Introduction
We are at the beginning of one of the most memorable battles in the Mahabharata war. The battle on the fourteenth day revolved around Jayadratha. Arjuna spearheaded the attack on the Pandava side with a firm resolve to get the Sindhu king to avenge the death of his son. Krishna was there as his charioteer giving him his wise guidance. The Kauravas, under Drona’s expert stewardship, made elaborate arrangements to protect the Sindhu king. We have seen in the last episode how the Pandava avoided a prolonged confrontation with his teacher on his hot chase.
One of the veterans on the Kaurava side was the Kalinga king named Srutayudha. He was born as the son of God Varuna (the god of oceans) born of the (presiding deity of) river Parnasa. The good lady prayed to Varuna to make her son immortal. But, Varuna said. “You are asking for something that is beyond human reach. Let me give this mace for your son. He can win over all enemies with this. But, remember one condition. He should not use it against any unarmed opponent. In that case, the mace shall turn against your son and that will be fatal for him”. Srutayudha joined the Kauravas with one battalion (Aksauhini) of forces.
Kritavarma was a Bhoja king and was, by relation, a great grand uncle of both Arjuna and Krishna. He had joined the Kauravas with one Akshauhini.
Sudakshina was the king of Kamboja. He also had joined the Kauravas. Because of his skill, Duryodhana made him the commander of one Akshauhini.
Arjuna against Kritavarma, Srutayudha and Sudakshina
When Arjuna bypassed Drona Kritavarma blocked his way. The two fought for a while, either not conceding any ground to the other. Krishna was worried. He asked Arjuna to kill his opponent ignoring the kinship. But, what Arjuna did was to make his enemy temporarily senseless with a powerful arrow. He then, proceeded forward.
He had to meet next the Kalinga king Srutayudha with his battalion of army. After a keenly fought battle Arjuna killed the charioteer and horses of his opponent. The Kalinga king was enraged. He jumped out of his chariot and hurled his mace against Arjuna’s. Unfortunately for the Kalinga, the mace struck Krishna on his chest. The condition imposed by Varuna was broken and the mace bounced back with great force. Before the king realized what was happening he was killed by his own formidable weapon gifted by his father.
Arjuna was stopped further ahead by Sudakshina with his forces. The two fought fiercely for some time. But, at the end the Kamboja king was killed by a powerful arrow from the Gandiva.
The army of the Ambashtha king, Srutayus, with his brother, Achytayus, was right behind to challenge Arjuna on his march ahead. Arjuna found formidable opposition from the Ambashtha forces. At one stage, the Pandava even lost his senses for a while, struck by the sharp arrows from his enemies. Krishna had to make his healing touches on his friend to help Arjuna out of his temporary disability. Then, Arjuna got back to his form and made short work of his attackers by the arrows from his Gandiva. The Abashtha king and his brother were killed.
The Kaurava army by then was in total disarray. The Pandava had breached through several of the defenses Drona had carefully built. Formidable warriors were killed on their side. Arjuna had even passed through the challenges from Kritavarma and Drona himself. The initial euphoria was all gone. The army started dispersing in all directions unable to face the Pandava’s thrust any more.
Duryodhana in anguish
The Kaurava prince was greatly worried by the developments. He complained bitterly to his teacher. Duryodhana said. “Sir, I counted on your solid support when I forced Jayadratha back into the war. But, you have failed me today. Arjuna could never have passed through your defenses without your consent. Now look at our army in total disarray. This is grossly unfair on your part”.
Drona replied. “Arjuna has the swiftest of horses in the lot and has Krishna as his expert charioteer. My aged limbs cannot match his youthful hands in battle. Further, what could I do, if he avoided a direct confrontation with me? I shall never go after an enemy who has turned his back on me. My aim is to get Yudhishthira alive. You go and meet Arjuna without fear”.
But, Duryodhana asked. “Acharya, how can I face him when you have failed?”
Drona consoled him and said. “Son, I am going to give you my special armour. This was originally given by Lord Siva to Indra for his fight against the demon Vritra. This has magical powers. No enemy arrow will penetrate this armour. Be assured that you are safe in it”.
So saying, Drona helped the Kaurava to wear the enchanted armour of his. The Kaurava, thus equipped, set forth to face Arjuna assured by the words of Drona.
(To be continued)
