In the presence of the Kaurava queen

The Pandavas went next to Gandhari with the blessings of Dhritarashtra. The Kaurava queen was a living example for an ideal wife totally devoted to her husband. She had blindfolded herself the day she heard of her betrothal to the blind king. From that day the noble Gandhari lived a life of purity performing austerities as prescribed for a queen.

The daughter of the Gandhara king stood for truth and righteousness in all her thoughts and deeds. She held herself high above board even in the quarrel between her sons and their cousins, the Pandavas. Yet, the death of all her hundred sons was too much for the mother in her to overcome. Hence, when the arrival of the Pandavas was announced her mind went out of control for a moment. Her immediate impulse was to punish them with a curse for the death of her sons.

Vyasa to the rescue

Sage Veda Vyasa could sense the mood of his daughter-in-law in time. He promptly arrived on the scene speaking words to calm down the Kaurava mother. Vyasa said. “The daughter of Ganfdhara, do not vent your anger on the Pandavas. Your son had approached you eighteen days ago (at the start of the war) for your blessings. Did you not say at that time that victory will be where there is righteousness (Dharma)? The Pandavas have won because truth was on their side. If you curse them now for it, it will be highly an unrighteous act. You are an embodiment of patience. It befits your character to forgive the Pandavas for their righteous acts”

Gadhari was pacified by the words of the sage. She replied. “I do not envy the Pandavas nor do I want to see their destruction. My mind went astray because of my pain from the death of my children. I know that the fault was on the side of my children. I agree that Bhima, Arjuna and the other Pandavas were not wrong in killing them. But, why did Bhima have to hit my son below the navel with his mace, that too, while Krishna stood watching? Will honourable men abandon codes of conduct and try to win war at any cost?”

Bhima’s defense

Bhima got somewhat scared of the fury of his aunt. He lamely replied. “I was worried about my own life and acted without thinking what was right or wrong. I confess that I could not have defeated your son without employing tricks that were forbidden. Please forgive me for that. All the injustice committed by your son on us blew up the rage in me like wild fire. Mother, your son’s acts made him our enemy deserving to be punished with death at all costs”.

Gandhari agreed that Bhima had every right to take revenge on her son. But, she asked. “But then, why did you drink the blood of my other son, Dussasana, something which is unheard of as ever committed by any honourable men?”

Bhima tried to defend himself to that by saying that he actually did not drink the blood. He had promised Draupadi of revenge with the blood of Dussasana. That was all that he had done.

Even letting that lame excuse of Bhima to pass, Gandhari finally asked. “Why did you not spare at least one of my hundred sons to support the blind parents in their old age?” There was no reply to that from any who stood around

Gandhari’s wrath

The noble queen then asked for Yudhishthira. The eldest of the Pandavas presented himself before the blind folded queen with trembling and folded hands. Gandhari did not speak anything to her nephew and tried to turn her face down to control her anger that was still raging in her. But, the sight of her burning eyes escaped through the gap of her blind fold and fell on the toe nail of the Pandava. It is said that that part of Yudhishthira was charred to black immediately. Arjuna was awe struck observing the tragedy and hid behind Krishna to save himself.

The gentle Gandhari soon recollected herself and blessed the Pandavas with prosperity.

With Kunti

The Pandavas next went to their mother. Kunti was overwhelmed with emotion at the sight of her sons after such a long time. She had suffered so much during the past thirteen years and more. She had also lost all of her grand children in the war. She covered her face with her upper garment and wept silently. She then embraced her children one by one. Their bodies were still sore with all the wounds they had received from the heavily fought war. Kunti stroked her hands gently over the wounds and blessed them with long life.

With Draupadi

While all this took place, the normally brave Draupadi was weeping uncontrollably lying down on the ground. She had lost all her sons and brothers. The Pandavas and their mother tried to console her. She addressed Kunti and said. “What use is for me with the kingdom that was won at the cost of my sons’ life?” Kunti tried to console her with wise words. “Daughter, do not torment yourself in this manner. We are all equally affected by this tragedy. Think that it is fate that has taken the lives of our dear ones. Let us console ourselves that those who die fighting a war are not to be mourned. (They have gone to heaven).”

With this ends the chapter, “Paying the last tributes (jala praadaanika parvam)”. The word “jala praadaanika” means giving water as part of the last funeral rites. But, it may be noted that there is no mention of that in this chapter. There is a later chapter which covers that aspect.

The Palace in Mourning

We are on the next “book of the womenfolk (stree parvam)” and the first chapter in it, “Paying the last tributes (jala praadaanika parvam)”. The opening scene has the blind Dhritarashtra in deep sorrow. His minister, Sanjaya, and the wise Vidura were at his side trying their best to console the king.

Sanjaya’s consoling words

Dhritarashtra had collapsed on the ground hearing the news of the death of Duryodhana and his other sons. Sanjaya asked him. “Why do you torment yourself with such sorrow? It is not only your sons who are dead. With them are gone men of the entire eighteen divisions (Akshauhinis). It appears that the earth, as far as one can reach, has been laid bare ”.

Dhritarashtra replied. “My sons have died. So have my ministers and all other friends and relations. I have been left all alone to live like an old bird with broken wings. This is the result of my not listening to the wise counsel from the like of Bhishma. Instead, I went by what my son, supported by his wicked friends like Sakuni and Karna, told me. I must have committed great sins in my past life to suffer thus”.

Sanjaya spoke in a matter of facts tone. “You, with your sons, ignited fire that was the wrath of the Pandavas. You, then, inflamed it further by pouring down ghee (clarified butter) made of your insulting words. The same fire has consumed your sons. There is no point in mourning their death now. You must now muster courage with your own wisdom”.

Vidura speaks

The wise Vidura spoke more gently in an effort to pacify the king. He said. “Why do you remain on the floor? Please get up. Death is sure for all living beings. The god of death pulls away the bold and coward alike when their time comes. That happens whether one fights a war or not. And you cannot catch up with them, even if you want to, just by brooding over them. Time (kaalam) is the great force that ends life selectively. Among the people who travel together (in life) one whose time has comes reaches (his end) first”.

“Then, think of the positive aspects. Your sons would now be enjoying the hospitality of the king of gods (Indra), something that is hard to achieve by other means, including by sacrificial rituals, long penance or making generous gifts. Hence, your sons are not to be mourned”.

Vidura spoke words at length giving courage to the king who had thought that all was lost to him.

Sage Veda Vyasa also arrived there at that time and spoke gentle, wise and loving words to the old king.

The journey to the battle field

Dhritarashtra was pacified to a great extent after he heard the wise counsel by Sanjaya, Vidura and Vyasa. He asked for Gandhari, Kunti, Draupadi and other women of the palace to be brought at once so that they could all go together to the site of the great destruction.

The palace of Hastinapura, then, witnessed a scene that brought tears to the eyes of those who were present. All the ladies of the palace, including Gandhari, Kunti, Draupadi, came out of their respective quarters, wailing loudly about the loss of their dear ones. Those who had lost their husbands had removed their entire ornaments and appeared wearing single garments to cover their body and had their hair let lose symbolic of their widowhood. The ladies, as though they had lost their whereabouts, ran here and their like mad women. They embraced one another and tried to find comfort in each other’s company. It was in the company of such a crowd of the royal ladies that Dhritarashtra started to the place where his dear sons had fought and lost their lives.

The Pandavas pay their tribute

Hearing the news of the visit of Dhritarashtra Yudhishthira went to the battle field in the company of his brothers and Krishna to pay his respects to the old king. The Pandavas came forward one by one by turn offering their obeisance as Yudhishithira announced each to the blind king. Dhritarashtra on his part, though burning inside with sorrow, embraced his nephews as they presented themselves to him.

Bhima in trouble

Krishna had come prepared for this difficult meeting. Duryodhana had practiced mace fighting on an iron statue of Bhima during the thirteen years of exile by the Pandavas. Krishna had brought that statue with him for this occasion. When the turn of Bhima came Krishna gave him a signal to stand aside and pushed the iron statue to the old king.

When Bhima was announced Dhritarashtra could not contain himself. The thought of the killing of each of his hundred sons flared up the suppressed anger in the blind king beyond control. It is said that he embraced the iron statue with so much power that it was crushed to pieces instantly. It was believed that Dhritarashtra had the strength of ten thousand elephants in his younger days.

The king quickly collected himself and was highly apologetic. He said. “Oh, what did I do? My anger got the better of me with the result that I have killed my son (nephew)!” Krishna, immediately, corrected him. “Do not torment yourself. Bhima is safe. Anticipating this I had offered the iron statue of Bhima to you. Please control yourself now and bless the Pandavs as they are innocent. You know how they had suffered because of all the injustice done to them by your sons. You ignored all the wise counsel offered by Bhishma and others. I had myself come for truce on behalf of the Pandavas. You ignored all that because of your blind love to your sons. It is not right to hold the death of your children against the Pandavas.”

Dhritarashtra was pacified by the turn of events and by the timely intervention of Krishna. He said. “I am not angry any more with my nephews. Let me embrace them once again and bless them”. The Pandavas, then, came in front of the king one by one and accepted his embrace and blessing.

(To be continued)

The final act of revenge

Starting with the last episode we are on a new chapter titled “the chapter of the blade of grass (Aisheeka Parvam)”. The last episode closed with the hot chase of Aswatthama by Bhima. The other Pandavas, lead by Krishna, were close on his heels fearing about his safety.

When Krishna and the Pandavas finally caught up with Bhima he was already facing the hot headed Aswatthama challenging the son of Drona for battle.

The all destructive arrow

Aswatthama was surprised to find Krishna and all the Pandavas seeking him out. There was no doubt in his mind that they had come for revenge. The son of Drona was unarmed, but, undaunted. He reflected for an instant and thought of the only way to defend himself. He picked up a blade of grass and chanted the secret Mantra of the Brahmastra taught by his father. Aswatthama, then, launched the grass against his enemies.

The innocuous grass became a formidable weapon by the power of the Mantra. A huge ball of fire emerged from the blade of grass, powerful enough to destroy everything on its path. The Pandavas were taken aback by the sudden development.

The Counter attack

Krishna, always sure of the right course of action, told Arjuna. “The son of the Acharya(Droni) has invoked the Brahmastra. It can be countered only by another Brahmastra, taught to you by Drona, himself. Do not waste even a second, else we may all perish under the power of Droni’s arrow”.

Arjuna did accordingly. Before sending his arrow he prayed first for the safety of his opponent who was the son of his teacher and then of himself and his brothers! The two arrows, both equal in power, and each capable of destroying the entire world raced against one another. Waves after waves of heat emerged from them. It is said that several bad omen appeared on the sky at that time indicating disaster.

The saviours

It was difficult to guess what would happen next. At that time, to the surprise of all, two sages appeared in the middle of the two arrows which were dashing against one another. They were the great sages Narada and Vyasa, himself. The sages addressed the warring men facing each other. “You two are fully aware of the destruction this arrow (Brahmastra) is capable of causing. You also know that it should not be used against men, unless it becomes absolutely unavoidable. Why did you behave impulsively like this, with very little apparent provocation?”

Arjuna bowed to the sages and replied. “I used my arrow only with the intention of neutralizing that of my enemy. I obey your command and withdraw mine. I am aware that the arrow of Droni, without the check of mine is now going to destroy all of us. I leave it to you, the revered sages, to protect us from the impending danger”. So saying, Arjuna withdrew his Brahmastra.

Aswatthama, then, offered his obeisance to the divine sages and spoke. “I sent my arrow fearing my life from the wrath of Bhima. I had chanted the Mantra making my weapon potent enough for the total destruction of the entire Pandava race (apaanDaveyam). I realize that I acted in haste.”

Vyasa said. “Son, you must withdraw your weapon immediately. I made Arjuna take his arrow back as I knew of the dangers. Even if the two arrows had destroyed one another, the entire region would go dry without rain for twelve long years. So, you must immediately take back your arrow, too”.

But, Aswatthama confessed that he did not have the capacity to withdraw his arrow. He simply did not have the disciplines for the task (Brahmacharya). The son of Drona said that his arrow will have to be directed at lives in the Pandava camp for it to destroy.

Krishna saves the situation

Krishna thought for a while and said. “Let this arrow target the fetus being carried by Uttara, the wife of Abhimanyu”. Krishna knew in his mind that he was fully capable of protecting the life of the baby yet to be born of Uttara. Aswatthama, accordingly, directed his arrow to the pregnant Uttara.

Krishna then spoke to Aswatthama. “True, that your arrow will kill the baby in the womb of Uttara. But, I shall give new life to it”.

A symbolic defeat

Aswatthama, next, pleaded for his life in the presence of the august sages. Vyasa, mediating on his behalf said. “I know that you carry a divine jewel on your head, which is almost a part of you and more precious than anything found in the entire world. You hand that over to the Pandavas, thereby accepting your total surrender”. Aswattha obeyed the command of the sage and pulled out the special jewel he wore so proudly on his head until that day. Vyasa, then, turned to yudhishthira and said. “You take this precious stone to your dear wife and console her explaining how your enemy has been humiliated. I am sure that Draupadi will accept the jewel in place of the life of the son of your teacher”. Yudhishthira accepted the jewel out of respect to the revered sage.

A curse

Krihna, then, turned to Aswatthama and said. “You will have to bear the consequence of your heinous acts. You shall roam about this world for three thousand years without any hope for salvation. Everyone will avoid your contacts thinking of your cruel deeds. Thus, you will suffer and repent for your own sinful acts.”

Aswatthama heard the curse pronounced by Krishna and withdrew himself to the nearby forest keeping his head low all the time. The Pandavas went to Draupadi in the company of Krishna and the two sages.

Draupadi was somehow consoled by the sages and made to accept the jewel as a token of revenge on behalf of he dear ones. She wanted Yudhishthira to adorn his head with it. The final act of the protracted and disastrous war that caused the lives of thousands of men and animals thus ended with a curse on the son of Drona to roam about the world in disgrace.

The last section of the chapter has a conversation between Yudhishthira and Krishna. The senior Pandava asked Krishna how Lord Siva could have permitted Aswatthama to commit a crime that had no excuse. Krishna went into the days of the first creation (of the world) and the role played by Siva in it. The apparent(unsatisfactory) meaning is that the Lord was capable of destroying the entire world when angry and blessing it with all the boons when pleased.

The boy whose life was saved by Krishna became famous by the name Pareekshit. He died later of snake bite under the curse of a sage. His son, Janamejaya, performed a serpent sacrifice which was the occasion for the narration of the story of Mahabharatam by sage VaiSampaayana.

The current chapter ends with this episode. So does the “book of the sleeping men”.

To punishment the avenger

One of the Pandava charioteers had somehow escaped from the total massacre by Aswatthama. He reported the matter the same night to Yudhishthira who was sleeping by the river side.

All the Pandavas were grief stricken hearing the death of their children and of their kinsmen. Yudhishthira called Nakula aside and said. “I cannot even imagine how our dear wife, the daughter of the Panchala king and the mother of our children would take this. You must go immediately and get her here.” Accordingly, the young Pandava brought Draupadi where they had encamped at night.

Yudhishthira did not go wrong in guessing the condition in which his dear wife was. Draupadi got into a state of shock when she heard the death of her innocent children and brothers at the hands of a reckless enemy committing a heinous act by way of revenge. The good lady collapsed on the bare floor as soon as she reached the place.

When she opened her eyes she looked at Yudhishthira and spoke hurting words. “It is fortunate, my dear husband, that you would enjoy ruling over the whole empire, even though we have lost all our children”. Then she declared. “If someone does not immediately punish the sinner, Aswatthama, I am going to fast until death right from this moment”.

Yudhishthira tried to pacify his wife with the words, “console yourself that your children have reached heaven and attained immortality”. But, that was not what the princess of Panchala wanted to hear. So, she turned to Bhima. “You were the one who came to my rescue whenever I was in trouble. Please find the son of Drona who has committed this outrage against our children and destroy him without delay”.

That was enough to launch Bhima hastily on the quick pursuit of the hot headed enemy.

Krishna worried

Krishna was not around at that time. When he came to know what happened he spoke to Yudhishthira. “How could you let Bhima run after so dangerous an enemy? Don’t you remember that our Acharya had given the all destructive arrow, the Brahma Astra to his son? Bhima will be totally helpless against such a powerful enemy”.

Krishna continued recalling a past incident. The Pandavas and Kauravas had completed their training under Drona. The Acharya had developed a special regard to Arjuna because of his unique qualities which included the total control oh his emotions. So, Drona called Arjuna one day and gave him the secret of the all-powerful weapon, the Brahmastra. He said that he was confident that the weapon would be safe in the hands of his accomplished pupil.

The Acharya was not that sure of his own son who, he knew, was highly temperamental and prone to act rashly under circumstances. So, Drona had kept the secret of Brhmastra away from him.

But, Aswatthama became touchy about it, thinking that he was entitled for something that his father possessed, especially if that was given to Arjuna. So, he started complaining about it to his father. The Acharya, finally, had to yield, but after giving him a stiff warning. “Son, you must refrain from using this weapon, especially against humans unless it becomes absolutely imperative”.

An offer to Krishna

Krishna, then, recalled one strange incident. He had already settled in Dwaraka by then. One day the son of Drona called on him quite unexpectedly and announced. “Krishna, I have received the Brahmastra from my father. I want to exchange this with a weapon of yours, preferably, with your discus, the Sudarshana”.

Krishna was amused with the offer. He told his visitor. “If you are so keen, you are welcome to pick any one of my weapons of your choice”.

Aswatthama was highly pleased with his luck. He tried to pick the Sudarshana with his left hand. Failing to do so he used his right and then both his hands with all his might. Even then he could not even stir the formidable weapon from its position.

Krishna, then, smiled and spoke to him. “There is none in the entire world who is dearer to me than Arjuna. I have not offered the Sudarshan even to him. Why, I have not favoured my own son, Pradyumna, with this weapon. By the bye, who do you want to fight against, with my Sudarshana?”

Aswatthama replied. “Krishna, it is you that I wanted to fight with you!”. Krishna smiled and said. ““You are a gifted warrior. There is no doubt about it. But, remember that the entire human race with the gods and demons included would not match even to one hundredth of me in valour”.

In hot pursuit of the enemy

Krishna told the above story to Yudhishthira and said. “The son of Drona felt embarrassed afterwards. But, I blessed him and offered various other gifts to him and sent him off from Dwaraka. I told the story to you to remind you that he has the highly destructive Brahmastra and to give you an idea of his immature character. So, we should not waste even a minute to go after Bhima for his safety”.

So saying, Krishna and the four Pandavas hastily climbed into their own chariots and drove the way Bhima had left.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 11)

Let us remember that Krishna had anticipated trouble and taken the five Pandavas and Sathyaki to spend the night at the river side. Every one else was in the Pandava camp thoroughly exhausted and deeply in sleep.

An obstacle

Aswatthama reached the camp of the Pandavas in a great hurry. The other two followed him right behind. They found the entrance guarded by a ferocious looking ghost-like figure (Bhoota). Aswatthama could not tolerate an obstacle on his path. He sent a sharp arrow against the guard hoping to quickly remove the nuisance. But, he found that his arrow had no effect on the guarding spirit at the gate. The son of Drona started sending the special weapons in his kit one by one, but, they all failed against the formidable keeper of the Pandava camp.

Aswatthama was frustrated. Time was crucial for the new Kaurava commander for the success of his plan. He started praying to Lord Siva, the God of ghosts. The Lord was soon pleased with his prayers and appeared before the Kaurava warrior. Siva said. “I posted the ghost to test you. I am pleased with your devotion. I know that the time has come for the Panchalas to depart from this world.” In the next moment the surprised Aswatthama found that both the Lord and the ghost had disappeared from the scene.

The main target

Now the entire Pandava camp lay wide open in front of the son of Drona. Asking Kripa and Kritavarma to guard the entrance he searched for his main enemy first. He had no difficulty in spotting Dhrishtadyumna deeply in sleep in his own quarter. Aswatthama gave him a kick that made the sleeping Panchala wake up with a startled expression. That was precisely the intention of the person who stood menacingly over him. In the next instant, the Panchala found himself being strangled by the bare arms of his attacker. He realized immediately who his enemy was and what his intention was.

Without offering any resistance Dhrishtadyumna pleaded with his tormentor. “Son of Drona, you are welcome to kill me, but, please make it quick, that too with a weapon”.

That was what Aswatthama was not going to do. He replied. “You lied to my father that made him throw his weapons away. Remember that he was also your own teacher. It was then that you, like a coward, killed him. You do not deserve the heaven meant for brave warriors who die fighting.” So saying, Aswatthama strangled his enemy to death.

The massacre

The groans coming out of the dying Panchala awoke others who were sleeping near by.

The desire for vengeance had turned Aswatthama, who was a Brahmin by birth, into a demon, thirsty for blood of every one in the camp. Pandava warriors like Uttamoujas and Yudhamanyu soon became the targets for Aswatthama’s weapons. Next he turned to Sikhandi and all other Panchala princes. They were all trying to get up from deep sleep and were anyway too tired to offer any resistance.

The five sons of Draupadi quickly got ready to challenge the enemy who broke into their midst in the middle of night. But, the son of Drona killed them all one by one without much difficulty.

What followed was a total massacre. The son of Drona went from bed to bed killing every one who lay down exhausted and deep in sleep. If any one tried to escape, he was chased and cut down without mercy. The two guarding the entrance took care of any who were lucky to escape from the sword of Aswatthama.

Soon, the Pandava camp resembled a battle field with bodies of soldiers strewn all over. Aswatthama was satisfied that he had finished the task that he had come to accomplish. The three then set the camp ablaze making sure that if any one was left out, he would surely perish in the fire.

To the dying Kaurava

Aswatthama said. “If our leader is still alive, I want to take this news quickly to him”. So saying he rushed to the spot where Duryodhana was lying down. The Kaurava prince was still breathing, though feebly. The son of Drona bent down and spoke gently in the ears of the dying prince. “My friend, I have kept my word. I have killed every one found in the Pandava camp. Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandi and the sons of the Pandava have all been killed. So are all the soldiers of the combined Pandava and Panchala forces. Only seven are left on the Pandava side, the five sons of Pandu, Krishna and Satyaki. They were not to be found anywhere in the camp. ”

Duryodhana opened his eyes slowly. He had heard what he so desperately wanted to hear. He said. “What you have done makes me happy beyond words. No one else, including Bhishma, your father and Karna could do what you have done for me. Now I can die fully satisfied that we have settled the score with the Pandavas”. With those words the valiant Kaurava breathed his last.

With the death of Duryodhana the chapter of “the killing of the sleeping soldiers (souptika vadha parvam)” comes to a close. We may treat that the war ends here, though related incidents continue through the next episodes.

The War – Day 18 (Part 10)

We now begin the “book of the sleeping men (souptika parvam)” which starts with the chapter titled “the killing of the sleeping men (souptika vadha parvam)”

Aswatthama took a pledge to avenge the death of his father in the presence of the dying Duryodhana. He, then, fled to a nearby forest on horse back in the company of Kritavarma and Kripa. They were scared that the Pandavas might be hot on their chase. They would be slaughtered mercilessly unless they hid themselves safely somewhere.

It was a dense forest that they entered. The three refreshed themselves drinking the cool water from a nearby stream. The horses were let to drink to their fill and tied up giving them the much needed rest.

There was a huge banyan tree close by and the three, thoroughly exhausted, lied down underneath it. Kripa and Kritavarma soon went into deep sleep. Aswatthama was too absorbed in thoughts of revenge. Sleep escaped him altogether.

The Owl and the Crows

The hollow of the tree’s branches housed hundreds of crows. Soon, an owl arrived on the scene. The two, the owl and the crows, are said to be legendary enemies. The owl has poor vision during the day and is confined to its nest. Then the crows attack the owl and destroy the young and old alike.

Now it was the owl’s turn. It started attacking the nests of the crows one by one. The crows were fast asleep in their nests. It was anyway too dark for the crows to see what was happening. The owl had good vision at night. Besides, it had the advantageous position right at the opening of the nests.

The crows had no chance of escape. The owl visited the nests one by one and killed all the crows mercilessly.

An Inspiration

That sight drew the attention of Aswatthama. He thought that the owl came to give him a valuable lesson. The son of Drona awoke his uncle, Kripa, from his deep sleep and spoke. “The Pandavas have played foul at every stage in the war. That was how they have won against us. Now only the three of us are left on the Kaurava side. We fare no chance against the Pandava forces in straight combat. But, if we attack them now while they are asleep with a carefree mind, we can inflict heavy casualty on them and thereby take revenge for all the cruelties they have inflicted on us. Forget all the principles of the Kshatriyas (warrior class) and let us fight the battle in the only way left for us”.

Kripa asked Aswatthama to take rest for the rest of the night. The next morning he and Kritavarma would accompany his nephew to face the Pandavas.

But, Aswatthama refused to budge from his resolve. He said. “I am too deeply in sorrow to go to sleep. I shall not rest until I put an end to the life of Dhrishtadyumna who killed my father in the most heinous way.”

Kripa said. “Let us go, if you are so bent on an attack on the Pandavas now itself. But, remember that we shall be committing a crime for which we shall definitely end up in the worst of all hells. You earned impeccable reputation through your fair deals all through the war. Think twice before you lose all that through a hasty act”.

But, Aswatthama was already burning with a passion for revenge that no words of caution changed his mind. He replied. “There is none in the whole world who can change my mind at this stage”. With those words the son of Drona quickly bridled his horse and started towards the Pandava camp. Left with no other choice the other two followed him.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 9)

Duryodhana’s parting words

Sanjaya found Duryodhana lying down in the dust and profusely bleeding from his broken thigh. He was wailing over his own pitiable condition. At the same time the proud prince was hissing like a cobra at his enemies.

He lamented. “I was the lord of eleven divisions (AkshauhiNi) of army commanded by great warriors like Bhishma and Drona commanded. Yet, I find myself in this pitiable condition. None can overcome what fate one has in store”.

“Sanjaya, please tell all our people who remain alive that Bhima felled me using unfair tactics. The Pandavas, besides, have committed several such heinous crimes to win the war. The way they put down Bhishma, Drona, Bhurisravas and Karna was cruel and unpardonable”

“You must convey the following words of mine to my aggrieved parents. I ruled the land that spread as far as the oceans on all the sides. I went to all the hostile kingdoms, won them in straight battles and made them my vassals. I was formidable to my enemies and generous to the needy. I performed great sacrificial rituals with the money I so amassed. At the end I have been beaten by Bhima in a battle that was against the codes. But, luckily, I never had to be a slave to an enemy after losing a battle”.

“You must tell my friends like Aswatthama, Kripa and Kritavarma that they should never trust the Pandavas who have cheated us throughout this war. Tell them all that I am now going the way Drona, Karna, Salya and Sakuni went”.

The Kaurava prince was not repentant even a bit. Even at his death bed we find him in his usual haughty mood.

A new commander

The son of Drona (Aswatthama) rushed to Duryodhana in the company of Kripa and Kritavarma when he heard the news. When Duryodhana saw his friends he repeated the same words that he had spoken to Sanjaya. Aswatthama got into an uncontrollable rage. He swore in front of his friend. “I know how Dhrishtadyumna killed my father after getting Yudhishthira speak the lie about my death. Mark my words! I shall send all the Panchalas to the abode of Yama (God of Death). I shall thus avenge the death of my father”.

Duryodhana was greatly pleased hearing the words of the son of Drona (Droni). He addressed Kripa. “Acharya (teacher), please bring water to install Droni as the commander of our army!”

The consecration ceremony was done as the dying Kaurava watched the scene with great satisfaction. Aswatthama let out a terrible battle cry at the end and set out to execute his pledge in front of his dying friend.

The chapter of “battle with maces (gadaa yuddha parvam) and the Book of Salya (Salya parvam)” end here. But, the battle of the 18^th day continues in the next episode. We have covered only about two thirds of Mahabharatam by volume. But, we are left only roughly with ten percent of the main story. There are interesting stories later, too. We may cover them depending on the interest left with the readers at that time.

The War - Day 18 (Part 8)

Arjuna’s Chariot

The fall of Duryodhana meant the total defeat of the Kauravas. The Pandavas wanted to pay a visit to the camp of their enemies. Each travelled in his own chariot or on animal. Arjuna went with Krishna in his own chariot pulled by eight white horses.

When they reached the site of the camp Krishna asked Arjuna to get down first. The Pandava did as he was told. Krishna, then, alighted next. Immediately, as though by a miracle, the chariot went up in flames.

To the baffled Pandavas Krishna said. “You all look surprised. There is no mystery in this. So many divine weapons, sent by veterans like Bhishma and Drona, have struck this chariot. It is simply because of my presence that it did not burn up on those occasions. Arjuna, you have accomplished your task and this chariot has served the purpose. There is no need to keep the chariot going any more.”

Yudhishthira praises Krishna

Yudhishthira was overwhelmed. He said. “Only you could have protected us from the arrows of Bhishma and Drona. The words of sage Vyasa, “where there is righteousness there is Krishna and where Krishna is, success is sure to be there (yato dharma-statah krishNo yato KrishNa-stato jayah), have indeed come true.”

The Pandavas in the Kaurava camp

With those words Yudhishthira entered the tent. It was empty of all enemy warriors. Only the attendants stood bowing in front of their new masters. It is said that the Pandava soldiers returned carrying the wealth that was left behind by the fleeing Kauravas in the camps.

Krishna’s advice

When they were about to return Krishna told the Pandavas. “Let us stay away from our tent this night”. They decided to encamp near the shores of the river.

Yudhishthira’s anxiety

Yudhishthira had one great apprehension in his mind. He addressed Krishna. “I am scared of Gandhari. She has lost all her sons. She, certainly, would bear in mind that Bhima killed her eldest in an unpardonable way. How will she tolerate us? The lady has acquired immense power through chaste living and long years of meditation. If she sets her mind to curse us, all the Pandavas will be reduced to ashes within no time. Krishna, please save us from this impending calamity. Otherwise, all your efforts in winning the war for us would go waste”.

Krishna in Hastinapura

Krishna agreed to pay a visit to the elderly couple in Hastinapuram. He thought of his charioteer who immediately appeared with the chariot that was made ready for the journey.

The news of Krishna’s arrival was heralded to the blind king immediately. Krishna bowed in front of the elderly couple. Dhritarashtra was already shedding tears of deep sorrow.

Krishna addressed the king. “Sir, you know everything that has happened. You must realize that the Pandavas tried their best to avoid war. They did abide by all the conditioned imposed, unfairly, on them and suffered for thirteen years in forest. After that I came myself and begged just for five villages for the five Pandavas to live in. It was primarily because of your mistake that they were denied what was their legitimate share of the ancestral empire. All the wise men, including Bhishma, Drona and Vidura advised you to settle for a compromise. You did not listen to their words, carried away by your misplaced love for your son. You know that Yudhishthira holds you in high esteem. But, he is hesitant to come and see you in this situation. That is why he asked me to pay you a visit. Remember that the Pandavas are the ones left to perform your last rites . I have this request to make. Please do not find fault with the Pandavas now. Also, it is time that you stop tormenting yourself”.

Krishna, then, turned to Gandhari. “Good lady, you advised your son in the presence of all with the words, where there is Dharma success shall be there. Your prophetic words have come true. Think only that way and kindly do not keep any ill feelings towards the Pandavas!”

Gandhari replied. “Krishna, what you say is true. I am burning all inside my body. My mind wavered for a moment and it could have turned against the Pandavas. But, I am now trying to console myself after listening to your words. Now, for the blind old king and myself, you and the Pandavas are the only refuge”.

With those words, the blameless lady covered her face with her upper garment and started weeping. Krishna consoled her with his soothing words of wisdom.

Krishna bids farewell.

Sage Vyasa was present there at that time. Krishna bowed before him and said. “I am apprehensive of Dhrishtadyumna. He is hot tempered. He may make a rash move against the Pandavas any time. Let me go quickly”. Vyasa said. “Krishna, go and protect the Pandavas!”. Krishna made a hasty departure after his brief meeting with sage Vyasa.

Sage Vyasa, then, tried on his part to pacify further the blind king and his noble queen.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 7)

Bhima’s Exultation

Bhima could not contain his joy after bringing his main enemy down at the end of a grueling battle. He rushed to Duryodhana who was lying down soaked in blood. Recounting all the wrongs the Kaurava had done towards him and his people Bhima kicked the head and stamped on the face of his enemy with his own left foot.

Yudhishthira Sorry

Yudhishthira came rushing to the scene. He admonished his brother for his behaviour that was not becoming of a gentle prince. He said. “Bhima, you have done what you promised to do, by hook or crook. That is enough. After all, he is our cousin. Do not insult him any more. Remember, he is without his brothers and friends who have all been killed in the war. It is highly immoral to kick on the enemy who has already been fallen down in battle.”

He, then, apologized to Duryodhana. “Brother, please do not get angry on account of Bhima. You must remember that what you got is the result of your own action. You are, in a way, fortunate. You are soon to leave for the world where there will be no more sorrow. We are the unfortunate ones who have to continue living in this world with most of our dear ones already dead.”

Balarama angry

Balarama was beyond himself with anger watching Bhima hit his enemy below the waste which was against the code of mace fight. The mighty Yadava jumped up with his formidable weapon, the axe, raised high in the air. Shouting angrily at Bhima he started rushing to him.

Krishna caught hold of his brother just in time. “Brother, calm down. Think of all the injustice done to the Pandavas by Duryodhana and his people. You must also remember that Duryodhana had sealed his own fate when he received the curse from sage Maitreya. You know the wise saying that the welfare of the self, of the friends, and of the friends of friends is desirable. Similarly, the downfall of the enemy, of the friends of enemy, and of the friends of friends of enemy is also something to be cherished. (Aatma vruddhir mitra vruddhir mitra mitrodaya statha vipareetam dvishas tvetad shadvidhaan vruddhir aatmanah) The Pandavas are the sons of our own maternal aunt, Kunti”.

Balarama was somewhat calmed down by the words of Krishna. But, he said, still in an angry mood. “Whatever you say, Bhima was wrong in hitting Duryodhana on his thighs. He shall suffer for it.”

Krishna continued trying to pacify his brother further. “The epoch of Kali (Kali Yugam) has already set in. The moral codes of conduct will suffer greatly. Let us leave the act of Bhima as one of revenge.”

Krishna’s diplomacy worked. Balarama sat down, though he continued to speak angrily against Bhima for a while.

Krishna, then, spoke to those who had gathered around. “This sinner was already doomed to die the day he rejected the wise words of all his well wishers like Bhishma and Drona. Lucky, that he is now, finally, fallen down in the battle”.

Duryodhana’s rebuke

Duryodhana was listening to all the conversation around him. He raised his head with great effort pressing his two hands firmly on the ground. Then, he started to speak, addressing Krishna. “You, the son of Kamsa’s slave (Vasudeva)! Are you not ashamed to have prompted Bhima to act immorally? Do you think that I did not notice you persuading Arjuna to give the hint to Bhima? You were the one behind every act of unjust behaviour in this war. You persuaded Arjuna to fight against the grandsire keeping Sikhandi as a mere proxy. You asked Yudhishthira to tell the lie that made Drona to drop down his weapons. From then on every other act of cowardice had your stamp of approval on it.”

Krishna replied. “It was on account of your own sin that all the great warriors like Bhishma and Drona perished on the battle ground. All that primarily resulted from your greed for the land which legitimately belonged to the Pandavas”.

“I have acted like a king all through my life. I enjoyed everything that a monarch was entitled to. Now, I am going to die after fighting a battle which is the most covetous way for a king. Bhima would never have defeated me in a straight battle. There is no doubt about that. I am now going to heaven fully contented with the thought that I lived a life keeping my head high all along like a king.”

Krishna turned to the Pandavas around and said. “True, Bhima would not have managed to put down Duryodhana in any other way. If I had not done all those tricks at appropriate points in the war, you would never have won.”

(To be continued)

The War – Day 18 (Part 6)

The fight continues

Bhima and Duryodhana continued their combat like two elephants in rut fighting with their tusks. It was difficult to know who stood better chances to win. Both were wounded and bleeding all over their body. Yet, they fought with unabated vigour and ever rising spirits.

Balarama sat watching his pet disciples emplying every tactics he had taught them.

Krishna’s hint

Arjuna was sitting next to Krishna. He watched his brother in the middle of a fight that gave no signs of an end. He asked his friend and guide. “Krishna, who between these two, fares a better chance to win?”

Krishna replied. “Bhima has superior strength, but, Duryodhana has better tactics. Your brother can never win over his foe in a straight combat. You must remember that all of you are now in a crucial stage of battle after winning over all other important adversaries. If Bhima loses to Duryodhana, then it can cost you the war itself.

There is the famous saying by sage Sukra. Beware of those enemies who have returned to fight, or have been ruined, or those who care too much for their lives. They fight to the end with determination. (puna-raavartamaaNaanaam, bhagnaanaam, jeevitaishiNaam bhetavya-mariSeshaaNaa-mekaayana gataahite). Duryodhana qualifies for all these cases. Hence, he should be feared. If he wins, be sure that he will become the king.

Remember, Bhima’s pledge when Draupadi was pulled by hair to the open Kaurava assembly. This haughty Duryodhana at that time openly invited your dear wife to sit on his lap by baring his thigh. Bhima noticed the insulting gesture and swore loudly that he would break the thigh of his arch rival with his mace.

Ever since that day, this man was preparing himself for this ultimate battle against Bhima. He fought for those thirteen long years against an image of Bhima with a heavy mace made of iron.

So, I see no chance for Bhima in a fair combat. You have been wronged in various ways all these years. This war, itself, has been unjust. Bhima should remember his own oath and use tricks that are not in the code of mace combat”.

Arjuna got the hint. He must have also remembered the curse of sage Maitreya on Duryodhana. The Sage was sorry to find the noble Pandavas unjustly suffering in the Kamyaka forest. He went to Duryodhana to reason with him. The Kaurava prince remained quiet, without even pretending to listen to what the sage had to say. He kept drumming on his thigh as though in boredom. Maitreya felt insulted. He cursed Duryodhana that his very thigh would be broken in the crucial fight.

Krishna’s words and the precarious condition of the Pandavas must have influenced Arjuna to give a direct hint to Bhima by slapping on his own thigh when the latter looked in his direction in the middle of fight. Bhima got the message immediately.

The fatal blow

Soon, Bhima swung his heavy mace against his foe with all force. Duryodhana jumped up in an effort to avoid a direct hit. That was the opportunity Bhima was looking for. He aimed the thigh of the Kaurava this time and swung his mace again.

Duryodhana had least expected that. The mace hit the target without fail. The Kaurava prince fell down with his thigh completely shattered. He was fatally wounded.

The Pandavas blew on the conch shells to herald victory. It is said that the gods dropped flowers from heaven to congratulate the Pandavas. But, elsewhere terrible omens of evil nature started appearing.

We shall learn about the tragedies that followed the fall of the Kaurava prince in the next episodes.

The War - Day 18 (Part 5)

Duryodhana was highly pleased to see Balarama at the time of his crucial fight against Bhima. He bowed before his teacher and enquired about his journey. Balarama was also happy to be in the company of his two disciples.

Samantapancakam

The Yadava prince called Yudhishthira and said. “Let us all go to Samantapancaka. It is a very sacred place. If any of these two die fighting against the other, he is sure to go heaven there”. All agreed to the proposal.

Sage ParaSuraama had annihilated all the kings on earth to revenge the death of his father. He, then, washed his axe at the same Samantapancakam. He offered the blood that flowed from his axe as sacrificial water (TarpaNam) to his ancestors. That was how the place got its fame.

Both Bhima and Duryodhana walked towards the chosen place holding their huge maces in the company of other Pandavas and Kauravas. Others blew on conch shells and played trumpets.

The venue

They chose a firm ground to the south of river Saraswati for the battle. A large gathering soon assembled there to witness the fight. The royals sat on appropriate chairs. Notable among them was Balarama looking intently for the fight to start. Others stood with their eyes wide open, reluctant to miss even the slightest of the moves made by the fighting heroes. It is said that even the gods gathered above, intent on watching the battle between two who were the best with their maces. Those assembled remembered the famous battle between Bali and Sugreeva, and, Rama and RavaNa.

The challenges

As usual there were the routine challenges thrown by both the opponents against the other. Bhima proclaimed that he would smash the head of his enemy into a hundred pieces and thereby take revenge for all the cruelties done against the Pandavas. To that Duryodhana simply said. “Why do you prattle like a primitive ape? I am not moved by mere words. If you have the skills, better show them with your mace”. The onlookers widely applauded the words of the Kaurava.

The fight

Then, they the fight started. It is said that several bad omens appeared on the sky at that time indicating that a great tragedy was in store.

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The two rushed against one another with battle cries, swinging their mammoth maces in the air. They moved around one another looking for a chance to strike. Each of them hissed in extreme anger and swung his mace against the other with all force. The other, then, would avoid the hit by jumping aside. It would be the turn of the other to try and make a hit.

Often, the mace found the target and soon, both Bhima and Duryodhana started bleeding profusely. Duryodhana once hit Bhima with all his might and the Pandava fell down losing his senses temporarily. The next moment Bhima got up and continued his attack against his enemy with renewed vigour. Later, Bhima managed to give such a powerful blow on Duryodhana that the Kaurava prince was knocked down unconscious. It took a while for the Kaurava to regain his senses. This way the two fought for a long while, neither finding easy victory against the equal enemy.

(We get back to the pilgrimage of Balarama in www.kunjunny.blogspot.com and return here after a few episodes)

The War – Day 18 (Part 4)

The next chapter, titled “the battle with maces (gadaayuddha parvam)” starts with the conversation between Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya in the background. We get a good picture of the character of Duryodhana from his own father. The king asks his minister. “How did my son react to such insulting words from the Pandava? No one has ever talked that way in front of him before. The whole world once stood by his command. He is so proud that he does not tolerate someone saying even that his royal umbrella protects him from the sun’s scorching rays. (yasyaatapatra cchaayaapi swakaa bhanostathaa prabhaa khedayaivaabhimaanitvaad sahed saivam katham girah? ) He thinks that he is capable of taking care of himself. How did my son bear the insults that too, from the Pandavas! What reply did he give?”

Sanjaya, then continues with the story. “Duryodhana, standing in the water, threw his arms up in anger, breathed heavily and replied…..”

Duryodhana’s reply

The Kaurava prince replied. “You are many and are all well armed and mounted on your vehicles. I am without weapons and chariot. My armour is broken and I am wounded all over. How can I meet you in so unequal a battle? You offer me fight, one by one. I am not scared of any of you, yourself, Bhima, Arjuna or Krishna. I shall meet you all in turn as the year touches all the seasons or the sun visits every star in the morning. I shall kill you all and thus pay my dues to those like Bhishma, Drona and Karna who have fallen fighting for me”.

With those words, Duryodhana came out of the pool and walked towards the battle field. He appeared like the god of death holding his mighty mace in hand. There were widespread cheers from the Pandava soldiers finding Duryodhana coming to fight. Mistaking that for mockery Duryodhana was infuriated even further.

Yudhishthira said. “Lucky that you know righteousness (Dharma) and that you still want to fight. You say that it is not fair for many to fight against one. Where was your sense of justice when all of you cornered Arjuna’s young son, Abhimanyu, and killed him after he had lost all his weapons? But, let it be your way. You chose any one among us and win over him. We shall all accept defeat and make you king in that case.”

Krishna angry

Krishna lost his temper when he heard Yudhishthira make such a reckless offer to Duryodhana. He said. “Why did you say so to the Kaurava? What, if he had chosen you or Arjuna? I do not see any one other than Bhima who stands any chance against Duryodhana fighting with his mace. You committed yourself as foolishly as you did at the game of dice. It seems that you are destined to live in the forest for ever”.

Bhima intervened at that time. He said. “Krishna, have no fear. I shall face Duryodhana and surely kill him at the end”.

Then, he turned to the Kaurava and spoke harsh words meant to infuriate him even further. “You have sinned against us right from our early days. You were the one who poisoned me when I was a child. It was your crooked mind that plotted to kill us in the house of wax. The cheating in the game of dice was your idea. Then, you asked your brother to pull dear Draupadi by her into the open assembly. There is no doubt that I shall smash you into pieces with my mace today and settle the score for all your evil deeds”.

As expected, Duryodhana turned wild with fury. He burst out. “Why do you talk? Come and face me in battle. You are no match for me in a straight fight. If you cheat, then that will be a blot on your image for ever”.

Even the supporters of Pandavas applauded those words of Duryodhana.

The arrival of Balaraama

Balaraama, the elder brother of Krishna, had gone on a pilgrimage when the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas became certain. He returned just when that terrible battle between Duryodhana and Bhima was about to commence. Yudhishthira embraced him by way of welcome. Krishna and the other Pandavas bowed before him.

Krishna must have anticipated his brother objecting to the battle. He always knew how to tackle his senior. Krishna said. “Welcome, brother. You can now watch the skill of your two dear disciples in battle”, as though it was a friendly combat.

Krishna’s words excited Balarama with prospects of watching a good fight between two equals, both groomed by him. So, he replied. “Yes, I do want to see how my disciples fight”.

Both Duryodhana and Bhima lifted their maces and paid obeisance to their teacher. Then, the fighting began.

As we said in the very beginning of the Mahabharata, the story was told by VaiSampaayana, the disciple of Vyasa to Janamejaya, the grandson of Abhimanyu at the great serpent sacrifice held at the Naimisha forests. Janamejaya requested VaiSampaayana to tell him all about the pilgrimage of Balaraama. Accordingly, the sage went into the details, describing the places the mighty Yadava prince visited. We shall (try and) cover the journey in a few episodes in www.kunjunny.blogspot.com.

The War – Day 18 (Part 3)

We are on a new chapter, “Entering into a pool of water (hradapraveSa parvam)”, in the “book of Salya (Salya parvam)” on the eighteenth day of war.

The sun was about to set when Sakuni was killed. Duryodhana got his scattered army together and sent them against the Pandavas once again. But, they were all killed within no time by the combined forces of Pandavas and Panchalas. Even those who tried to escape were chased down and butchered mercilessly. Hardly anyone, including the animals of war, remained out of the eleven divisions (Akshauhini) of Duryodhana’s army. A few thousand animals and about one hundred thousand soldiers remained on the Pandava side.

Duryodhana was beyond himself with grief looking at the total destruction of his entire army. He remembered the wise words of Vidura, “the war will destroy you along with the entire race of Kshatriya”. He walked slowly eastwards with his mace in hand, sore all over his body with wounds from the war, and with a mind that was totally dejected from defeat. His aim was to reach was a deep pool of water at a distance.

Sajnaya set free

Satyaki was about to chop the head of Sanjaya as ordered by Dhrishtadyumna when Veda Vyasa appeared on the scene. On the advice of the great saint the Pandavas set the Kaurava minister free.

Sanjaya met Duryodhana on the way. He reported his story to the Kaurava prince, concluding, “we are left with three chariots, nothing more”. Duryodhana replied. “I do not find anyone other than you on our side. Tell the king that I am going to spend time in a pool of water”.

When Sanjaya left Duryodhana entered into the pool. He knew the secret of remaining under water as long as he wanted.

Sanjaya encountered the three veterans left on the Kaurava side, Aswatthama, Kritavarma and Kripa. They were desperately looking for Duryodhana all through the battle field littered with the body of thousands of men and animals. They exclaimed. “Luckily, you are alive. Do you know, if Duryodhana is dead or living?” Sanjaya pointed in the direction of the pool to which the Kaurava prince had gone.

The three Kaurava warriors lamented about the pitiable condition of their prince and carried Sanjaya in their chariot of Kripa along with them to the camp.

Kaurava camp deserted

What they saw in their camp was a pathetic scene. The elders were leaving with the womenfolk to the safety of the capital city. They feared Bhima in his angry mood. All the women were crying and beating on their breast and head lamenting about their dear ones killed in the war. Sanjaya left along with the rest to meet the blind king. He reported his imprisonment and escape from death to Dhritarashtra. The king shed tears listening to the total defeat of his army and the death of all his sons. The only surviving son, Duryodhana, had gone hiding.

Yuyulsu

Yuyulsu was the son of Dhritarashtra born of a Vaisya (merchant) woman. He had taken a stand for justice from the beginning. When the war broke out, he had joined the Pandava side. When the war ended he took permission from the Pandavas and returned to the capital city.

A visit to the pool

By the time darkness set in the Kaurava camp was totally deserted. The three veterans remaining on the Kaurava side discretely approached the pool where Duryodhana had taken refuge. There they addressed the Kaurava prince. “Why are you hiding yourself in the pool when we are there to win the war for you? Please come out and join us to take revenge on the Pandavas”.

Duryodhana was heartened to hear the friendly voices. He called out. “How lucky that you three are alive! I am sore all over my body. Let me cool my limbs in the water and recover strength. I shall join you tomorrow in your fight against our enemies”.

The secret escapes

The Pandavas searched everywhere for their main enemy, Duryodhana. There was no trace of the Kaurava prince. It was then that some butchers approached Bhima discretely. They used to supply meat to the Pandava. They happened to overhear the conversation between Duryodhana and his friends at the pool. The butchers had gone to fetch water at that time. They thought that the news would be more valuable than what they earned by selling meat on several days.

They were not wrong. Bhima was overjoyed. He had already killed every other son of Dhritarashtra. His main enemy had escaped from his clutches. Bhima sent the butchers away paying them handsomely for the valuable secret and reported his discovery to Yudhishthira. The elder Pandava approached Krishna who emphatically said. “Kill him through fair or unfair means”.

A Challenge for battle

Krishna and the Pandavas waited at the pool for Aswatthama and his two friends to leave. Then, Yudhishthira called out. “Duryodhana, why are you trying to hide yourself in water after destroying all your dear ones? Do you value your life that much? You used to boast of your own valour and courage in warfare. Is this how you show that? Come out and face us in battle like a Kshatriya! You are welcome to kill us all in fight and enjoy all the land without rivalry. Or else, get killed by us and go to the land of the dead”

To the tormenting words of Yudhishthira, Duryodhana replied. “I did not come here out of fear for my life or in desperation. For that matter, what if, as a living being, I care for my life? Do not worry, Yudhishthira, I shall come out and face you in battle. But, keep in mind that I am all alone and even without my own chariot. But, I do not covet the land any more after the death of all my brothers. It was for their sake that I ruled over the kingdom of Kurus. In fact, I see no purpose in fighting any more after the fall of the grandsire and after the death of Drona and my dear friend, Karna. I give you the entire kingdom without a fight”.

Yudhishthira retorted. “You speak like a man in distress. I do not want any gift from you, let alone the kingdom. There was a time when we begged for our rightful share. At that time you were not prepared to part even with a needle point of land. Besides, I do not think that you are the lord of any land any more for you to make generous gifts”.

Yudhishthira, thus tried to instigate Duryodhana for battle, the latter trying in his own proud way to defend his action. With that ends the chapter titled “the entering into a pool of water (hradapraveSa parvam)”. However, the war on the eighteenth day continues in the next few episodes.

The War – Day 18 (Part 2)

Sakuni

Sakuni was Duryodhana’s maternal uncle. His influence on the Kaurava prince made the major turning points in the story of Mahabharata. The game of dice was his idea. The cunning prince of Gandhara knew the weakness and lack of skill of Yudhishthira in the game. Sakuni, on his part, was an expert. His sleight of hand at the game made victory sure for the Kauravas. He consistently advised Duryodhana against any peace initiatives with the Pandavas. In a sense, the Mahabharata war was mostly his creation.

Fighting continues

The death of the commander did not stop the war on the eighteenth day. The army of Salya turned against Yudhishthira to avenge the death of their king. Duryodhana tried to dissuade them, but, without success.

But, Sakuni thought differently. He urged the Kaurava prince to go after the Pandavas in support of the Madra army. The combined Kaurava forces marched with the battle cries, “dispatch arrows, go and catch the Pandava alive, or else, kill him without mercy!”

But, the Madra soldiers were no match to the Pandavas in spite of the Kaurava support. The entire army of Salya was destroyed by Bhima and Arjuna within the blink of the eyes. The rest of the Kaurava army took to flight in panic. It was only after a lot of persuasion that Duryodhana managed to get them back to the battle field.

The end of Salva

The sagging morale of the Kauravas got a boost when the king of Salva launched an attack against the Pandavas mounted on his elephant. He was a formidable warrior with his ferocious elephant. He managed to penetrate into the Pandava formation dispersing their forces in all directions. Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki blocked his progress. At the end of a spirited battle the Panchala killed Salva’s elephant with his mace. At the same time Satyaki sent an arrow that brought down the head of the king.

Duryodhana alone stood firm on the battle ground in spite of all the reverses. When Sanjaya reported that day’s battle to the blind king later, his words were, “I saw only one on your side who fought like a man – that was your son, Duryodhana”.

Sakuni was the other warrior of repute remaining on the Kaurava side. He launched an attack against Yudhishthira at that time. The prince of Gandhara killed the horses of Yudhishthira and roared aloud victoriously. Sahadeva came instantly from behind and carried his brother away to safety.

Both Duryodhana and Sakuni wrecked havoc on the Pandava side. Yudhishthira was worried and called Sahadeva to his side. “See how Sakuni is destroying our army. I entrust the task on you to attack the prince of Gandhara and kill him at the end.”

Arjuna’s surprise

Arjuna thought that he had destroyed what was left of the Kauravas. It was then that he observed the return of the Kaurava army lead by Duryodhana. Arjuna exclaimed to Krishna. “Look at the foolishness of the Kaurava prince. Hs started with an army that was like a vast roaring ocean. Now that has been reduced, in comparison, to a mere puddle caused by the hooves of cattle ( Goshpadam). Yet, he would not give up. He was advised again and again by his well wishers like Bhishma, Drona and Vidura to settle for peace. What medicine will work for some one who discarded all those valuable advises?”

With those words Arjuna asked Krishna to drive into the middle of what was left of the Kaurava army. He, then, unleashed such an attack with his Gandiva that Vayasa described it “like burning down a forest of dry bushes”.

In the middle of this large scale destruction of the Kaurava army Satyaki was fighting against Sanjaya, the minister of Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya could not stand the onslaught of Satyaki and lost his consciousness. The Yadava prince took his enemy as captive took him away to the Pandava camp.

Eleven sons of Dhritarashtra encircled Bhima at that time. They covered the Pandava with showers of arrow. Bhima withstood their assault and at the end killed all the eleven of them.

The end of Sakuni

Elsewhere Sahadeva faced the formidable Sakuni supported by his son, Ulooka and a small contingent of the Kaurava soldiers. The Pandava suffered intitial reverses. Recovering fast, he first killed Ulooka, sending a sharp arrow that brought down his head.

Sakuni was sorry to watch the end of his son right in front of his eyes. He remembered the wise counsel of Vidura, but, it was too late. He tried to run away. But, Sahadeva came after him and shouted. “Fight like a warrior. You shall suffer the consequences of your foul game of dice today”. With those words Sahadeva sent a knife edged arrow that brought down the head of the Gandhara prince.

The remaining Kaurava soldiers panicked and fled in all directions. The Pandavas blew on their conch shells and came around Sahadeva to congratulate him for the important victory.

We come to the end of the chapter, “The killing of Salya (Salya vadha parvam)”. But, we continue with the “Book of Salya (Salya parvam)” and the War on Day 18 in the next episodes.

The War – Day 18 (Part 1)

We had mentioned earlier that the Mahabharata war lasted for eighteen days. The final day of battle had arrived. So many veterans were already killed by then. Let us remember that Bhishma was still alive on a bed of arrows in the battle field. He could die at will and had decided to wait for the setting of the winter solstice when the sun would start on its northward journey (UttaraayaNa). That was considered to be the auspicious time to die. Drona and Jayadratha were already killed in earlier battles. So were many other great warriors on the Kaurava side. The entire suicide army of the Trigarthas was annihilated single handedly by Arjuna. Finally, Karna also had fallen fighting a heroic battle against his arch enemy. Abhimnyu and Ghatotkacha were the prominent heroes on the Pandava side who sacrificed their lives to get justice done to their parents.

Along with these great warriors thousands of soldiers, elephants and horses had also perished on the battle ground.

Salya

As we know, Salya was the king of Madra and the uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva. He had started with a division (Akshauhini) of army to join the Pandavas, even without their asking. The Pandavas, on their part, had taken his support for granted. But, Duryodhana had cleverly managed to mislead him on the way and got his commitment to join the Kauravas.

Salya had felt unhappy about his word given to Duryodhana against his own conscience. He had gone straight to the Pandavas to report the unexpected turn of events. The Pandavas, then, got a promise from their uncle that he would demoralize Karna on the day of his crucial battle against Arjuna. Salya did keep his word and criticized Karna for his boastfulness on the day he faced Arjuna.

Yet, it was a different Salya whom we see as the battle progressed. He got fully committed to the Kaurava side, guiding Karna on crucial issues.

When the war took place Salya was already an old man.

The new commander of the Kaurava army

The death of Karna was a big blow to the entire Kaurava army. For Duryodhana, he lost his best friend and the greatest warrior. Both Bhishma and Drona, warriors of much greater calibre, were known to have a soft corner for the Pandavas.

With the death of Karna the Kauravas found themselves without a leader. The entire army panicked and started fleeing in all directions. Duryodhana tried his best, but, without success.

Kripa, the first teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas, tried to persuade Duryodhana to stop the fight and make peace with the Pandavas. But, the Kaurava was too proud to beg for peace. He would rather die fighting.

It was then that Aswatthama suggested that they install Salya as the new commander of the army. Duryodhana was pleased with the idea and approached the Madra king. Salya took it as an acknowledgement of his skills and accepted the challenge. He promised that he would fight until the entire Pandavas were annihilated or to his own end.

Yudhishthira with Krishna

Yudhishthira heard the news and approached Krishna for guidance. Krishna said. “I know the king of Madra well. Do not take him lightly. In his true form he can be a threat to all of us. I suggest that the time of reckoning has come for you. Take on Salya yourselves. Kill him without delay forgetting that he is your uncle”.

The war on the eighteenth day

The war started on the final day with renewed hopes on the Kaurava side. There were so many individual battles that day that won the admiration from the onlookers. The fight of Nakula against the sons of Karna was one such. The Pandava killed the three sons of Karna who opposed him at the end of a fierce fight.

Meanwhile, the Kaurava army marched ahead under the command of Salya. Bhimasena stood on the way and challenged the king of Madra for a duel. The two fought using maces for a long time. Bhima had already established himself as formidable with his mace. Only when the battle progressed that the old king showed that he was a power to reckon with. The two fought so fiercely that at one point both fell down losing conscience.

There were similar battles fought valiantly by Arjuna against Aswatthama and Dhrishtadyumna against Duryodhana.

Salya against Yudhishthira

Salya found that his army was getting thrashed by the Pandavas and had started to run helter skelter. He wanted to set an example by leading from the front and asked his charioteer to drive straight where Yudhishthira stood. The Kaurava army took heart by the move and returned slowly to face the enemies.

The Pandavas made a combined attack against the Kaurava commander. But, Salya was in a formidable form that day. He faced the veteran Pandavas all alone. Everyone was astonished to watch Salya in a form that was never to be seen before.

A fierce battle took place between Yudhishthira and Salya. They fought equally for a while. The old king appeared to be winning at some point. The Pandava prince remembered the words of Krishna at that moment. That gave him renewed strength to face his enemy with determination. Yudhishthira pulled out a javelin from his chest of weapons and launched it against his enemy with all his energy. The weapon pierced through the armour of Salya. The old king was holding his hands high at that moment with weapons to be launched against his enemy. He fell down dead with his hand raised hands.

Yudhishthira also killed the brother of Salya who came forward immediately to take revenge.

The remaining Kaurava army fled in all directions. The sun had just reached the middle of the sky at that time.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 17 (Part 10)

Duryodhana briefed

Salya immediately reported the death of Karna to Duryodhana. This was the greatest shock to the Kaurava prince ever since the war began. There were greater warriors like Bhishma and Drona on his side, but, none on whom Duryodhana counted so much as on Karna. Salya tried his best to console the grieving Duryodhana.

The Kaurava army was in total disarray. It was a hopeless situation for all on the Kaurava side. Duryodhana with great effort controlled his own grief and made a desperate attempt to persuade the army to turn back and face the Pandavas.

Arjuna with Yudhishthira

Krishna and Arjuna went straight to Yudhishthira to report the death of Karna Yudhishthira embraced Krishna and Arjuna, again and again, and shed profuse tears of happiness. The end of Karna was so good a news that the Pandava prince wanted to see for himself the body of the most formidable of his enemies lying on the battle field.

Krishna and Arjuna promptly took Yudhishthira to the place where the beheaded body of Karna lay. Yudhishthira had a close look at the body shattered by the arrows from Arjuna’s Gandiva. He, then, spoke. “Now, I feel as though I have already become the king. I can rule over this land with my brothers. There is nothing that stands on the way. I can say that I shall get sleep for the first time after thirteen years. Krishna, all this is thanks to your support and guidance”.

Sanjaya with Dhritarashtra

Let us remember that Sanjaya has been reporting the events on the battle field to the blind king at the end of each day. Most of the story unfolds through the words of Sanjaya. Needless to say that the death of Karna was a big blow to the hopes of victory for the old king.

The sun was about to set when the battle ended. Sanjaya gives a vivid description of the battle field at that time. One particular verse is all the more touching. Vyasa (as reported by Sanjaya) says.

The sun god, tenderly touches the body of Karna soaked in blood with his hands of rays and takes a dip in the western ocean with his blood red body.

(Notation used in writng Sanskrit verses :

Long vowels – by repetition the vowel once as in Bhagavaan.

The third and fourth group of consonant – Ta, Tha, Da, Dha, Na; ta, tha, da, dha, and na; the three “sa”s in the last group are distinguished as Sa, sha and sa )

KarNasya deham rudhiraavasiktam

bhaktaanukampee bhagavaan vivasvaan

sprushtvaamSubhir llohita rakta roopah

sishNaatu rabhyeti param samudram

The description of the setting sun has a connotation. The body that lies down soaked in blood is that of the son of the sun god. He, as though grief stricken, embraces the body with his gentle hands. That may be the reason why he is coloured red. Or, may be that he turned red with grief.

Then, there is the custom of a ritual bath when a close relation dies. The sun god, as Karna’s father, must have performed that after paying a visit to the body of the departed soul.

With this episode we end the chapter titled “the killing of Karna (Karna Vadha Parvam)” and the “Book of Karna (Karna Parvam)”.