The 14th day’s war was a long drawn one. After several tough battles during the day the war dragged on into the night too. It was at the death of the Pandava hero, Ghatotkacha, that the fighting was called off for the day.
By then it was already late at night. Almost every one was dead tired even to make an effort to return to the base camps. They simply collapsed into deep slumber wherever and in whatever condition they were. Those on horse back or on elephants lurched forward on their animals and sank into the much needed rest and sleep. Foot soldiers fell flat on the bare soil and went to sleep instantly. The sleeping soldiers got intermingled with the thousands of dead and wounded ones in the night’s rest. The moon, then, came up in the sky and spread its silvery light highlighting the scene.
But, the calm in the battle field was temporary. Duryodhana went, again, to Drona to complain about the huge losses on his side, accusing the Acharya of partiality towards the Pandavas. Drona remonstrated with the Kaurava for the unjust accusation. But, he sprang into action stung by the insulting words of Duryodhana. The sleeping soldiers were woken up and divided into two groups, one under Drona, himself, and the other under Duryodhana. The two divisions, then, marched against the Pandavas. The eastern horizon was just about getting red in the early hours of the 15th morning at that time.
But, the soldiers hardly had any time for the much needed rest and sleep. They were up on their feet, but, were too tired to fight, even to move. The condition of the animals, horses and elephants, was no different. They stumbled on their way hitting against each other or against chariot wheels. It was the will of the commanding warriors that carried the army forward.
Drona against Drupada and Virata
Bhima was the one who alerted other Pandavas on the invading Kauravas. He and Arjuna took on Duryodhana and Karna. The Panchala king, Drupada who was the one time friend turned enemy of Drona, faced the Acharya. The Matsya king, Virata, also came to support the Panchala. Drona fought ferociously and killed the two kings at the end. Several sons of the two kings also perished in the battle.
Bhima was shaken by the incident. He called on the Panchala prince, Dhrishtadyumn and spoke. “Did you not see how the Acharya put an end to the life of your father? You had taken an oath to kill him. Now you see the result of your inaction. If the Acharya continues like this, he will finish our entire army in no time”. Then, without waiting for Dhrishtadyumna , Bhima made a thrust into Drona’s army and started dispatching sharp arrows against the Acharya.
Nakula and Sahadeva
The early morning combats witnessed Nakula and Sahadeva facing the invading Duryodhana and Dussasana. The young Pandavas fought heroically against the Kaurava brothers. At the end both Duryodhana and Dussasana had to retreat in disgrace, unable to face the Pandava arrows dispatched in quick succession.
Duryodhana against Satyaki
Duryodhana found himself facing Satyaki that morning. The Yadava was a childhood friend of the Kaurava. The marriage of Kunti to Pandu had made the Yadavas related to the Pandavas which included the Kauravas also. All the Kauravas had grown up in the company of the Yadavas like Krishna, Balarama and Satyaki. It was the enmity that developed between the Kauravas and the Pandavas that made the division between the two clans.
The two briefly exchanged memories of their childhood days in common, even though they were facing one another as enemies. Then, they got down to business and started fighting against one another with full vigour.
Arjuna against Drona
Meanwhile, Arjuna was fighting heroically against Drona. It was difficult to judge who had an upper hand in the battle between the teacher and he student. The Pandava had an answer to each of the divine weapons dispatched by Drona. The same was true of Drona also against the arrows from Arjuna’s Gandiva. It is said that even the celestial beings gathered in the sky to watch the thrilling combat between the two heroes.
A lie to disarm the enemy
Krishna was worried after a while. He exclaimed. “There is none who can defeat Drona in battle as long as he holds weapons in his hands. The battle can never be won while he is fighting. We must think of a way to stop him. It is well known that the Acharya loves his son, Aswatthama, above everything else in this world. Truly, he lives mainly for the sake of his son. We must lie to him that Aswatthama has been killed. That will stop him fighting.”
Arjuna was very reluctant to tell a lie, especially to his dear teacher. Bhima who was nearby overheard Krishna’s words. The king of Malava by name Indravarma was fighting on top of his elephant named Aswatthama. Bhima killed the elephant with his huge mace and went near the Acharya. He then announced. “Aswatthama has been killed!”.
Drona pretended not to have heard what Bhima said. But, his mind was already in confusion and turmoil. How to confirm whether Bhima spoke the truth or not?
Bhima taunts Drona
Bhima, then spoke words meant to provoke the Acharya even further. He said. “You are engaging yourself in a battle that is not meant for a Brahmin like you. Your duty is to learn and teach the Vedas. Think of all the hundreds and thousands who have perished at your hands. This is a sinful act for the like of you. You better put down your arms and get out!”.
(The next episode will end the present chapter)
