There was widespread panic among the Kauravas when the awareness grew that their concerted efforts to protect the Sindhu king went in vain. Kripa and Aswatthama took it an insult to their defenses and attacked Arjuna in great fury. Arjuna forgot that he was facing his teacher and fought with full vigour. The sharp arrows from Gandiva pierced Kripa’s chest and he sat on the chariot floor losing his senses. Aswatthama was unnerved by the sight and escaped from the scene immediately. Arjuna was sorry for what he did to his teacher, one who was worthy of worship and not of punishment.
Arjuna Cautioned
But, his attention was drawn to where Satyaki stood. Karna had turned his frustration from the day’s events to Satyaki. Arjuna wanted to go in support of his favourite disciple. But, Krishna dissuaded him from facing Karna at that time. Krishna said. “Arjuna, remember! Karna has in his possession that unfailing weapon he got from Indra in exchange for his armour. Wait until he wastes it on one of his formidable opponents”.
Karna against Satyaki
Satyaki forgot about his tiredness from the day’s battles and fought against Karna tooth and nail. But, Karna managed to destroy Satyaki’s chariot at the end. Krishna observed the predicament of his friend and blew on the Panchajanya (conch shell) for help. Krishna’s own charioteer, Daruka, was waiting for the summons and brought his chariot instantaneously on the scene. Satyaki got into Krishna’s chariot and fought against Karna with renewed vigour.
To Meet Yudhishthira
Krishna spoke to his friend. “Arjuna, you have fought marvelously today and accomplished your main aim by killing the Sindhu king. Let us now go and report the matter to your brother. That must be your immediate task”.
Arjuna was fully aware that his success story was truly that of Krishna. Accordingly Arjuna paid rich tributes for the valuable help rendered by his friend.
Krishna, while returning, showed the battle field to Arjuna that told all about the level of the day’s destruction. Bodies of men and animals, killed and dismembered, lay scattered all around. Weapons of all type, shattered into pieces or held in tact in soldiers’ hands were also seen all over the place. So were the ornaments and various pieces of cloth that adorned powerful warriors before they met their end that day. Blood oozing out of human and animal bodies got intermixed and found their way out in streams in between heap of carcasses.
Yudhishthira’s Joy
Yudhishthira was greatly pleased hearing the details of the day’s battles. He thanked Krishna for the crucial role he played in turning the events in favour of the Pandavas. Yudhishthira did not fail to congratulate Arjuna and Bhima for the crucial battles they had fought and won.
Duryodhana laments
Duryodhana was greatly distressed by the loss of Jayadratha in spite of all the elaborate defenses he had built around his dear friend. He went and complained to Drona about it. How could Arjuna, Bhima and Satyaki get through the Kaurava defenses when the Acharya, himself, stood in the front?
Drona did not take Duryodhana’s implied insult kindly. He rebuked the Kaurava prince for raking up a war that was unjust and unwanted. He was trying his best. He reminded Duryodhana that he had said again and again that Arjuna supported by Krishna was invincible. But, he promised to continue to do his best. He suggested that they continue the war that night, too. The Pandavas must be all tired by the exhausting battles of the day. The Kauravas could take advantage of the situation. Duryodhana agreed to the suggestion and got his army ready to march against the Pandavas even after the sunset on the 14th day.
With this the war on the 14th day and the chapter on “the killing of Jayadratha (Jayadratha Vadha Parvam)” end. The next chapter covered in the next few episodes goes into the crucial battles of the 14th night.
