene. Arjuna and Bhima continued their combined attack against the Kauravas and their Kaurava army started dispersing from the field in large numbers.
The end of Somadatta
Somadatta returned to the scene to face Satyaki, again. He was bent upon punishing the Vrishni warrior for the killing of his son. In the battle that ensued Satyaki killed his enemy with his powerful arrows.
Who will face Karna?
The intensity of the battle grew as the night advanced. But, it was difficult to make out friends from enemies in the pitch darkness. The battle was fought so intently that many perished at the hands of their own friends.
Then, the commanders on either side ordered torches to be lit. One could see even from a distance the glittering of the golden ornaments adorned by the soldiers and of the sharp points of weapons in the red light emitted from torches. The battle grew in intensity when there was light.
Several memorable battles were fought that night. Karna was bent upon proving his mettle against the Pandavas. He made several decisive victories and started destroying the Pandava forces indiscriminately. None could stand against Karna that night. All turned their eyes to Arjuna to put a check on the son the charioteer. But, Krishna would not let that happen.
Krishna spoke to Yudhishthira. “While Karna is in possession of his unfailing gift from Indra it is unwise to expose Arjuna. We must find someone else to face Karna at this juncture”.
(We shall learn about further developments from the next and concluding episode of the war on the 14th night)
