Drona Parva



Chapter One



The Eleventh Day of Rivalry;

Dronacharya Becomes Commander



Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, after the Kauravas had lamented the fall 
of the renowned Bhishma, what did my sons do, urged on by their fate? 
Indeed, the grandsire Bhishma was invincible and without a second on the 
front line of the army. Who did my son next chose to lead these famed 
divisions?

Sanjaya said: O King, after Bhishma had fallen on the battlefield, 
Duryodhana inquired from Karna, "Bhishma was our commander for ten days. He 
achieved lasting fame and killed thousands upon thousands of men. This was 
all done fairly. Now that he is about to ascend to the higher regions, who, 
O Karna, should be the commander in chief of our troops? Without a leader, 
this army, which is like a boat without a captain, will sink into the 
Pandava Ocean. Who, now, is capable to lead my forces to victory?"

Karna replied, "Anyone of the maharathis is certainly qualified to lead 
your forces. All of them are proficient in weaponry and are expert in 
arraying large armies. If one among them is chosen, then the others will 
feel offended. However, the preceptor Drona is senior and is the most 
revered. Among all the Kings and princes, there is not one who will not 
accept the leadership of this esteemed bowman. He is also your preceptor and 
worthy of your worship."

Agreeing with Karna's advice, Duryodhana went to Dronacharya who was 
standing in the midst of the troops. Offering obeisances to his preceptor, 
Duryodhana requested, "O sire, among our forces, you are senior by birth. 
You are born of noble parentage and are superior to us in learning and 
intelligence. By your ascetic penances, you have realized the eternality of 
Brahman. Your prowess on the battlefield exceeds all others in my army. With 
you as its protector, we will feel confident that we will cross the great 
Pandava ocean. O sinless one, take command of these eleven akshauhini 
divisions and, fighting in the forefront of my army, lead us to victory."

Drona said, "I am acquainted with the six branches of Veda, and I also know 
the science of Varnashrama. I possess the divine astras and know how to 
array large divisions. I will display all these virtues, for you are 
desiring victory. However, I will not be able to kill the Pandavas or 
Drupada's son, Dhristadyumna, for he is born to slay me."

After agreeing to take command of the huge divisions, Drona was formally 
installed in that position. He then prepared for the day's battle, and 
arranged the divisions in the form of a cart called Sakata. The Pandavas 
arranged their army in the formation of a crane called Kraunca. Before the 
battle began, Duryodhana went to Drona and requested a boon, "If you are 
inclined to give me a benediction, then I request that you capture 
Yudhisthira alive and bring him to me."

Drona replied, "Why do you want Yudhisthira alive? Would you not be content 
with his death? It is wonderful that no one wishes to see his death, and 
therefore, he is known as Ajatashatru. Even you bear this affection for 
him."

Duryodhana said, "If Yudhisthira were killed, I would still not be 
victorious. If Ajatashatru were slain, then Arjuna would annihilate my whole 
army. All of them cannot be killed even by the heavenly gods united. If 
Yudhisthira is brought here alive, then I will challenge him again at dice 
and send him to the forest for another thirteen years."

Understanding the vile intention of Gandhari's son, Drona said, "If 
Yudhisthira were not protected by Arjuna, then it is possible to capture 
him. However, Arjuna has become too powerful. It is true that I was his 
martial preceptor, but since that time he has received all the divine 
astras. He has even acquired celestial weapons from Lord Shiva and Indra. 
Therefore, he has become invincible. If Arjuna can be lured away from 
Yudhisthira, then it will be possible to capture the King. If Arjuna can be 
taken to another part of the battlefield, then without doubt, I will abduct 
Yudhisthira."

When Drona had agreed to this proposal, Duryodhana thought that victory was 
his. However, through spies, Yudhisthira learned of Duryodhana's plan and 
assembled his brothers as well as the other Kings that supported him. In 
their presence he requested Arjuna, "You have heard Duryodhana's plan which 
Drona will try to accomplish. This ruse cannot be carried out as long as you 
are close by. Therefore, always stay near me and protect me at all costs."

Arjuna replied, "Just as Drona's death will never happen at my hands, so, O 
King, I will never allow you to be captured by the enemy. The stars in the 
sky may disappear, or the earth may split into fragments, but still I will 
not allow Drona to seize you. Even if Indra himself leads Duryodhana's army, 
I will never allow you to be captured. As long as I am alive, O great King, 
you have no need to fear Drona. I have never spoken an untruth, nor have I 
ever made a vow that I could not keep."

After Arjuna had pledged Yudhisthira's protection, the army was made ready 
for combat. When the Kaurava host attacked the Pandava army, there was a 
great bloodbath on both sides. The invincible Drona began to afflict the 
Pandava sea with arrows that resembled thunderbolts of lightning. Coming up 
to challenge him was Yudhisthira supported by his vast army of rathis and 
maharathis. They challenged the preceptor Drona who rode on his golden 
chariot drawn by red horses.

While this encounter was taking place, Shakuni assaulted Sahadeva. He 
pierced the chariot, the standard and the charioteer with many sharp arrows. 
Laughing at the deceitful gambler's lack of prowess, Sahadeva cut the bow 
from Shakuni's hands, felled his standard and killed his charioteer. He then 
pierced the Gandhara King with sixty arrows. Shakuni jumped from his 
chariot, mace in hand and killed Sahadeva's chariot driver. Sahadeva also 
stepped down from his chariot with his mace and began to fight with the son 
of Suvala.

Meanwhile King Paurava attacked Abhimanyu and covered him with a curtain of 
arrows. Abhimanyu countered and pierced Paurava with seven shafts, felled 
his banner and pierced the chariot driver with three shafts. Then Arjuna's 
son placed on his bowstring an arrow capable of killing his enemy. However, 
Kritavarman cut the arrow and the bow from Abhimanyu's hands. Throwing 
aside the broken bow and arrow, the son of Arjuna took up a sword and 
shield, and descending from his chariot, ran at Paurava. Whirling his sword 
and shield, he jumped onto Paurava's chariot and knocked him unconscious. 
Abhimanyu raised the King up by his hair and was about to kill him. Seeing 
Paurava about to be slain, Jayadratha jumped from his chariot with sword and 
shield, challenging the son of Arjuna. Abhimanyu then left Paurava and 
jumped to the ground. Many warriors then released lances, arrows and 
scimitars to encompass the death of Subhadra's son. However, Abhimanyu cut 
all those weapons to pieces with his sword. There then ensued a battle 
between Jayadratha and the son of Arjuna that was fierce and wonderful. 
Those two warriors encircled each other and whittled at each others body 
thirsting for victory. When Jayadratha struck Abhimanyu's shield with his 
sword, it broke. With no weapon to fight with, the Sindhu King ran from the 
battlefield. Ascending his chariot, the son of Arjuna then began to scorch 
the Kaurava divisions.

Witnessing Jayadratha's defeat, Salya took up a deadly dart and threw it 
with all his strength at Abhimanyu. However, Arjuna's son caught that weapon 
in the air. Releasing that same weapon, it killed Salya's chariot driver and 
knocked Salya to the chariot floor. All the Pandavas cheered at Abhimanyu's 
victory and exclaimed, "Well done!, Well done!"

Salya then stepped down from his chariot and challenged Abhimanyu. 
Abhimanyu also stepped down from his chariot and rushed at Salya. However, 
Bhima appeared on the scene and asked Abhimanyu to step aside. Then those 
two bulls amongst the kshatriyas began to whirl their maces, which looked 
like streaks of lightning. Both iron maces had the power to slay hundreds of 
warriors at a time. Both warriors were extremely bitter, and both began to 
beat each other with fury. Although both managed to hit the other with their 
upraised maces, still neither appeared injured. Highly provoked they rushed 
at each other, and with all their might, they struck each other at the same 
time. Battered by a blow from Bhima's mace, Salya fell senseless to the 
earth. Bhima also fell from the blow of Salya's mace. At that time the 
revered chariot fighter, Kritavarman, appeared and took Salya on his 
chariot. Bhima then stood up and prepared once again to fight. Dismayed at 
the loss of Salya, that division of the Kaurava army retreated in fear.

Beholding the army broken, the son of Karna, Vrishasena, single handedly 
protected it. He released thousands of arrows and began to kill the Pandava 
chariot fighters and horsemen. Nakula's son Satanika assaulted Vrishasena 
and pierced him with ten arrows. The son of Karna, however, cut the royal 
banner and bow of Satanika. When this happened, the other sons of Draupadi 
challenged Vrishasena and covered him with weapons. Coming up to protect 
Karna's son was Ashvatthama. He quickly stopped the assault of Draupadi's 
sons. The Pandavas, with a desire to protect their sons, also came up to 
fight with Ashvatthaman. Both armies met and the battle was wonderful. 
Gradually the Pandava army began to break the front lines of the Kaurava 
host, and the warriors on Duryodhana's side began to flee the battlefield. 
Drona rebuked them, "Heroes do not run away. I will give you protection." 
Encouraged by the preceptor's words, that multitude of soldiers returned for 
battle.

Drona then ripped into the Pandava ranks and killed thousands of soldiers. 
Having penetrated deep into the Pandava army, Drona was looking for the 
opportunity to seize Yudhisthira. Kumara, a powerful warrior who was 
protecting Yudhisthira's chariot, stopped the advance of the preceptor by 
releasing a thousand arrows. Not tolerating that action, Drona severed the 
great warrior's head. As Drona was coming closer to Yudhisthira's chariot, 
Virata, Drupada, Satyaki, Singhasena and Vyaghradatta, the Panchala Prince 
attacked him. Vyaghradatta pierced Drona with fifty arrows and Singhasena 
also attacked him. However, Drona released from his mighty bow two 
broadheaded shafts that severed those warrior's heads. With no one to oppose 
him, Drona assaulted Yudhisthira. At this time loud cries were heard from 
the troops, "The King is slain! Today, Drona will surely capture 
Yudhisthira.!"

These exclamations were heard by Arjuna who quickly appeared on the scene 
filling the sky with the sound of his Gandiva bow. He was mowing down the 
Kaurava ranks causing a great carnage. Arjuna suddenly came upon Drona's 
division, and with his celestial weapons, he pierced every warrior which 
threw them into confusion. Intent on saving his elder brother, Arjuna was 
releasing arrows so fast that no one could tell when he pulled the arrow 
from the quiver, or when it was released from his bow. All this happened as 
fast as lightning. Seeing Arjuna's anger, both Drona and Duryodhana ordered 
the troop withdrawal for the day. The Shrinjayas and the Panchalas, filled 
with joy over Arjuna's triumph, began to blow on their conchshells and beat 
on drums.

In the Kaurava's camp, Duryodhana assembled all the kings to assess the 
day's events. In that assembly, Drona said, "I have told you that when 
Arjuna is near Yudhisthira, it will be impossible for me to capture him. 
Although all the great warriors fell upon Arjuna, our attempts were 
frustrated. Do not doubt what I say; Krishna and Arjuna are undefeatable. 
If, however, Arjuna can be separated from the King, then I will surely be 
able to seize him. Let someone challenge Arjuna and draw him to another part 
of the battlefield. The son of Kunti will not return till he has defeated 
his enemy. Meanwhile, while Partha is fighting with his opponent, I will 
take the opportunity to capture Yudhisthira. In Dhristadyumna's presence, I 
will bring King Yudhisthira under my control. This scheme will prove more 
fruitful than the defeat of the whole Pandava army."

Hearing Drona's plot, the Trigarta King, Susharman, volunteered, "In the 
past, we have been humiliated by Arjuna. My brothers and I have never 
injured him, yet he always seeks to kill us. Our hearts burn in anger, and 
we are not able to sleep at night. Tomorrow we will challenge him and take 
him to another part of the battlefield. We take this vow today that either 
we will kill Arjuna, or he will kill us. We will never retreat in battle. 
Myself, along with my brothers, Satyaratha, Satyavarman, Satyavrata and 
Satyeshu, will challenge Arjuna in battle and slay him. This is our 
promise!" Having made their resolutions, those great kings rested for the 
night and waited for dawn when they could fulfill their vows.



Thus Ends the First Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Eleventh Day 
of Rivalry; Drona Becomes Commander.



Chapter Commentary



It has become apparent to Duryodhana that he cannot defeat the Pandava army 
by fair means. Therefore, in his usual conniving way he is trying to defeat 
them by other methods. He took their kingdom by foul play in the gambling 
match, and now he wants to capture Yudhisthira and force him to gamble 
again. Drona, also, has taken the same mentality. Although Drona is a good 
man, by bad association he has become contaminated. Association is like a 
mirror. Whoever we associate with we will become like. If we associate with 
saintly persons, we become saintly, and if we associate with evil persons, 
we become evil. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has be 
set up by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to give 
common persons association with sadhus or saintly persons. By such 
association common persons can give up their bad habits and lead a pure 
life. It is stated by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, sadhu sanga, sadhu 
sanga-sarva shastre kaya, lava matra sandhu sanga, sarva siddhi haya, "The 
verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment's association 
with a pure devotee, one can attain all success." (Chaitanya Charitamrita 
Madhya 22.54)

Conversely, by lingering with evil hearted persons, one becomes 
contaminated. By too much association with Duryodhana, Drona has taken a 
similar mentality.



Drona Parva



Chapter Two



The Twelfth Day at Kurukshetra;

The Fall of King Bhagadatta



Dhritarastra said: O Sanjaya, my army seems incapable of bearing the 
Gandiva bow. That chariot, which has Vishnu for its driver and Dhananjaya 
for its warrior, cannot be conquered by the gods and asuras combined. How 
can the Pandavas meet defeat when they are protected by the wielder of the 
Sarnga bow (Krishna)? O Suta, the divine feats of Vasudeva are unequaled by 
anyone on earth. While Krishna was being brought up in Nanda Maharaja's 
home, He made the might of His arms known to the world. He killed the 
rakshasi Putana while still a small child. In His infancy He also killed 
Kamsa's friend, Trinavarta, and slew the Keshi demon on the Yamuna bank. 
This horse was equal to the celestial steed Uchaishravas. In His childhood 
He also slew a great asura in the form of a bull. The divine son of Devaki 
has also killed Pralamba, Naraka, Jambha and Mura who were the terror of the 
heavenly gods. And also Kamsa, who was protected by Jarasandha, was slain by 
Krishna with His bare hands. Krishna then slew the Surasena King, Sunaman, 
who retained a full akshauhini division. Lord Krishna caused Jarasandha's 
death, who had elephant-like strength. He also hurled into the sea the 
demoniac city of Saubha which was owned by the great Shalva. He has defeated 
the Angas, the Vangas, the Kalingas, the Magadhas, the Kasis, the Koshalas, 
the Vatsyas, the Gargyas, the Karushas, and the Paundras. He, who has lotus 
petal eyes, has also defeated the Avantis, the Southerners, the 
Mountaineers, the Kambhojas, the Pandyas, the Trigartas, the Malavas, as 
well as the Yavanas. He has defeated the great Indra and Varuna in battle, 
and He has bewildered the creator of this universe, Lord Brahma. We have 
never heard of any king who was able to defeat Him. O Sanjaya, we personally 
experienced Krishna's universal form in our royal court before these 
hostilities began. O Suta, there can be no end to the infinite prowess of 
Hrishikesha. Will that Vasudeva, who the rishis describe as the Father of 
all, fight for the Pandavas? Will that Supreme Lord call upon His family 
members to assist Him? Will the heroic Samba, Pradyumna, Gada, Akrura, 
Carudeshna and Sarana take their weapons and fight with my sons? Will the 
Yadu host and Vrishni houses bring their wrath against my wicked son? Will 
Balarama, the carrier of the mace and plough, come to the Pandava's 
assistance? If this does happen, then my sons will be in greater danger. O 
Sanjaya, if Vasudeva puts on His armor, there will none amongst us who can 
withstand Him. Where there is Krishna, there will certainly be victory and 
fame. Krishna and Arjuna are none other than Narayana and Nara. O Suta, 
please tell me how the battle progressed, and how ultimately the great Drona 
fell from his chariot.

Sanjaya said: O King, I can see everything with my inner vision. Listen as 
I describe how the preceptor Drona was slain by the invincible Dhristadyumna 
in the presence of all warriors. When the night had passed, Drona arrayed 
the troops in the formation called Garuda. In Garuda's mouth was the 
powerful preceptor himself. The head of Garuda was Duryodhana supported by 
the remnants of his brothers. Kritavarman and Kripa formed the two eyes of 
that gigantic bird. Bhurishrava, Salya, Somadatta, and Bahlika, surrounded 
by a full akshauhini division, became the right wing of that formation. 
Vinda and Anuvinda, Sudakshina, the Kambhoja ruler, and Ashvatthama formed 
the left wing of the huge bird. In the midst of that army stood Bhagadatta, 
the King of Pragjyotishapura. He was riding on his invincible elephant, 
Supritika. He was surrounded by many Kings from the mountainous regions. The 
Samsaptakas, so named because they took a vow to either conquer or die, were 
arrayed in a formation like a half moon. They were headed by King Susharman 
and his brothers. They were intent on killing Arjuna or dying in the 
attempt. Seeing this impenetrable formation, Yudhisthira arrayed his troops 
in a half circle.

When the day's combat commenced, the Trigartas challenged Arjuna to battle. 
When the Samsaptakas saw Arjuna coming toward them, they were filled with 
joy and sent up loud shouts. The whole sky was filled with their vibrations, 
and they rushed at Arjuna's beautiful chariot which was driven by the 
lotus-eyed Lord Krishna. Smiling all the while, Arjuna said to Krishna, 
"Just see, O son of Devaki, the Trigarta brothers, who are about to be slain 
in battle. They are joyous at a time when they should be lamenting." After 
saying this, Arjuna took up his conch, the Devadatta, and blew it 
forcefully. Terrified, the Samsaptakas no longer wore a cheerful smile, but 
stood paralyzed and motionless. All their animals stopped, and with wide 
open eyes they passed stool and urine simultaneously. After the Samsaptakas 
had regained their proper consciousness, they attacked Arjuna. They released 
thousands of arrows to encompass Arjuna's death. The son of Kunti, however, 
cut those arrows to pieces, and with a broad headed arrow cut off the 
leather gloves of Susharman's brother Suvahu. In return, Sudharman, 
Sudhanvan, and Suvahu pierced Arjuna with ten arrows each. Enraged, Arjuna 
killed Sudhanvan's horses, and then he cut off his head that was graced with 
a beautiful turban. With the fall of that hero, the rest of the warriors 
fled away in fear.

King Susharman quickly rallied his troops and reminded them of their vow. 
They once more returned to challenge Arjuna. Seeing their heroic attempt, 
Arjuna said to Hrishikesha, "Urge the horses, O Krishna, towards the 
Samsaptakas. They will not give up the battle without dying. Today, I will 
kill all these warriors like a forest fire consumes trees." Approaching 
Arjuna, that multitude of warriors released thousands of arrows covering the 
chariot of Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna again blew on his conch, and released 
a weapon called Tvashtra. This weapon created the illusion of many thousands 
of Krishna's and Arjuna's. Confused by the illusion, the Samsaptakas began 
to kill each other thinking that they were Krishna and Arjuna. They pierced 
each other saying, "There is Arjuna! This one is Krishna!" Uttering such 
loud shouts, they killed each other. When the illusion disappeared, the 
remnants of the army rushed at Arjuna like moths entering fire. When their 
weapons filled the sky, Krishna questioned Arjuna, "Because of this dense 
darkness, O Partha, I cannot see you. Are you alive, O slayer of the enemy?" 
Not responding to Lord Krishna, Arjuna invoked the Vayavya astra that blew 
away those large numbers of weapons. This weapon presided over by the wind 
god then began to carry away vast numbers of horses, elephants and chariot 
drivers like the wind carries away dry leaves. While in that state, Arjuna 
severed their heads, arms and legs. So great was the carnage that blood 
flowed like a river, and the foot soldiers were ankle deep in bloody mud.

Meanwhile, Drona was also causing a great slaughter of the Pandava troops. 
When Yudhisthira saw Drona coming near him, he informed Dhristadyumna, "O 
son of Drupada, here comes Drona who is intent on capturing me. Take 
precaution that he will not abduct me." Dhristadyumna replied, "O King, you 
will never be touched by the preceptor. Today, I shall check his progress 
and slay his followers. As long as I am alive, you will not need to feel any 
anxiety. I have taken birth for Drona's death, and under no circumstances 
will he defeat me."

Having made this promise, Drupada's son assaulted Drona, scattering his 
mighty arrows. Seeing Drona checked, Durmuka came up to challenge 
Dhristadyumna and overpowered him with many weapons. While those two heroes 
were fighting, Drona began to crush Yudhisthira's divisions with his 
celestial weapons. Then Yudhisthira, seeing Drona near him, released 
hundreds of arrows to stop his progress. Satyajit, whom Arjuna had appointed 
to protect Yudhisthira, released a celestial weapon that pierced Drona in 
many parts of his body. He then lacerated the preceptor's chariot driver 
with five arrows and his horses with seven. With his powerful weapons 
Satyajit cut the royal insignia from Drona's chariot and sent up a loud 
roar. Beholding the feats of the mighty Satyajit, Drona decided that the 
Panchala prince should be sent to the other world. Drona shattered his bow 
and arrows and pierced him with ten shafts. Taking up another bow, Satyajit 
struck Drona with thirty arrows. The mighty car warrior Vrika then pierced 
Drona in the chest with sixty arrows. Not tolerating this impudence, Drona 
shattered the bows from the hands of Vrika and Satyajit. With a broad headed 
shaft, Drona killed Vrika, and with a crescent shaped arrow, he severed 
Satyajit's head. Drona began to slaying the foremost Pandava chariot 
fighters one after another. With nine arrows, Drona overthrew Dridhasena, 
and with another twenty arrows, he killed Kshema, the leader of a chariot 
division. Making his way toward Yudhisthira, he killed the mighty 
Kshatradeva and another Pandava general name Vasudeva. Seeing the Pandava 
heroes vanquished one after another, King Yudhisthira fled to another part 
of the battlefield to avoid capture.

While this was going on, Duryodhana rushed against Bhima. Seeing his arch 
enemy coming toward him, surrounded by his elephant divisions, Bhima licked 
his lips. Assaulting the elephant army, Bhima began to penetrate the bodies 
of those huge beasts with his powerful arrows. Covered with hundreds of 
arrows, those mighty creatures either fled or fell to the ground dead. Not 
tolerating Bhima's success, Duryodhana struck him with many sharp arrows. 
Bhima in turn shattered his bow and royal banner, and sent up a loud roar 
like a lion. Coming up to protect Duryodhana was the Anga King riding on his 
elephant. With a long shafted arrow, Bhima split the elephant's head between 
his two eyes. Passing through the elephants head and body, that arrow 
entered the earth. Stopped in his tracks, the elephant fell to the earth 
deprived of its life. As the elephant was falling, Bhima cut off the head of 
the Mleccha king with a crescent shaped arrow. Witnessing Bhima's display of 
power, the elephant army broke and ran from the battlefield.

When those troops had been broken by Vrikodara, the ruler of 
Pragjyotishapura, Bhagadatta, advanced against Bhima. He was riding on his 
white elephant Supritika and was furious. Seeing him coming Bhima got down 
from his chariot. Within a twinkling of an eye, that mighty elephant 
crushed, with his two front legs, Bhima's chariot and horses. Bhima ran 
under the elephant and began to pound it with his bare arms. The elephant, 
pained by Bhima blows, began to whirl around trying to trample Bhima with 
his feet. The son of Kunti then came from underneath that huge creature and 
stood facing it. Supritika grabbed Bhima around the neck with his trunk and 
threw him down to the ground. Upon being picked up again, Bhima freed 
himself, and once more ran under the elephant. This elephant was not 
ordinary. It seemed invincible and could not be slain even by Bhima. Bhima 
then ran out from underneath the elephant to a distant place waiting for the 
arrival of his own elephant army. Soon, the King of the Dasarnas, riding on 
his mammoth elephant, came forward and attacked Supritika. Supritika, 
whirling around, ripped open the elephant's flank and killed it outright. 
Then Bhagadatta, with seven lances, killed the Dasarna King as he fell with 
his elephant.

Witnessing the King's death, Yudhisthira surrounded Bhagadatta with his 
foremost chariot fighters and began to afflict that elephant with many 
arrows. The ruler of Pragjyotishapura was unmoved by the large number of 
maharathis that surrounded him. He urged his elephant toward the chariot of 
Satyaki. The gigantic elephant pushed his way out of the circle of chariots, 
and with his trunk seized the car of Satyaki. Satyaki quickly jumped to 
safety, but the elephant raised his chariot high in the sky and smashed it 
to the ground horses and all. The mighty elephant then began to grab the 
chariot fighters and throw them to the ground. Bhima once again attacked the 
huge elephant, rushing toward it on his beautiful chariot. However, 
Supritika covered the horses with water from his trunk, and the horses 
reared and took Bhima away from the battlefield. The son of Kriti, 
Ruchiparvan, mounted on his chariot, quickly assaulted Bhagadatta, 
scattering arrows in all directions. However, King Bhagadatta dispatched 
that great warrior to Yamaraja's abode with a single shaft. Endeavoring to 
stop Supritika were Abhimanyu, the sons of Draupadi, Chekitana, Dhristaketu 
and Yuyutsu. When those great warriors came within reach of the elephant, 
Supritika stepped on Yuyutsu's horses, crushing them into a heap of bones, 
flesh and blood. The gigantic elephant then grabbed the chariot driver and 
dashed him to the ground, instantly killing him. Yuyutsu ran away to a 
distant place completely helpless.

Beholding in the distance a huge dust cloud, and hearing the wailing of the 
troops, Arjuna spoke to the lotus eyed Krishna, "O slayer of Madhu, it 
appears the ruler of Pragjyotishapura has created a great slaughter among 
our troops. I think that he is the foremost elephant warrior in this world. 
His elephant appears to be divine, and no other elephant can compete with 
it. It seems to be immune to all weapons, and fire cannot harm it. Without 
doubt it will destroy our army if not stopped. Except for us there is no one 
who is capable of subduing that creature. Go quickly to Bhagadatta for I 
will kill him and his great white elephant also."

Following His devotee's order, Lord Krishna began to guide the chariot in 
the direction of King Bhagadatta. However, the Samsaptakas again challenged 
Arjuna to battle and would not let him go. Arjuna decided to finish the task 
of killing the Samsaptakas, and he invoked the Brahma weapon, upon which 
hundreds of thousands of arrows began to rain from the heavens. Piercing 
those soldiers, it severed their arms, legs, and heads. Falling from their 
chariots, their horses and their elephants, those warriors were deprived of 
their lives. Such was the power of this weapon. Gigantic elephants as huge 
as hills were seen prostrated on the battlefield with their sides and heads 
split open and gushing with flesh and blood. Having killed thousands upon 
thousands of warriors with his celestial weapons, Arjuna ordered Lord 
Krishna, "Go towards Bhagadatta!"

Lord Krishna then urged the horses toward Bhagadatta, but again Arjuna was 
challenged by Susharman. In perplexity, Arjuna inquired from the lotus eyed 
Lord, "O thou of unfading glory, this Susharman again challenges me to 
battle. Our army is being broken to the north by Drona and again by 
Bhagadatta. Shall I slay the Samsaptakas or save my divisions from further 
danger." Without answering Arjuna, Lord Krishna turned the chariot around 
and directed the horses toward the Samsaptakas. Arjuna pierced Susharman, 
the Trigarta King, in the chest with seven arrows. Susharman countered by 
releasing a dart at Arjuna and a lance at Lord Krishna. Arjuna quickly 
shattered the dart, and the lance and then with his celestial weapons caused 
a downpour of weapons upon Susharman's chariot knocking him senseless. He 
then scattered the Samsaptaka forces, and turning his chariot toward the 
north, he made his way toward Bhagadatta.

When King Bhagadatta saw the chariot of Lord Krishna and Arjuna, he greeted 
them with a shower of weapons. Pulling back the string of the Gandiva bow, 
Arjuna released arrows that pulverized those weapons before they could 
reach him. Bhagadatta urged his elephant forward to trample the chariot of 
Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Beholding that elephant coming toward him, Lord 
Keshava quickly moved the chariot out of the way. Although Arjuna had the 
opportunity to kill the King and his elephant from the back, he did not do 
so, remembering the rules of warfare. Supritika then came upon other 
elephants and chariots and decimated them all. Arjuna could not tolerate 
this and again attacked Bhagadatta. The king of Pragjyotishapura then 
pierced Lord Krishna with iron tipped arrows decorated with golden feathers. 
They appeared like meteors blazing through the sky. Those arrows, released 
from Bhagadatta's bow, pierced the transcendental body of Lord Krishna and 
entered the earth. Of course, no weapon of this material world can harm the 
transcendental body of the Lord for His body is made of sat cid ananda or 
eternality, knowledge and bliss. Playing the part of an ordinary living 
being, the Lord allowed His body to be pierced, but since the spiritual body 
of the Lord is not under the influence of the material laws, there is no 
question of pain or death coming to the Lord.

Arjuna then severed Bhagadatta's bow and killed the men that were 
protecting the elephant's legs. King Bhagadatta then released fourteen 
javelins that were as bright as the rays of the sun. However, Arjuna cut 
each of those into three pieces, and then Kunti's son shattered the armor in 
which the elephant was encased. The King of Pragjyotishapura quickly 
released an iron dart that was decked with gold. Arjuna cut it in two. He 
then cut off the king's royal umbrella and banner, and pierced him with ten 
arrows. Bhagadatta became enraged and released two lances that knocked 
Arjuna's crown slightly from his head. Arjuna then placed his crown on his 
head properly and yelled at Bhagadatta, "Take a last look at this world, O 
great King!" Enraged at Arjuna's words, Bhagadatta took up a golden bow and 
released hundreds of arrow against Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Before those 
arrows reached the chariot, Partha shattered them and the bow, and pierced 
Bhagadatta with seventy-two arrows. Overcome with excessive pain, the 
Pragjyotishapura ruler was furious. Using celestial mantras, he turned his 
elephant hook into a Vaishnava weapon and hurled it to finish Arjuna's life. 
However, Lord Krishna rose up in the chariot, and the weapon hit His chest 
turning into a garland of flowers. Arjuna then chided the lotus eyed Lord, 
"O Hrishikesha, you are only to guide my horses and not take part in this 
battle. Why are You not keeping Your vow? If I am in a dangerous situation, 
You may protect me, but not when I am competent to defeat the enemy. You 
know well that I am able to destroy the hosts of gods and demons."

"Listen, O Partha," Lord Krishna replied, "to the history and secret behind 
this weapon. Once upon a time Mother Earth came to Me seeking a benediction 
for her son, the demon Narakasura. She asked for the benediction of the 
Vaishnava weapon by which her son could not be slain, even by the gods and 
demons united. Agreeing to her proposal, I handed over that invincible 
weapon by which Naraka was able to conquer the three worlds. This Narakasura 
or Bhaumasura took the earrings of Aditi and conquered Indra. He also 
conquered a portion of heavenly mount Meru. He then went to Varuna and 
conquered him, taking his very valuable umbrella. When complaints came to me 
in Dvaraka, I went to Pragjyotishapura and killed this Bhaumasura. That 
Vaishnava weapon has been handed down to Bhagadatta, and he has released it 
to kill you. No one can defeat that weapon except Myself. It is for this 
reason that I have baffled it breaking my promise. Now that Bhagadatta has 
been deprived of his weapon, his elephant can now be slain, and also you can 
kill the King as I killed his father for the benefit of the world."

Understanding the situation, Arjuna smiled and then rained upon Bhagadatta 
a shower of arrows. With a long shafted arrow, Arjuna pierced Supritika's 
frontal globe splitting his head in two. Although repeatedly urged by 
Bhagadatta, the elephant wouldn't move. With his limbs paralyzed, he fell 
down to the earth deprived of life. As the elephant fell, the son of Kunti 
released a crescent headed arrow that pierced Bhagadatta's chest. When 
struck by this weapon, the ruler of Pragjyotishapura loosened from his grasp 
his bow and arrow, and fell from his elephant. The turban that was 
decorating his head fell off like a lotus petal falling from the lotus 
flower. While laying on the ground, decorated with golden garlands, 
beautiful clothes and ornaments, Bhagadatta's dead body looked wonderful. 
Arjuna then descended from his chariot and circumambulated the great hero. 
He offered his obeisances to him, and then ascending the chariot once again 
began to afflict the Kaurava ranks.

After Bhagadatta had been killed, two of Shakuni's brothers attacked 
Arjuna. They were Vrishaka and Achala. One brother released arrows in front 
of Arjuna, and the other released arrows from behind. Arjuna killed the 
horses and charioteer of Vrishaka and then killed five hundred Gandhara 
warriors rushing toward him with upraised weapons. The mighty Vrishaka then 
mounted Achala's chariot, and together they began to assault Arjuna. When 
those warriors were standing side by side on their chariot, Arjuna killed 
them both with a single arrow. Having seen Lord Krishna and Arjuna at the 
last moments of their lives, they attained a divine destination.

Not tolerating his brothers' death, Shakuni came to fight with Arjuna. He 
was adept in mystic illusion, and caused thousands upon thousands of clubs, 
iron balls, rocks, Sataghnis, darts, maces, bludgeons, scimitars, lances, 
mallets, axes, razors and arrows to fall upon Lord Krishna and Arjuna's 
chariot. Arjuna then saw asses, camels, buffaloes, tigers, lions, 
carnivorous deer, leopards, bears, wolves, vultures and Rakshasas rushing at 
him. Releasing his celestial weapons, Partha pierced all those animals, and 
they fell to the earth screaming in terror. Then a darkness covered the 
chariot of Lord Krishna and Arjuna, from which loud voices chastised the son 
of Kunti. However, Jishnu released the Jyotisha weapon which sent out light 
in all directions. When the darkness was gone, huge tidal waves appeared. To 
dry up those waters, Arjuna released the Aditya weapon. When those illusions 
were dispelled, Shakuni, having no more mystic powers to display, fled the 
battlefield.

Meanwhile, the renowned Drona was causing a great slaughter. Coming up to 
challenge him were Dhristadyumna, Satyaki and Bhima. Shattering those great 
warrior's bows, Drona continued to kill thousands upon thousands of men. 
Arjuna was gradually making his way toward Drona to challenge him. He was 
leaving a path of destruction wherever he went. The back of the Kaurava army 
was broken, and they all sent up screams of anguish.

Hearing the wails of the troops, Karna came up to challenge Arjuna. Karna 
invoked the Agneya weapon and released it at Arjuna, but Partha countered 
that weapon and released his own arrows. Dhristadyumna, Satyaki and Bhima 
also rushed at Karna, but Karna baffled their progress and pierced them with 
three arrows each. Those warriors then released darts at Radha's son, but 
Karna cut those arrows to pieces with his own weapons. Arjuna then pierced 
Karna with seven arrows, and with six more arrows, he killed one of Karna's 
brothers named Satrunjaya. He then killed two more brothers of Karna, one of 
which was named Vipatha. Arjuna severed his head in the very sight of Karna. 
With sword in hand Bhima jumped down from his chariot, and killed ten 
chariot fighters that supported Karna. Mounting his chariot, Bhima then 
pierced Karna with ten arrows. Dhristadyumna, taking up a sword, killed the 
ruler of the Naishadas, Vrihatkshatra. He also killed a king named 
Charmavarman. Satyaki, taking up another bow, pierced Karna with ten arrows 
and cut his bow from his hand. Trying to save Karna from certain death, 
Duryodhana, Drona and Jayadratha came to fight with Satyaki.

The fighting became fierce, and all the combatants fought reckless of their 
lives. Infantry soldiers fought with infantry soldiers, and chariot 
fighters fought with chariot fighters. Those fighting on elephants also 
fought with chariot fighters, and also foot soldiers fought with horsemen. 
Soon the slaughter became too great to behold. The whole battlefield became 
a bloody nightmare as the bodies of horses, elephants and men lay 
everywhere. Heads with bulged out eyes lay here and there with their teeth 
pressed to their lips in rage. The battlefield was so thick with dead bodies 
that it became impassable, and the chariots, instead of riding on the 
ground, began to ride upon slain warriors. When both armies were badly 
mangled and extremely tired, the sun set on the horizon, and with it the 
sounds of the conchshell indicating the end of the day's engagement. Slowly 
both armies retired to their tents and rested for the night.



Thus Ends the Second Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Twelfth Day 
at Kurukshetra; the Fall of Bhagadatta.



Chapter Commentary



Arjuna and the Samsaptakas fought a fierce battle. Whenever Susharman, the 
Trigarta King, challenged Arjuna, Arjuna would not turn his back. This was 
the quality of warriors in the Vedic age. The rules of warfare were there 
for those who wanted to attain a higher destination after this life. One may 
question, "Who is witness of my activities?" The answer is that the demigods 
are witnesses to our activities, and they testify to that in the court of 
Yamaraja after one leaves this body. If one dies following the rules of 
combat, one is elevated to the heavenly realm, and if one has cheated on the 
rules, he does not attain heaven, but is punished by Yamaraja, the justice 
of death. It is a shame that today's armies don't follow the rules of Vedic 
warfare. If the heads of state challenge each other and fight in a secluded 
place away from the general populace, then innocent lives are saved, and if 
a president dies facing the enemy on the battlefield, then he will be 
elevated to a higher destination.

Drona Parva



Chapter Three



The Thirteenth Day at Kurukshetra;

The Death of Abhimanyu



Dhritarastra said: After the fall of the great Bhagadatta, O Sanjaya, what 
was the state of my troops? I think that Dhananjaya himself is sufficient to 
destroy my army. Tell me, O Suta, what happened on the thirteenth day of 
the great battle.

Sanjaya said: O King, your troops, broken by Arjuna's prowess and not able 
to capture Yudhisthira, were considered defeated. As they retired for the 
night they could only remember the countless merits of Arjuna and his 
friendship with the lotus eyed Krishna. They rested that night as if cursed 
and spoke little to each other. When the morning came, Duryodhana went to 
Drona and spoke harhly, "O best of the brahmanas, behold the great slaughter 
of my troops by the sons of Pritha. Allowing this to happen, surely you have 
marked us down as men to be destroyed. Even though you had the opportunity, 
still, you did not seize Yudhisthira. Without doubt, one who falls within 
your sight, cannot escape even if aided by the heavenly lords combined, much 
less the insignificant Pandavas. You have promised me a benediction, but you 
could not fulfill it. One of noble character like yourself is always 
truthful to his vow in all circumstances."

Thus chided by Duryodhana, Bharadvaja's son felt greatly ashamed. Replying 
to the King, he said, "O Duryodhana, I have endeavored to my best ability to 
capture Yudhisthira. However, as long as the Pandava army is protected by 
Arjuna, it cannot be defeated by the combined forces of the world. Wherever 
there is Lord Krishna, the creator of this universe, and wherever there is 
Arjuna, the son of Kunti, there has not been one, nor is there one now, nor 
will there be one in the future, who can defeat them. Truly I have always 
told you this, and it shall not be otherwise. Today, I can promise you that 
one of the adhirathas on the Pandava's side will die. I will form an array 
that even devas cannot penetrate. It is known as the Chakravyuha. It will be 
successful only if Arjuna is taken away from the battlefield. Arjuna knows 
the art of penetrating this formation, and it will not succeed as long as he 
is present."

Sanjaya continued: After Drona had spoken these words, the Samsaptakas 
challenged Arjuna, taking him to the southern side of the battlefield. In 
Arjuna's absence, Drona arrayed the troops in the form of a Chakra (wheel). 
Abhimanyu, at Yudhisthira's command, penetrated the formidable arrangement 
and killed thousands of your troops. Having achieved the most difficult 
feats, at last he was surrounded by six great maharathis. In the end he was 
extremely fatigued due to battle and was slain by Duhshasana's son. With 
this great victory, your troops withdrew for the night.

Dhritarastra said: O Sanjaya, hearing of the unfair slaughter of Arjuna's 
son, my heart breaks. Cruel, indeed, are the duties of the kshatriyas in 
that cowardly men desiring sovereignty unfairly killed a young boy with 
their mighty weapons. O Sanjaya, tell me how this fearless youth was 
defeated by my forces by entering into the chakravyuha.

Sanjaya said: O King, I will describe to you in detail what you are asking 
me. Listen, O Monarch, with attention as I describe how Arjuna's son, 
Abhimanyu, fought with the great maharathis as as if they were toys, but in 
the end was slain by them. Be still, O King, I shall speak to you of the 
great slaughter of your kinsmen.

Sanjaya continued: The Pandavas are invincible and are above all fatigue. 
In righteousness, in actions, in family tradition, in intelligence, in 
achievements, in fame, in prosperity, there never was and there never will 
be a King such as Yudhisthira. In the front line of the battle, the powerful 
Lord Shiva, the son of Jamadagni, Parashurama, and the second son of Kunti, 
Bhima are spoken of as equals. As far the wielder of the Gandiva bow, 
Arjuna, is concerned, I do not see an equal to him anywhere on earth or in 
heaven. Six qualities are ever present in the son of Madri, Nakula: 
reverence for superiors, worship of the brahmanas, humility, self control, 
handsome features and heroism. In knowledge of the scriptures, gravity, 
sweetness of temper, righteousness and prowess, the heroic Sahadeva is equal 
to the Asvini-kumara demigods.

All the good qualities that are found in Lord Krishna and the Pandavas are 
found in Abhimanyu alone. In firmness, he was equal to Yudhisthira; in good 
conduct, he was equal to Lord Krishna; in achievements, he was equal to 
Bhimasena; in knowledge of the scriptures, in prowess with the bow and 
arrow, and in beauty of person, he was equal to Dhananjaya. In humility, he 
was equal to Nakula and Sahadeva.

Sanjaya continued: O King, the preceptor then arranged his forces in the 
array known as chakravyuha. The petals of that formation were the invincible 
maharathis such as Drona, Karna, Salya, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Duryodhana, 
Jayadratha, Duhshasana and Bhurishrava. Protecting those division leaders 
were millions upon millions of troops.

The Pandavas headed by Bhima then approached that impenetrable array 
protected by Bharadwaja's son. Assisting him were Satyaki, Chekitana, 
Dhristadyumna, Kuntibhoja, Drupada, Abhimanyu, Kshatradharman, 
Vrihatkshatra, Dhristaketu, Nakula and Sahadeva, Ghatotkacha, the powerful 
Yudhamanyu, the undefeated Shikhandi, Uttamaujas, Virata and the five sons 
of Draupadi. All came forward to fight with the preceptor Drona, but all 
were pushed back like the waves of the ocean attacking the beech. The 
Pandavas were unable to stand before him as he released his deadly arrows. 
The strength of Drona's arms was unbearable, and he was defeating them 
separately and all together. Regarding Drona as invincible, Yudhisthira put 
a heavy burden on Abhimanyu. Addressing Abhimanyu, who was not inferior to 
Vasudeva, the King requested, "O child, fight in such a way that Arjuna will 
not rebuke us upon returning from battle with the Samsaptakas. None of the 
warriors here know how to break this circular formation which is about to 
devour my divisions. Only Krishna, Arjuna, Pradyumna and yourself know how 
to pierce that array. O mighty armed one, there is no fifth person that can 
be found to accomplish such a feat. O Abhimanyu, grant us this benediction. 
Take up your arms and destroy this formation before Arjuna's return."

"I will penetrate this chakravyuha formed by Drona," Abhimanyu replied, 
"and gain victory for my father and my uncles. My father, Arjuna, has taught 
me the key to penetrate this array. However, I do not know how to escape 
from it if I fall into danger."

"O foremost of all warriors," Yudhisthira requested, "break this formation 
just once. We will follow you and give you protection. Have no fear for 
once inside that great formation, we will shatter it to pieces."

"Today," Abhimanyu replied, "I will penetrate Drona's invincible formation, 
and you shall behold large divisions slain by me, a mere boy. If anyone, 
encountering me, escapes with his life, I shall not regard myself as 
Arjuna's son. Today I will destroy the whole Kaurava army."

Abhimanyu then ordered his charioteer to proceed toward Drona. His 
charioteer, Sumitra, then advised the intelligent son of Arjuna, "A heavy 
burden has been placed upon you by the Pandavas. You should carefully 
ascertain whether or not you can bear such a burden. The preceptor Drona is 
a master of superior weapons and mature in battle. You are still a youth and 
have been brought up in luxury unaccustomed to the front lines of battle."

Laughing all the while, Abhimanyu said to his charioteer, "O Sumitra, who 
is this Drona? Who are any of these warriors of mortal frame. I have the 
courage to encounter Indra himself what to speak of all these common 
warriors assembled here. Endowed with the vitality and strength of my uncle 
Krishna and my father Arjuna, I do not waver at the thought of challenging 
anyone." Disregarding the words of his charioteer, Abhimanyu ordered, 
"Maneuver this chariot towards the preceptor Drona!"

Thus commanded, the charioteer urged the horses toward the front line of 
the battle. The Pandavas followed behind him desiring also to enter that 
powerful formation. Beholding him coming towards them, the Kauravas sent up 
loud roars and attacked him with all their strength. Arjuna's son was 
encased in golden mail, and his royal insignia bore the sign of a Karnikara 
tree. He fearlessly encountered Drona like a lion attacks a herd of 
elephants. The Kaurava warriors tried desperately to stop Abhimanyu, but 
within Drona's sight, Subhadra's son pierced that powerful formation and 
split it open. Endeavoring to close the open gap, large divisions of 
elephants, chariots and horsemen challenged Arjuna's son. They shouted 
loudly at him, "Wait, Wait! Stand and fight!" However, the aggressive 
Abhimanyu, coursing the battlefield, killed all those warriors who 
challenged him. With his mighty weapons, Arjuna's son cut off their heads, 
arms and legs as they approached him. Although the enemy rushed at him with 
great speed and were armed with every kind of weapon, their approach was 
like moths coming close to fire. Abhimanyu was severing the heads of the 
leading chariot fighters, and their empty chariots were running wild over 
the battlefield. Elephant divisions were slaughtered together and fell upon 
the infantry crushing their ranks. These huge beasts then formed a barrier 
between Abhimanyu and the enemy force, so great was the slaughter. Severed 
heads littered the ground, their eyes bulging from their sockets. Armless 
and headless trunks were lying here and there covered with blood and dust. 
There were countless fallen heroes who were covered with golden armor, 
garlands, sandalwood paste and fragrant oils. Many heroes lay with their 
tongues rolling out, and their eyes detached from their sockets, and others 
lay with their intestines and livers drawn out by Abhimanyu's arrows. 
Abhimanyu crushed the Kaurava ranks and caused them to flee from the 
battlefield.

Upon witnessing the rout of his army, Duryodhana was furious and assaulted 
Subhadra's son. Knowing that the King could not defeat this young boy, 
Drona ordered Ashvatthama, Kripa, Salya, Karna, Kritavarman, Shakuni, 
Brihadvala, Bhurishrava, Sala, Paurava and Vrishasena to protect Duryodhana. 
Rushing at Arjuna's son, they released their shower of arrows and quickly 
took away the King. They took him away like one trying to snatch a food 
morsel from a hungry lion. Abhimanyu challenged each of those warriors and 
covered them with his arrows. He then sent up a loud roar of victory. Not 
tolerating such action, all the great warriors released their weapons 
intending to kill Arjuna's son. However, Abhimanyu shattered those arrows 
before they reached him. Failing in the attempt to pierce him, all the great 
maharathis covered him with more arrows hoping to frighten him away. 
Abhimanyu, however, countered those weapons and pierced each of the great 
warriors with three arrows.

The son of King Asmaka was able to come within close range of Abhimanyu and 
pierce him with ten arrows. Abhimanyu countered those arrows, and with ten 
arrows of his own killed his enemies horses and charioteer. Abhimanyu then 
cut off the arms and head of that powerful hero. When Karna came within 
reach, Abhimanyu pierced his armor with his blood sucking arrows. 
Penetrating his body, they entered the earth. Karna, struck senseless, fell 
to the floor of his chariot. Abhimanyu covered the battlefield with great 
speed, challenging the great warriors and defeating them all. He came upon 
the ruler of Madras, Salya, and covered him with golden arrows. Struck in 
this way, the ruler of Madras fainted away and was taken from the 
battlefield.

Witnessing Abhimanyu's victory, the demigods, the Pitris, the Charanas and 
the Siddhas sang his glories from the heavens. Meanwhile, Salya's brother 
assaulted Abhimanyu like a tempest. He covered him with many arrows and sent 
up a loud roar. In return, Abhimanyu released hundreds of arrows that killed 
his horses and charioteer, severed his royal standard, cut off the wheels 
and canopy of that car, and shattered all his weapons to pieces. Abhimanyu 
then severed the head of Salya's brother, and with this action all the 
supporting troops fled away in fear.

After rallying the troops, many great warriors rushed at Abhimanyu 
screaming, "Today, you shall not escape with your life!" Smiling all the 
while, Arjuna's son tormented those warriors with the weapons he had 
received from Krishna and Arjuna. Disregarding the heavy burden placed upon 
him by Yudhisthira, he fearlessly released his arrows. Like Arjuna, his bow 
was constantly drawn in a circle. No one could tell when he drew the arrow 
from the quiver and when it was released from the bow. Witnessing 
Abhimanyu's prowess, the other Pandavas took no part in the battle, but 
acted only as spectators.

Duryodhana was maddened to see the rout of his army. He urged the great 
maharathis as follows, "The preceptor, Drona, out of affection does not 
wish to kill Arjuna's son. No one can escape Drona's wrath when he is 
provoked. Arjuna is the preceptor's disciple, and this is Arjuna's son. 
Drona looks upon him with pride and does not wish to kill him. It is for 
this reason that this foolish boy is victorious. I order all of you to crush 
him."

When ordered in this way, Duhshasana said to his brother, "O monarch, I 
take an oath that I will slay Arjuna's son within the very sight of the 
Pandavas. I will devour Abhimanyu like Rahu devours the sun. When the two 
Krishnas hear of Abhimanyu's death, they will also die out of lamentation. 
Once they are dead, it will be easy to defeat the rest of the Pandavas. With 
the death of this one person, we will attain victory."

Saying this much, Duhshasana assaulted Abhimanyu, covering him with his 
mighty weapons. Seeing him coming, Abhimanyu taunted him, "It is by good 
luck that today I am able to behold you, who are the embodiment of a 
braggart and a fool. In the king's assembly at Hastinapura, you insulted 
Draupadi as well as my father and my uncles. O wicked person, today you 
shall receive the fruit of such actions. I shall today chastise you in front 
of the whole army. Today, I shall free myself from the debts I owe to the 
angry Krishna, and to my father, who always looks for the opportunity to 
challenge you. O Kaurava, I shall today free myself from the debt I owe to 
Bhima. Only if you run away from the battlefield, will you escape with your 
life."

Having spoken these words, Abhimanyu invoked a radiant celestial weapon. 
Releasing that arrow endowed with lightning speed, it pierced Duhshasana's 
shoulder joint up to the feathers. He then released twenty-five more arrows 
that resembled fire. Severely pained, Duhshasana sat down on the chariot 
floor and fell into a deadly swoon. He was then taken away from the 
battlefield. Beholding this, the Pandavas were filled with joy and caused 
the battlefield to resound with conches, drums and bugles.

Karna again came forward to challenge Abhimanyu. He pierced Abhimanyu with 
many arrows stretching his bow to it's fullest extent. The son of Phalguna 
felt no pain and released his deadly arrows that killed Karna's horses and 
charioteer. Abhimanyu the cut the royal standard from his chariot and 
shattered his bow to pieces. Beholding Karna in the grip of death, his 
younger brother proceeded quickly against Arjuna's son. He roared loudly, 
and stretching his bow, he released ten arrows that pierced Abhimanyu's 
royal banner, umbrella, charioteer and horses. With this action, the Kaurava 
heroes sent up loud shouts. However, with a cool and calm mind, Abhimanyu, 
with a single shaft, cut off the head of Karna's brother, and the smiling 
faces of the Kauravas changed to one of disbelief. Karna ascended another 
chariot, and in great anger, eager to avenge his brother's death, he 
assaulted Abhimanyu. However, Abhimanyu shattered his bow and countered his 
weapons, causing him to run from the battlefield.

Having routed the Kaurava army, no one stood before Abhimanyu except 
Jayadratha, the Sindhu ruler. That bull amongst the kshatriyas, Abhimanyu, 
then blew upon his conchshell and roared loudly bringing great joy to his 
uncles.

Sanjaya continued: The Pandavas accompanied by Satyaki, Shikhandi, 
Dhristadyumna, Virata, Drupada, and Dhristaketu followed the path of 
destruction left by Dhananjaya's son. They were hopeful to rescue him from 
the Kaurava ocean. Seeing them coming, your son-in- law, Jayadratha, the 
ruler of the Sindhus, stopped them from going any further. The powerful son 
of Vriddhakshatra, invoking his celestial weapons, resisted the advance of 
those great heroes, thus closing the gap in the great formation.

Dhritarastra said: A heavy burden was placed upon Jayadratha, inasmuch as 
he alone had to stop their advance. What benedictions had he received to 
single-handedly impede those great warriors?

Sanjaya replied: While the Pandavas were living in the forest, Jayadratha 
insulted Draupadi and was beaten almost to death by Bhimasena. When 
humiliated in this way, Jayadratha began to perform austerities, reducing 
his body to skin and bones. Jayadratha, trying to please Lord Shiva, ate 
little and slept little. When Lord Shiva was pleased with him, he appeared 
to Jayadratha in a dream and asked him what he wanted. With folded palms, 
Jayadratha asked for a boon by which he could defeat the Pandavas once. Lord 
Shiva granted the benediction saying, "You may defeat all of the Pandavas, 
except Arjuna." Now with this benediction he is standing before them like a 
maddened lion.

Sanjaya continued: Listen, O King, as I describe in detail how Jayadratha 
defeated the sons of Pandu. Jayadratha rode on a beautiful chariot drawn by 
Sindhu horses. His royal banner bore the device of a large silver boar. 
Drawing his bow to a full stretch, he released death dealing arrows 
obstructing the Pandava army from advancing further. He pierced Satyaki with 
three arrows and Bhima with eight. He struck Dhristadyumna with sixty 
shafts, Shikhandi with ten and Drupada with five. He pieced Yudhisthira with 
seventy and covered the Pandava army with his celestial weapons. Yudhisthira 
quickly cut Jayadratha's bow, but the Sindhu King quickly took up another 
and pierced Yudhisthira with ten arrows. Bhima then shattered Jayadratha's 
bow, cut off his royal standard as well as the beautiful umbrella that 
adorned his car. The mighty Jayadratha took up another bow and destroyed 
Bhima's chariot and horses. Bhima quickly got down from his chariot and 
ascended Satyaki's. With this action the Kaurava army cheered and rushed 
forward to fill up the gap made by Abhimanyu. Although the Pandavas and 
their divisions tried desperately to follow Abhimanyu, they were halted by 
the Sindhu King on account of Lord Shiva's benediction.

Non the less, Abhimanyu was mowing down the divisions that opposed him. The 
son of Karna, Vrishasena, attacked Abhimanyu with full force, but Arjuna's 
son shattered his bow, killed his charioteer and felled his standard from 
the chariot. Injured, Vrishasena was taken away from the battlefield by his 
unbridled horses. The leader of a chariot division, Vasatiya, then 
assaulted Abhimanyu releasing hundreds of arrows. He pierced Arjuna's son 
and screamed, "As long as I am alive, you shall not escape with your life!" 
Before he could finish what he had to say, Abhimanyu pierced the braggart's 
armor and sent him to death's abode.

Then the Kaurava host came in thousands to fight with Phalguna's son. As 
they approached him, they were sent in thousands to the other world. Salya's 
son, Rukmaratha, desired to save the Kaurava army from the ocean of 
Abhimanyu. He spoke to his forces, "Have no fear from this son of Arjuna! I 
will capture this one alive and hand him over to you as a present." Having 
taken this oath, Salya's son assaulted Abhimanyu and pierced him in the 
chest with three arrows, and in the right and left arms with three arrows. 
He then uttered a loud roar. Abhimanyu, however, severed his right and left 
arms as well as the hero's head. With the death of Salya's son, thousands of 
his friends rushed at Abhimanyu. They made Abhimanyu invisible with their 
shower of weapons, and they all thought that he was dead. Enraged and 
desiring their death, Abhimanyu invoked the Gandharva weapon received from 
his father. That weapon caused great confusion among Rukmaratha's troops and 
while in that state, Abhimanyu killed them all.

Dhritarastra said: O Sanjaya, this victory of Subhadra's son is indeed 
wonderful and almost impossible for an ordinary human to accomplish. After 
Duryodhana was defeated and the hundred princes slain, what did my army do 
against Subhadra's son?

Sanjaya said: Beholding the army broken and fleeing from the battlefield, 
Drona, Ashvatthama, Brihadvala, Kripa, and Duryodhana rushed at Abhimanyu 
releasing their powerful weapons. However, they were all beaten back, and 
the only one left to challenge Abhimanyu was Lakshman, Duryodhana's son. He 
was young, proficient in weaponry and inexperienced in warfare. Still, he 
challenged Abhimanyu, and released his selected arrows hoping to kill his 
opponent. Anxious about his son, Duryodhana followed him close behind. 
Other chariot fighters came up to protect Duryodhana, and they all began to 
shower their weapons upon Abhimanyu. Lakshman struck Abhimanyu the chest and 
arms. He roared loudly encouraging the retreating troops. Abhimanyu then 
spoke to Lakshman, "Look one last time upon your kinsmen, for in the 
presence of your father, I will despatch you to Yamaraja's abode." Saying 
this, Abhimanyu pulled out a broad headed arrow resembling a snake and 
released it at Duryodhana's son. Scorching through the sky, it severed 
Lakshman's head. Beholding Lakshman slain, Duryodhana was furious and 
ordered Drona, Kripa, and Karna with the words, "Slay this wretched person." 
Nevertheless, Abhimanyu beat them all off though they had encircled him 
desiring his death. Arjuna's son then began to cover the battlefield like 
the wind, and soon came upon the divisions of Jayadratha.

Coming up to challenge him were Drona, Karna, Kripa, Brihadvala, the mighty 
Kosala King, Kritavarman and Ashvatthama. Abhimanyu greeted them with a 
shower of arrows. He pierced Drona with fifty and Brihadvala with twenty. He 
pierced Kritavarman with eight and Kripa with sixty. He struck Ashvatthama 
with ten arrows and with a barbed arrow, he pierced Karna in the ear. He 
then killed Kripa's horses and the chariot warriors that were protecting his 
chariot. He then killed the brave Vrindaraka who was very dear to the 
Kaurava generals.

Not tolerating Abhimanyu's success, the ruler of the Koshalas, Brihadvala, 
pierced Abhimanyu with a barbed arrow, and sent up a loud roar. King 
Brihadvala had brought a akshauhini division to fight against the Pandavas, 
and he was a mighty maharathi, one of Duryodhana's top generals. However, 
Abhimanyu pierced the King in the chest with a long shafted arrow and split 
his heart in two. Having slain the great warrior, Arjuna's son raced across 
the battlefield leaving a path of total destruction wherever he went.

Abhimanyu could not be stopped. Again Karna came up to challenge him, but 
Arjuna's son quickly killed Karna's six counselors that protected his 
chariot. Abhimanyu then killed the son of Jayatsena, the ruler of Magadha, 
and with six shafts he killed the great warrior Asvaketu. With a razor 
headed arrow, Arjuna's son then killed the Bhoja prince Martikavata. With 
this action, Abhimanyu sent up a loud roar frightening the Kaurava army.

When Shakuni had been defeated by Abhimanyu, he went to Duryodhana with an 
evil plan, "In single combat there is none of us that can kill him. Let all 
six of us challenge him at once and grind him." Hearing this cowardly plan, 
all the six maharathis, Drona, Karna, Kripa, Kritavarman, Ashvatthama and 
Shakuni discussed how to slay Abhimanyu. Karna then inquired from Drona, 
"Abhimanyu is invincible and cannot be killed by any of us. Tell us the 
means by which he may be slain."

"I am also not able to stand in front of this foremost chariot driver as he 
courses the battlefield." Drona replied. "The same lightness of hand and 
knowledge of weapons that is in Arjuna, is also in this boy. He is piercing 
me deeply and causing me much pain. Abhimanyu is young, and his prowess is 
magnificent. His coat of mail is impenetrable. The only way to stop him is 
to cut his bow string, kill his horses and slay the protectors of his wheels 
when he is not looking. If we all attack him at once, we will succeed."

Agreeing with this sinful plan, Karna quickly proceeded to the spot where 
Abhimanyu was fighting. While he was engaged with another warrior, Karna 
cut his bowstring when he wasn't looking. Kritavarman then killed his 
horses, and Kripa killed the protectors of his wheels. Defeated unfairly in 
battle, Abhimanyu was incited with wrath. The handsome son of Arjuna 
descended from his chariot, sword in hand, and ran toward the six great 
warriors to kill them. Quickly Drona shattered the sword, and Karna 
shattered his shield. Abhimanyu then picked up a chariot wheel and rushed at 
Drona to kill him. The other Kings, however, tore the wheel to pieces. That 
great chariot fighter then took up a mace and ran at Ashvatthama with the 
speed of the wind. Ashvatthama quickly descended from his chariot and ran in 
the opposite direction. The son of Arjuna killed Ashvatthama's horses, and 
the warriors that were protecting his chariot. While this was happening, 
those cowardly so-called Kings were piercing Abhimanyu with their arrows as 
he walked on foot. He was so covered with arrows that he looked like a 
porcupine. Abhimanyu then killed Shakuni's son, Kalikeya, along with seventy 
Gandhara followers. He then killed ten elephants and ten car warriors, and 
proceeded towards Duhshasana's son. By this time Abhimanyu was tired and 
hopeless of life. Still, he fought on as only the son of Arjuna could. The 
son of Duhshasana descended from his chariot mace in hand and rushed at 
Abhimanyu saying, "Wait, Wait!" Rushing at each other, they were determined 
to kill the other. Raising their weapons, they struck each other at the same 
time. They both feel to the earth, and as Abhimanyu was rising, Duhshasana's 
son struck him on the head, shattering his crown and depriving him of his 
life. As he lay there on the Kurukshetra plain, he appeared like a wild 
elephant slain by cowardly hunters. All the warriors gathered round and 
began to cheer and shout loudly their victory. In the heavens were heard 
this sound, "Alas, Abhimanyu was killed by six maharathis unfairly. This is 
an unrighteous act."

Hearing the unembodied voice, the Pandava warriors began to shed tears. 
Yudhisthira fainted away, and with great effort was brought back to 
consciousness. All the famed warriors then gathered around Yudhisthira, and 
contemplated that youth with a beautiful smile and thought of his prowess 
in battle. In the absence of Krishna and Arjuna, this injustice had taken 
place. Withdrawing to their tents for the night, they did not know what to 
say to Arjuna upon his return. Thus they sat around the son of Dharma sunk 
in the depths of grief.



Thus Ends the Third Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Thirteenth 
Day at Kurukshetra; the Death of Abhimanyu.



Chapter Commentary



Because Duryodhana could not defeat Abhimanyu fairly, he had to resort to 
cheating methods and relied on his old sinister friend, Shakuni. It was 
Shakuni's idea to attack Abhimanyu from behind. Demons cannot fight by fair 
means. The very nature of the demoniac mentality is cheating. Duryodhana 
had been cheating the Pandavas since they were little boys, and he wasn't 
about to stop. Whatever would further his cause, he would accept even if it 
meant attacking Abhimanyu from behind, which is against the rules of 
warfare. Duryodhana could not understand that every previous member of the 
Kuru dynasty was a spotless exalted king who earned their name and fame by 
performing good deeds. Unfortunately, he did not have the mentality of a 
rajarshi, or saintly king, and thus his name would go down in history among 
demoniac kings like Ravana, Vena, Jarasandha, Kamsa, Shishupala, Shalva, 
Dantavakra etc.







Drona Parva



Chapter Four



Arjuna Vows to Kill Jayadratha



Dhritarastra inquired: After the great chariot fighter, Abhimanyu, had 
fallen in battle, unfairly slain by the six great warriors, what did the 
sons of Pandu do after lamenting the loss of their son?

Sanjaya said: Listen, O King, as I describe in detail the oath that Arjuna 
took in an assembly of Kings and princes that brought great joy to Pandava 
warriors. After the slaughter of the Adhiratha, Abhimanyu, who was but a 
mere boy, the Pandava warriors returned to their camps. They put aside their 
bows and armor, and sat surrounding King Yudhisthira. Yudhisthira, 
overwhelmed with grief, lamented in the following words, "Alas, Abhimanyu, 
desiring my welfare, pierced the chakravyuha that was formed by the 
preceptor Drona. While in that formation, the heroic son of Arjuna fought 
and killed many of the celebrated Kaurava warriors. That youth with lotus 
like eyes was then slain unfairly by six maharathis. Alas, what shall I say 
to Arjuna or to the blessed mother Subhadra? He, who was only a child, 
sacrificed himself instead of refusing to do my bidding. Alas, we shall also 
lay down our lives when pierced by the wrathful glances of Arjuna. Enraged 
at his son's slaughter, Partha will now exterminate the Kauravas. It is 
evident that the cruel minded Duryodhana is desiring the extinction of his 
army in that he sanctioned the death of that young boy."

Sanjaya continued: While King Yudhisthira was lamenting in this way, the 
great sage Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa came to him. Yudhisthira immediately 
arranged worship of the great Rishi, and after seating him comfortably, King 
Yudhisthira poured out his heart, "O great sage, what can I say to you about 
our welfare? While battling with great chariot fighters of wicked mind, the 
son of Subhadra was slain. He fought in battle against overwhelming odds and 
was unfairly killed. On my orders he opened the preceptor, Drona's, 
formidable array and fearlessly entered it. While endeavoring to protect 
him, we were stopped by the ruler of the Sindhus, Jayadratha. Abhimanyu, who 
was but a child in years, was butchered by those evil minded Kauravas. I 
lament the loss of that great hero."

Vyasadeva then consoled the King, "O King Yudhisthira, O thou of great 
wisdom who is conversant with the Vedas, persons like your self never lament 
for the dead bodies of others. It is known to you that the soul is eternal 
and can never be slain. This brave youth, having killed innumerable 
warriors, has ascended to the spiritual world. Indeed, that person for whom 
you lament acted like one mature in years. He has attained a destination 
that great yogis fail to attain after performing thousands of years of 
penances and austerities. O Bharata, death takes away the life of all living 
entities. This is the law of material nature, and no one can transgress it. 
Abhimanyu has now taken a spiritual body just befitting an inhabitant of the 
spiritual world. He now stands radiant in his own splendor. Therefore, O 
Ajatashatru, you should not grieve for one who has achieved perfection. It 
has already been decided that a great slaughter of the earth's warriors will 
take place on this Kurukshetra plain. It has been ordained by the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead, and no one can change that. Just become an 
instrument in this great battle. Fight with your enemy and attain great 
glory." After speaking these words of wisdom, the great sage left that place 
and returned to his own ashrama.

After receiving enlightenment from Vyasadeva, the grandfather of the 
Pandavas, Yudhisthira derived some consolation over Abhimanyu's death. 
However, in the next instant he thought to himself, "What shall we say to 
Dhananjaya?" Thinking like this, they waited for the return of Lord Krishna 
and Arjuna.

After the sun had set and the evening twilight still illuminated the sky, 
Arjuna proceeded toward his tent having slain a large number of 
Samsaptakas. Noticing evil omens in all directions, he spoke to Lord 
Krishna, "O Keshava, my speech falters, and my heart is fearful. My limbs 
are weak and thoughts of disaster plague my mind. These are all indications 
of a great calamity. Certainly the death of a great warrior has taken place. 
Let us go quickly and inquire about Yudhisthira."

Causing the horses to proceed at a faster pace, Lord Krishna, acting as his 
devotee's servant, soon brought the chariot to where the Kings and princes 
had gathered. Beholding the warriors in a dejected mood and everything in 
confusion, Vibatsu spoke to the Supreme Lord Krishna, "O Janardana, I do 
not hear the auspicious sounds of the trumpets, drums and conches. I do not 
hear the sweet sound of the vina and the clapping of hands. The warriors do 
not rush to me to tell me of their achievements. Alas, my son, Abhimanyu, 
who is always cheerful, does not come with his brothers to receive me after 
returning from battle."

When Krishna and Arjuna entered the camp, they saw the Pandava warriors 
cheerless and plunged into grief. Not seeing his son, Arjuna inquired, "All 
your faces are pale, and there are no sounds of victory. Where is my son 
Abhimanyu? Why does he not come to congratulate me? I have heard that the 
preceptor Drona arrayed his troops in the formation of a Chakra. There is 
none amongst you who could pierce that array except my young boy, Abhimanyu. 
Did you, out of hopelessness, cause that boy to enter that formation alone? 
Alas, has that heroic youth with lotus eyes pierced that great formation, 
and upon fighting with numerous warriors give up his life? What warrior 
deprived of his senses has slain my dearest son, that favorite of Draupadi 
and Keshava and dearly beloved of Kunti? What shall I say to Subhadra upon 
returning without her son? What shall I say unto Uttara, his dear wife, upon 
returning to the palace? Alas, it would be better for me to enter Yamaraja's 
abode than look upon the crying faces of those ladies."

Unto the lamenting son of Kunti, the lotus eyed Lord Krishna said, "O son 
of Pandu, do not yield to sorrow. Abhimanyu has taken the path that all 
brave heroes follow. He has attained the regions reserved for exalted 
ascetics. Death is certain for one who does not retreat in battle. Do not 
grieve, O tiger among men. Those who know the Vedas have declared that the 
highest merit a kshatriya can attain is death on the battlefield while 
fighting the enemy. O best of the Bharatas, your brothers are cheerless upon 
seeing you plunged into grief. Knowing that the soul never dies and that 
your son has achieved perfection, give comfort to your brothers and 
friends."

In reply to Lord Krishna, Arjuna said, "O Lord of the earth, I now desire 
to hear how Abhimanyu fought with the wicked Kauravas. You will see how I 
exterminate those who killed my son. I will slay them along with their 
friends and their kinsmen. All of the great warriors here were competent to 
save my son. Therefore, how could you have allowed him to be killed. If I 
had known that the Pandavas and the Panchalas could not have protected my 
son, then I would have protected him myself. Alas, all of you have no 
manliness nor prowess, since in the very sight of all of you, Abhimanyu was 
killed. Perhaps, I should chastise myself, for knowing that all of you were 
weak, cowardly and irresolute, I went away. Alas, do you wear your coats of 
mail and fine weapons for decoration only? How is it that you could not give 
my son protection?" Arjuna then sat down overcome by grief and anger. He was 
holding his bow and fine sword. No one could look upon him or speak to him. 
None could address him save Yudhisthira or Lord Krishna.

When there was complete silence, King Yudhisthira explained how the 
Kauravas unfairly killed Abhimanyu, "O might armed hero, after you had 
encountered the Samsaptakas, the preceptor Drona endeavored to capture me. 
We succeeded in resisting Drona at all points. However, the circular 
formation was too formidable to penetrate, and without you, our army would 
have been annihilated. Approaching Abhimanyu, we requested him to break the 
formation and lead all the great warriors to victory. Agreeing to the 
proposal and equipping himself with weapons that he had received from you, 
he penetrated the chakravyuha. We also followed close behind desiring to 
protect that lotus eyed youth. However, the wretched Sindhu King, having 
obtained a benediction from Lord Shiva, defeated us in battle. While we were 
struggling with the sinful Jayadratha, that formation closed on us, and 
Abhimanyu was surrounded by six great maharathis. They were Drona, Kripa, 
Karna, Asvatthama, Kritavarman and Brihadvala, the King of the Koshalas. 
These cowardly men deprived Abhimanyu of his chariot and weapons. While 
fighting on foot, he was finally killed by the son of Duhshasana. Your son 
fought bravely, killing eight thousand chariot fighters, two thousand 
princes and nine hundred elephants. He killed King Brihadvala as well as 
Lakshman, the son of Duryodhana. Dying in great glory, he has ascended to 
the spiritual world."

Arjuna was furious. He was wringing his hands, and tears were falling from 
his lotus petal eyes. Casting his glances like a mad man, he took an oath, 
"Truly do I swear that tomorrow I will kill Jayadratha! This despicable 
person is the cause of my child's slaughter. Whoever desires to protect this 
vile person, I will cut them to pieces with my deadly arrows. Whether it be 
Drona, Kripa or Karna, I will defeat all of them and kill the Sindhu King. I 
promise that I will enter the hellish regions reserved for sinful persons if 
I do not sever the head of that vain king. If tomorrow the sun sets without 
my having killed Jayadratha, then I will enter blazing fire. Let the 
Kauravas, the demigods, the Asuras, the Rishis, whoever there may be, try to 
protect that sinful person, still, I will cut off the head of Abhimanyu's 
enemy." Having said these words, Arjuna began to stretch his Gandiva bow 
with both arms. The sound of the Gandiva bow ascended to the sky and touched 
the heavens. After Arjuna had taken this oath, Janardana blew his conchshell 
the Panchajanya, and Arjuna blew his the Devadatta. When Arjuna had taken 
that vow, the sounds of thousands of musical instruments were heard rising 
from the Pandava camp.

Sanjaya continued speaking to Dhritarastra: When Duryodhana's spies 
informed their master of the cause of excitement in the Pandava camp, 
Jayadratha became overwhelmed with fear. He said to the assembly of Kings, 
"Arjuna has taken a vow to kill me. I shall, therefore, give up my weapons 
and return home to save my life. O foremost of the kshatriya race, protect 
me by the force of your weapons. Listen, you brave heroes, Partha seeks to 
slay me. Please render me fearless. Drona, Kripa, Karna, Duryodhana, 
Bahlika, Salya, and Duhshasana are capable of protecting a person who is on 
the point of death. When I am threatened by Phalguna, won't all of you 
joined together protect me? Having heard the joyous shouts of the Pandavas, 
my limbs are trembling in fear. Without doubt, the wielder of the Gandiva, 
has taken a vow to take my life. Who is there who can withstand Partha in 
battle? Who amongst you is competent to defeat that best among men? Even the 
very gods themselves cannot defeat him. Therefore, I take your permission to 
leave the battlefield. I will hide myself so that no one can find me."

While Jayadratha was indulging in such lamentations, King Duryodhana 
consoled him, "Do not fear, O tiger among men. No one will seek to encounter 
you while you remain in the midst of the great heroes on our side. Myself, 
Karna, Drona, Bhurishravas, Salya, Sudakshina, Vikarna, Duhshasana, Vinda 
and Anuvinda, Ashvatthama and Shakuni--these and many more will face Arjuna 
and protect you. These eleven akshauhinis of troops that I own will be 
carefully arrayed for your protection. Dispell your fear!"

After hearing these reassuring words from Duryodhana, the Sindhu King went 
to Drona and inquired, "O illustrious preceptor, I wish to know the 
difference between myself and Arjuna. I wish to know in truth the chances I 
have to survive in battle against him."

"As far as instructions from a teacher are concerned," Drona replied, "you 
are both equal. In consideration of ascetic merit and the qualities of 
righteousness, he is superior to you. However, you should not fear Partha, 
O Jayadratha. Without doubt I will protect you from this fear. The demigods 
themselves cannot defeat he who is protected by my arms. I will form an 
array that even Phalguna will not be able to penetrate. Do not allow death 
to be an object of terror to you. All men meet with death, taking with them 
the deeds of this life. The Kauravas, the Pandavas, the Vrishnis and all men 
are mortal and short lived. Act according to the duties of a brave kshatriya 
and fight your enemy." When Drona had banished Jayadratha's fear of Arjuna, 
Jayadratha set his heart on battle. Thus the joyful sounds of drums and 
kettledrums were heard in the Kaurava's camp.

After Partha had taken a vow to kill the ruler of the Sindhus, Jayadratha, 
the mighty armed Lord Krishna addressed Arjuna, "Without consulting Me, you 
have taken a vow to kill Jayadratha. How will you fulfill this oath? You 
have taken a great burden upon your shoulders which will be difficult to 
lift. I have heard from spies, that upon learning of your vow, the Kaurava 
warriors have taken precautions to save Jayadratha. They have three 
formations planned. The first will be the Shakata formation, the second will 
be a needle formation, and the third will be a Chakravyuha formation. From 
the front line of the battle to the point where Jayadratha will be stationed 
will be many many miles. Guarding Jayadratha will be six great maharathis: 
Drona, Kripa, Karna, Asvatthama, Bhurishrava and Vrishasena. The prowess of 
these six car warriors, O Partha, will, without doubt, be difficult to 
defeat."

"These six chariot warriors, whom you have mentioned, are not equal to half 
my prowess," Arjuna replied. "You will see, O slayer of Madhu, the weapons 
of all these warriors cut to pieces, and myself heading in the direction of 
Jayadratha. In the presence of Drona and all the great warriors, I will 
kill Jayadratha. Even if the demigods and asuras combined were to help them, 
I will still cut off the head of the Sindhu King. I will use all the 
celestial weapons at my disposal-those obtained by Yamaraja, Kuvera, Varuna, 
Indra and Lord Shiva. Do not think lightly of the might of my arms and my 
weapons. When I have vowed Jayadratha's death, know that he is already 
slain. Besides this, I know that because I have You as my friend and chariot 
driver, it will be easy to conquer all the soldiers in the universe."

After speaking to Lord Krishna, Arjuna requested Him, "O Janardana, I 
cannot bear to see the face of Subhadra, who has just lost her son. I have 
no words to console her with. Please go and comfort her so that she will not 
grieve so much over the death of Abhimanyu. Also give solace to Abhimanyu's 
wife Uttara, and also give comfort to Draupadi who loved Abhimanyu as one of 
her own sons." Agreeing to the requests of His devotee, Lord Krishna then 
went to Upaplavya to console the aggrieved relatives.

Upon reaching the city of Virata, Lord Krishna entered the palace where 
Subhadra and the other ladies were staying. Seeing His sister lamenting 
crying over the loss of her son, He began to give her instructions about the 
eternality of the soul, "O lady of the Vrishni race, do not grieve for the 
loss of your son. All living entities have but one end as ordained by 
eternal time. The end your son met was the pride of any kshatriya. Having 
vanquished thousands of chariot fighters, your son has attained the 
spiritual world. He has gone to that place where great yogis attain only 
after long observance of penances and austerities. Dispel your sorrow, and 
do not grieve. Tomorrow, that wretched King of the Sindhus, who caused your 
son's death, will die on the field of battle. Arjuna has vowed to end the 
life of Jayadratha before the sun sets tomorrow. Therefore, do not shed any 
more tears."

After consoling his sister, Subhadra, Lord Krishna returned to Kurukshetra 
and entered Arjuna's tent. At that time Arjuna offered his daily worship to 
the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He brought all kinds of auspicious 
articles and worshiped the Lord to his full satisfaction. After smearing His 
body with scented oils and adorning Him with flower garlands, Arjuna sat 
down beside his dear friend. Krishna then said, "Lay down and sleep soundly 
for tomorrow there will be a great battle. I will now go to My own tent." 
Saying this much Lord Krishna went to take rest for the night. He was 
accompanied by His chariot driver Daruka.

When half the night had passed, Lord Krishna was still awake talking with 
Daruka. He said, "O Daruka, Arjuna has vowed to kill Jayadratha before the 
sun sets tomorrow. For protecting Jayadratha, Drona will arrange the troops 
in such a way that it will be impossible to come near him. It will be 
difficult to slay one who is protected by Dronacharya. Therefore, I will, if 
necessary, do the needful so that Arjuna can fulfill his vow. I will not be 
able to live on earth without Arjuna. Taking up my weapons, I will kill 
Karna and Duryodhana along with all their forces. He who hates Arjuna, hates 
Me, and he that is a friend to Arjuna, is also a friend to Me. O Daruka, 
when the morning comes, equip My chariot with the Kamodaki mace, the Sarnga 
bow and My Sudarshana discus. Also yoke My horses, Sugriva, Meghapuspa, 
Balahaka and Saivya to My chariot and make sure they are cased in golden 
mail. Upon hearing the blast of My Panchajanya conchshell on the Rishava 
note, you will come to Me quickly. I will then proceed to kill Jayadratha in 
the presence of all the Kauravas." Daruka replied, "Arjuna will be certainly 
victorious tomorrow for You, my Lord, are is his charioteer. However, I will 
do as You have commanded me and ready Your chariot."

Meanwhile, as Arjuna lay on his bed, he was contemplating the next days 
activities. As he thought deeply of Lord Krishna, he fell asleep. He then 
had a dream, and in that dream, Lord Krishna came to him. "You possess the 
weapon given by Lord Shiva," He said. "It is called the Pashupatra astra. 
However, you do not know how to use this weapon. Let us go together to Lord 
Shiva's abode and receive instructions on how this weapon may be implored to 
kill Jayadratha." Taking Arjuna by the hand, Lord Krishna took him to 
Kailasa. Passing through many beautiful regions, those two heroes, Nara and 
Narayana, finally came to the abode of Lord Shiva. Upon seeing the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva offered his obeisances. 
Lord Krishna is the source of all the devas including Lord Shiva and Lord 
Brahma. After offering his worship to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva inquired from 
them, "You are both welcome here. Please tell me the reason for your 
journey, for I will satisfy your desires, and grant whatever you wish."

"You have previously given me the celestial weapon Pashupatra astra," 
Arjuna replied. "I now desire to learn how to use this powerful weapon."

 Hearing Arjuna's desire, Lord Shiva said, "I will grant your request. Just 
 near here is a lake full of amrita (nectar). This is where I keep my 
 celestial bow and arrows. Go there and bring them to me."

Lord Krishna and Arjuna then went to the lake, and in the water they saw 
two snakes spitting fire and poison. They approached those snakes chanting 
prayers to Lord Shiva. As they came closer, the two snakes turned into a bow 
and arrow. Arjuna then took the bow and arrow and returned to Lord Shiva. 
While glancing at the bow, Lord Shiva produced a brahmachary from the sides 
of his body. That brahmachary, who was bluish in complexion, then took the 
bow and strung it. Placing his feet properly and chanting the proper hymns 
to invoke the astra, the brahmachary released the arrow into the lake 
nearby. After releasing the arrow, he then threw the bow into the lake. Then 
Lord Shiva called for the bow and arrow and gave it to Arjuna, and also gave 
him the benediction that he would fulfill his vow. Arjuna and Lord Krishna, 
fully satisfied with the worship of Lord Shiva, returned to Kurukshetra and 
to their own tents. Thus through that dream Arjuna learned how to use the 
weapon owned by Lord Shiva.

When the morning came all the Pandavas rose from their nightly rest and 
offered their morning prayers. In the presence of all the assembled Kings, 
Yudhisthira said to Lord Krishna, "O Krishna, relying on You alone, we seek 
victory and eternal life. You, O Lord, are aware of the loss of our kingdom 
at the hands of these vile sinners. O Lord of lords, You are compassionate 
to Your devotees who rely on You for their very existence. O slayer of 
Madhu, please help Arjuna to realize his vow. O descendent of Vrishni, 
become the boat that will take us across this vast ocean of the Kauravas. I 
offer my respectful obeisances unto You who are the eternal Lord, the 
Supreme Destroyer. O eternal Vishnu, O Hari, O Vaikunthanatha, Narada has 
described You to be the Supreme Lord, Narayana, who carries the Sarnga bow 
and who wields the Sudarshana cakra. O Lord of all creatures, please be 
merciful to us and do not allow Arjuna to enter fire at the end of the day. 
O Lord, may his vow be fulfilled."

To these prayers, Lord Krishna replied, "O Yudhisthira, in all the three 
worlds, there is no bowman who compares to Arjuna. He is the possessor of 
great weapons and wields the prowess of thousands of warriors. Treading over 
the heads of his enemies, he will certainly fulfill his oath. This very day 
you will see that sinful person, Jayadratha, laying on the Kurukshetra plain 
and his soul entering Yamaraja's abode. Today, vultures and jackals will 
feast on the flesh of his dead body. Even if all the demigods united become 
Jayadratha's protectors, that ruler of the Sindhus will not live. Dispell 
all your anxiety and lamentation."

While Lord Krishna and Yudhisthira were speaking, Arjuna came into their 
presence. Yudhisthira, rising from his seat, embraced Arjuna and smelt his 
head. He then addressed him, "It is evident from your smiling face that 
victory awaits you today. With the full blessings of our eternal well 
wisher, Lord Krishna, I shall see you here at the end of the day with you 
vows fulfilled."

Arjuna then described to all present his dream of the previous night. He 
described how Lord Shiva had instructed him to use the Pashupatra astra. He 
also told them that Lord Shiva blessed him with the fulfillment of his 
desires. Hearing this excellent story, all were struck with wonder and 
exclaimed, "Excellent! Excellent!" Then with joyous hearts they proceeded to 
the battlefield to make preparations for the day's battle.



Thus Ends the Fourth Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, Arjuna Vows to 
Kill Jayadratha.



Chapter Commentary



Upon the death of Abhimanyu there was much lamentation in the camp of the 
Pandavas, so much so that Vyasadeva had to appear and preach to King 
Yudhisthira. He fell into illusion much similar to the way Arjuna fell into 
illusion before the battle of Kurukshetra. One can be under the Yogamaya 
potency (divine potency of the Lord) or the Mahamaya potency (deluding 
potency of the Lord). The difference being that one under Mahamaya falls 
into deeper separation from the Lord when calamities appear, and one who has 
fallen under Yogamaya potency increase his attachment for the Lord when 
disaster happens. Through this whole episode we will see how the Pandavas 
increase their attachment for Lord Krishna. There was some temporary 
despondency at the death of Abhimanyu, but this only caused the Pandavas to 
increase their service attitude toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 
The Pandavas were only instruments for the Lord's purpose of decreasing the 
burden of the earth. To fulfill the Lord's desire, Arjuna had to increase 
his anger toward the sinners. The unfair death of Abhimanyu was the catalyst 
to fulfill the Lord's desire.

In this chapter Lord Krishna again stated his loving attachment for Arjuna. 
He told His charioteer, Daruka, "I cannot live on Earth without Arjuna. If 
necessary I will take up weapons against the Kauravas so Arjuna can keep 
his vow." By serving Lord Krishna one gradually increases his attachment for 
the Lord so much so that the Lord agrees to carry what we lack. Before the 
battle Lord Krishna told Arjuna, ananyas cintayanto mam, ye janah 
paryupasate, tesam nityabhiyuktanam, yoga-kshemam vahamy aham, "But those 
who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form-to them I 
carry what they lack and preserve what they have." (B.g. 9.22) Always 
thinking of Krishna is the best insurance policy we could have. He is our 
eternal father and the protector of His devotees.





Drona Parva



Chapter Five



The Fourteenth Day at Kurukshetra;

Arjuna Makes His Way Toward Jayadratha





Dhritarastra inquired: After the death of Abhimanyu, what did the Pandavas 
do to avenge his death? Knowing the prowess of Savyasachin (Arjuna), how 
could the Kauravas remain fearless on the front line of battle? Beholding 
the ape bannered son of Kunti in the forefront of the army, how did my sons 
react to his presence. A dark cloud of gloom has overcome the Kaurava camp, 
for no longer are heard the sounds of music and singing. The soldiers no 
longer talk of their day's achievements or listen to the Vedic hymns. I 
think today a great calamity will overcome Duryodhana and his followers. O 
Sanjaya, please relate to me all that happened on that fourteenth day of the 
great battle.

Sanjaya said: O King, I will tell you everything for I can see the 
Kurukshetra field with divine vision. Listen calmly, for these calamities 
are your fault. If you had formerly restrained Yudhisthira and your sons 
from playing at dice, this tragedy would have never come. Again, before the 
battle, when the peace proposals were being considered, if you had 
restrained both sides, then this great slaughter of kinsmen would have never 
happened. If you had encouraged the Kurus to bind and slay the sinful 
Duryodhana, then this disaster to your dynasty would have never taken place. 
If you had done any one of these, then world peace would have been in your 
grip. Formerly Lord Krishna showed more respect toward you than to 
Yudhisthira. However, since you have fallen from the duties of a Godly king, 
the divine son of Devaki no longer looks toward you as a king capable of 
upholding religious principles. There is no need to indulge in various 
lamentations this late in the war. The reaction to your indifference will be 
the loss of your kinsmen. Listen as I describe in detail the slaughter of 
the Kauravas on the fourteenth day of the great war.

After the night had passed away and the dawn had arrived, Dronacharya 
arrayed the massive divisions in three formations. The first formation was 
in the form of a cart known as Sakata. The second array was the formation 
known as Chakravyuha. Within the Chakravyuha was the formation known as 
Suchimukha or the needle point formation, in which Jayadratha was protected 
by many soldiers and maharathis. The front line of the battlefield measured 
a full forty eight miles tapering off to a twenty mile width at the rear of 
the formations. From the front line of the battle to the point where 
Jayadratha was stationed was a full twelve miles.

 After arranging the troops according to his desire, Drona went to 
 Jayadratha and spoke encouraging words, "O ruler of the Sindhus, there 
 should be no fear within your heart. I have arranged our great divisions in 
 such a way that even the demigods will not be able to penetrate them. 
 Bhurishrava, Karna, Ashvatthama, Salya, Vrishasena and Kripa will be near 
 to give you protection. In front of you, in the form of a needle, will be a 
 hundred thousand horsemen, sixty thousand chariot fighters, forty thousand 
 elephants, and one hundred and twenty thousand foot soldiers. From the 
 front line of the battle to your point of protection will be a distance of 
 twelve miles. There is no need to fear Arjuna. If the heavenly gods headed 
 by Indra cannot pierce this formation what will the mortal Pandavas do?"

Comforting Jayadratha in this way, Drona then took up his position at the 
opening to the Chakravyuha. Within the Chakravyuha was the Suchimukha 
(needle) formation. At the point of that needle array was Kritavarman and 
next to him was the ruler of the Kambhojas and Jalasandha. Next to those 
stood Duryodhana and Karna. At the very front line of the battle stood 
Durmarshana, and behind him stood Duhshasana and Vikarna. Seeing this 
powerful formation arrayed by the preceptor Dronacharya, the heavenly 
denizens and rishis were filled with wonder.

Sanjaya continued: O King, your troops rejoiced at the thought that Arjuna 
would have to enter fire at the end of the day. They beat on drums and 
sounded their conches giving joy to the whole army. Standing in the 
forefront of the Pandava divisions was Dhananjaya, who desired to slay 
Jayadratha. He also blew his conch, the Devadatta, and the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead blew upon His, the Panchajanya. The son of the wind 
god, Hanuman, who was riding on the banner, also roared loudly. His loud 
voice, mixing with the conch sounds of Nara and Narayana, caused fear to 
enter the minds of the Kaurava troops. Their hearts trembled, and their hair 
stood on end. The elephants and horses passed stool and urine 
simultaneously, and the infantry troops were terrified. Some lost their 
strength, and some lost their senses.

Then Arjuna, the carrier of the Gandiva bow, requested Hrishikesha in these 
words, "O Krishna, urge the horses toward Durmashana's division. I will 
penetrate this Sakata formation at that point and make my way to 
Jayadratha."

Thus ordered by Arjuna, Lord Keshava drove the horses to the spot where 
Duryodhana's brother was releasing his mighty weapons. Unleashing arrows 
like a downpour of water, Arjuna began a great slaughter of the Kaurava 
army. He began to sever the heads of many esteemed chariot fighters. The 
sound of the severed heads falling to the ground sounded like the falling of 
ripened fruits from a tree shaken by an elephant. Very soon the battlefield 
became a nightmare of headless trunks, dead horses and elephants. Angered by 
his son's death, Arjuna was killing soldiers in tens of thousands. Using his 
celestial weapons, Arjuna was making a path of destruction. No one could 
stand before him, and no one could come near him. He was carving a path 
through the enemy ranks hundreds of yards wide. Cutting through the elephant 
army, Arjuna caused ten thousand of those huge beasts to lie on the ground 
deprived of life. Routing the the division of Durmashana, Arjuna continued 
making his way through the Sakata formation. Cut up by Arjuna's arrows, the 
soldiers that supported Durmashana broke and fled for their lives. Huge 
elephants, full of fear, retreated into the divisions of foot soldiers 
crushing thousands of men as they went.

Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, when the van of my army was broken by the 
son of Kunti, who were the heroes that came to oppose him? How did the 
preceptor Drona manage to stop the forward progress of that mighty hero?

Sanjaya replied: The next division to attack Arjuna was Duhshasana. Your 
son was followed by thousands upon thousands of angry elephants. They 
speedily came upon Arjuna, and seemed capable of devouring the whole earth. 
Quickly rushing towards them, Arjuna began to slay that elephant army with 
his powerful shafts. Heads began to fall from the warriors who were riding 
those elephants. Sometimes Arjuna would pierce, with a single arrow, as many 
as two or three men riding on the same elephant, and they would fall to the 
ground hooked together by that arrow. Elephants were roaming the battlefield 
with armless and headless trunks hanging off their sides. Blood and flesh, 
flowing from the elephants and decapitated soldiers, created a ghastly scene 
that few could witness. Duhshasana was not able to ward of Arjuna's forceful 
weapons. Within a very short time thousands upon thousands of elephants 
littered the battlefield like huge barriers in a maze. Some of them had been 
pierced with one arrow and others with thousands. Some had their heads cut 
off, and others had their skulls spit open, gushing forth flesh and blood. 
Some of the huge beasts were completely cut in two and lay on the ground 
deprived of life. Some were only partially killed and lay on the ground 
shrieking in agony. Some of the elephants, upon falling to the ground, 
crushed foot soldiers and horsemen that were protecting them. The whole 
battlefield became a nightmare as Phalguna completely routed the huge 
division of elephants. Fleeing the battlefield, the remnants of that army 
sought Drona as its protector.

Sanjaya continued: O Monarch, completely routing your son's army, the 
mighty chariot fighter, Dhananjaya, proceeded against the division of Drona. 
Coming upon his preceptor, Arjuna solicited him, "Give me your blessings, O 
brahmana. Through your grace, I will penetrate this formation and fulfill 
the vows I have taken. You are to be worshiped by me even as I worship 
Yudhisthira or Krishna. Truly I tell you that even as you protect 
Ashvatthama you should also protect me. O foremost brahmana, stand aside for 
I desire to slay the ruler of the Sindhus. I request that you assist me in 
accomplishing my vow."

Thus requested by Arjuna, the preceptor smilingly replied to him, "O 
Vibhatsu, without defeating me, you will not be able to kill Jayadratha." 
Saying this much, Drona covered Arjuna with a thick shower of arrows. As 
Arjuna rushed forward, he struck his martial guru with nine arrows. Drona 
then drew the string of his bow to his ear and released many arrows 
resembling fire and poison. Those arrows pierced Krishna and Arjuna 
inflicting extreme pain. Drona then cut the string of Arjuna's bow. 
Stringing his bow again, the son of Kunti released six hundred arrows as if 
he had released only one. He then released seven hundred, then a thousand, 
then ten thousand. All these arrows killed the troops that were protecting 
Drona. Not tolerating Arjuna's victory, Drona released a long shafted arrow 
that struck Arjuna forcefully. Trembling from that arrow, Arjuna sat down on 
his chariot. Pulling out the arrow and rising once again, Phalguna pierced 
his preceptor with many winged shafts.

Not wanting to waste time in this duel, Lord Krishna advised Arjuna, "O 
Partha, we should not waste time. We must proceed avoiding Drona. It will 
not be long before the sun sets, and there is still a great distance to 
cover." Responding to the wisdom of Lord Krishna, Arjuna ordered that the 
horses be taken to the right of Drona. When Drona saw that Arjuna was 
avoiding him, the preceptor spoke angrily, "Where are you going, O son of 
Pandu? You should not continue on till you have defeated your enemy."

 "You are not my enemy," Arjuna replied, "but my beloved preceptor. I am 
 your disciple, and therefore, like a son. Besides, I do not see a warrior 
 in the whole world who can subdue you in battle."

Sanjaya continued speaking to Dhritarastra: Saying these words, the 
mighty-armed son of Kunti proceeded on penetrating deep into the 
Chakravyuha formation. He was followed by Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas who 
protected his chariot wheels. The army in front of Arjuna was a thick mass 
of chariots, infantry, calvary and elephants. Carving a path hundreds of 
yards on both sides of his chariot, that great hero cut open the Kaurava 
army and caused it to bleed profusely. Arjuna's chariot rose above the 
ground, because of the mass of dead men, horses and broken weapons. It was a 
scene of devastation as Arjuna mowed down the Kaurava ranks with his 
celestial weapons. Chariots, without fighter or charioteer, were running 
wild all over the battlefield. Horses were running here and there with the 
decapitated trunks of their riders caught in the stirrups. There was a 
stream of hot blood flowing from the trunks of these dead warriors. The 
blood of the elephants mixed with the blood of the horses and soldiers 
caused a river to flow on the field of battle. Men were struggling ankle 
deep in bloody mud. Wild elephants with no rider bolted and were trampling 
their own soldiers to death.

Arjuna was being quickly pursued by the preceptor Drona. Catching up to his 
disciple, Drona struck Arjuna with twenty five arrows. When Drona released 
his most formidable weapon, Arjuna invoked the Brahma weapon and baffled the 
shower of arrows released by his teacher. Drona managed to pierce Krishna 
with seventy arrows and Arjuna with twenty five. Not wanting to waste his 
time battling with the invincible Drona, Arjuna penetrated the army between 
the divisions of Kritavarman and Sudakshina, the ruler of the Kambhojas. 
When Kritavarman saw Arjuna coming, he released ten arrows at him. 
Countering those arrows, Arjuna pierced him with a hundred arrows. Arjuna 
then shattered his bow and struck him in the chest with nine arrows.

Lord Krishna, not wanting to waste time in duels, told Arjuna, "Do not show 
any mercy to Kritavarman because he is My relative. Immediately crush and 
slay him!" Then Arjuna released a long shafted arrow that hit Kritavarman in 
the chest, causing him to fall to the floor of his chariot. By the time 
Kritavarman had regained consciousness, Arjuna had penetrated deep into the 
Kaurava army. Kritavarman then began to fight with Yudhamanyu and 
Uttamaujas. Yudhamanyu quickly shattered Kritavarman's bow and pierced him 
with five arrows. Kritavarman countered and cut the bows of both Yudhamanyu 
and Uttamaujas. Taking up stronger bows, they fought on trying to follow 
Arjuna's path. However, Kritavarman would not allow them to proceed further.

Beholding the lotus-eyed Arjuna coming toward him, King Srutayudha pierced 
him with three arrows and Krishna with seventy. Not tolerating the impudence 
of Srutayudha, Arjuna quickly killed his horses and his charioteer. 
Abandoning his chariot, Srutayudha ran at Arjuna with an upraised mace. The 
heroic Srutayudha was the son of Varuna and his mother was the river 
Parnasa. To protect her son, she begged Varuna, "Let my son be immortal on 
earth."

"No man is immortal in this world," Varuna replied. "However, I will bestow 
upon him a celestial weapon by which no earthly person may kill him. 
Therefore, you will have no fear for your son's life." Varuna then gave 
Srutayudha an invincible mace, and instructed him, "This mace should not be 
hurled at one who is not engaged in warfare. If hurled at such a person, it 
will come back and kill you." As Srutayudha came toward Lord Krishna and 
Arjuna, he released that powerful mace at Lord Krishna. Disobeying his 
father's instructions, he brought death upon his head. The mace bounced of 
Krishna and came back to Srutayudha causing his own death. When Srutayudha 
fell on the field of battle, all the troops that were supporting him broke 
and fled.

Next came Sudakshina, the ruler of the Kambhojas. He had brought with him 
an akshauhini division of troops for the sake of Duryodhana. He was a 
powerful maharathi and was undefeated in battle. Sudakshina pierced Arjuna 
with seven shafts and Lord Krishna with three. Phalguna then countered and 
released seven arrows that passed through Sudakshina's body and entered into 
the earth. Becoming enraged, the Kambhoja King released ten arrows that 
pierced Arjuna in the chest. Greatly angered, Arjuna cut his enemy's bow and 
standard. Sudakshina then picked up an iron dart that was covered with 
jewels and gold. Aiming it carefully, he released it with all his might. 
That dart, blazing through the sky, pierced Arjuna's armor and entered into 
the earth. Arjuna then fell into a swoon and sat down on his chariot. 
Licking his lips and flaming up in rage, Arjuna decided to put an end to 
this King's life. Releasing hundreds of Arrows, Partha shattered the King's 
chariot and killed his horses. Arjuna then released a single golden shafted 
arrow that struck the Kambhoja King in the chest. Piercing his armor, it 
deprived him of his life, and he then fell from his chariot to the earth. 
With the death of this maharathi, all the warriors that were supporting him 
fled in great fear.

The next great warriors to approach Arjuna were Shrutayus and Achutayus. 
Rushing toward the son of Kunti, Shrutayus released a javelin that pierced 
Arjuna's armor, causing him to fall into a deadly swoon. At the same time 
Achyutayus forcibly struck Partha with a javelin also. Deeply pierced by 
both javelins, Arjuna supported himself by seizing his flag staff. All the 
troops that supported those two warriors roared in triumph thinking that 
Arjuna had been slain. Then those foremost chariot fighters poured upon Lord 
Krishna and Arjuna a shower of arrows. Coming to his senses and drawing out 
both javelins, Arjuna saw thousands of arrows coming toward him. He quickly 
invoked a weapon named Sakra and from one arrow came tens of thousands. 
Piercing those two warriors as well as their troops, he deprived them of 
their legs, arms, heads and their very lives. All the supporting warriors of 
those two generals were also slain leaving a ghastly scene of devastation.

Ripping open the ranks of the Kauravas, Arjuna continued to make his way 
toward Jayadratha. There was a solid mass of soldiers in front of him, but 
the son of Kunti blew them all away with his Vayavaya weapon. Picking them 
up like the wind picks up leaves, that weapon blew elephants, chariots, 
horses and infantry into the air landing them a great distance away.

While thus proceeding, Srutayus, the king of the Amvashthas, resisted him. 
Arjuna, quickly, killed the horses that were drawing his chariot. He then 
shattered his bow and killed his charioteer. Srutayus picked up a mace and 
descended from his chariot. With his weapon upraised, he ran at Krishna and 
Arjuna, stopping the progress of their chariot. He struck Lord Krishna on 
the head, but the divine son of Devaki did not budge an inch nor was He 
affected. Arjuna immediately cut the mace in two with his arrows. Quickly, 
Srutayus picked up another mace from the ground and hit Arjuna with all his 
strength. Before Srutayus could strike him again, Arjuna cut off his arms 
with a couple of broad headed arrows. Then with another arrow, he severed 
his head that was decorated with a crown and glittering earrings. With the 
death of this great warrior, the supporting troops in his division fled out 
of fear.



Thus Ends the Fifth Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Fourteenth 
Day at Kurukshetra; Arjuna Makes His Way Toward Jayadratha.



Drona Parva



Chapter Six



Arjuna Continues His Path of Destruction



Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, after Partha had slain the ruler of the 
Kambhojas, Sudakshina, what did that mighty warrior do, who was desiring to 
kill the Sindhu King, Jayadratha?

Sanjaya said: O King, after that great adhiratha, Phalguna had cut open the 
the first two formations, your son Duryodhana went to the preceptor Drona 
and prodded him as follows, "O best of the brahmanas, you are the sole 
refuge to save us from the forest fire of Dhananjaya. It was settled before 
the day's battle that Arjuna would not be able circumvent your position and 
open the formation. It seems that my troops have lost their power. O 
brahmana, are you devoted to the Pandava's cause? I was not aware that you 
were a razor dipped in honey. If I had known that you could not fulfill your 
vow to protect Jayadratha, then I would have allowed the ruler of the 
Sindhus to return to his homeland. Before the sun sets on the horizon, make 
the necessary arrangements that Jayadratha is not slain by the third son of 
Kunti."

Pierced to the core of his heart by Duryodhana's harsh words, Drona 
replied, "O child, I do not find fault in your immature vision. Believe me 
when I say that you are as dear to me as Ashvatthama. However, you must now 
act according to my instructions. Of all charioteers, Krishna is the 
foremost. His horses are divine and cannot be slain. Did you not see that 
today Arjuna was releasing arrows a full two miles behind his chariot? 
Overcome with the passing of time, I cannot keep up with him. The Pandava 
divisions are now penetrating the forefront of our army, and Yudhisthira is 
close by. I will now try to capture that great King. As for yourself, you 
can defeat Arjuna. You are both the same age, and both of you belong to the 
same dynasty. You are also equal in great achievements. You are the ruler of 
the world and a great King. O brave hero, you should go yourself and 
challenge Dhananjaya and by so doing achieve lasting fame."

"O preceptor," Duryodhana replied, "how will it be possible for me to 
withstand Partha in battle. After he has defeated Kritavarman and your very 
self, what can I do to withstand Arjuna's onslaught? Do you think that I am 
competent to fight with that mighty armed son of Pandu? I am dependent on 
you like a slave is to his master. Protect my fame."

"Arjuna is certainly undefeatable in battle," Drona said. "But today the 
world shall witness how you will check him in battle. Here I have a golden 
coat of armor that cannot be pierced by the weapons of the demigods. I will 
fasten this to your body in such a way that Arjuna will not be able to 
penetrate it. Today you will not need to fear the wrath of Arjuna for this 
armor will give you full protection."

Drona then uttered certain mantras and attached the golden armor to 
Duryodhana's body. It was tied together by Vedic mantras and was 
impenetrable. Having blessed the King with victory, Drona sent him into 
battle with Arjuna. The puffed up King then proceeded with confidence to the 
spot where the son of Pandu was battling the Kaurava army.

After sending Duryodhana to fight with Arjuna, Drona began to contend with 
the Pandava army. He fought a fierce duel with Dhristadyumna in which the 
horses of both chariots were tangled. Dhristadyumna descended from his 
chariot with a sword and shield. As he moved toward Drona, Drona could not 
find an opportunity to kill him. When Dhristadyumna came out from the cover 
of the horses and ran at Drona, Drona shattered his shield and sword with 
special arrows. He then took an arrow out of his quiver capable of killing 
Drupada's son. However, Satyaki cut that arrow to pieces before it could be 
released. He then took Dhristadyumna on his chariot and proceeded to another 
part of the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Arjuna was making his way toward Jayadratha causing a tremendous 
massacre of men. He was releasing his arrows a full two miles in all 
directions. When Arjuna released his arrows ahead of the chariot, by the 
time the arrow pierced his enemy, Krishna and Arjuna had arrived there on 
that spot. The horses of Arjuna's chariot where as white as the milk ocean 
and traveled at the speed of the wind. Indeed, those horses traveled by 
Arjuna's desire. After penetrating many miles into the Kaurava divisions, 
those celestial horses became tired and drew the chariot with great 
difficulty.

Understanding that the horses of Krishna and Arjuna were tired, the Kings 
of Avantipura, Vinda and Anuvinda, assaulted the son of Pandu confident of 
victory. They pierced Arjuna with sixty four shafts and Krishna with 
seventy. They then covered Arjuna's tired horses with a hundred arrows. 
Encouraged by their victory, they sent up loud shouts and rushed again with 
great force. Arjuna, not tolerating their stupidity, cut off their bows as 
they closed in. Taking up stronger bows, they released deadly arrows and 
fought with all their strength. With a cool and calm mind, Arjuna cut off 
their bows again and then killed their horses and chariot drivers. He also 
killed the supporting soldiers of those two mighty kings.

 Vinda and Anuvinda were related to Lord Krishna as brothers-in-law. 
 Krishna had forcefully taken their very beautiful sister Mitravinda from 
 the svayamvara in which she was to chose her husband. Since that time, 
 Vinda and Anuvinda became avowed enemies of Lord Krishna. They had brought 
 an akshauhini division of soldiers to fight with the Pandavas. Not caring 
 for family relationships, Arjuna cut off Vinda's head with an arrow as 
 sharp as a razor. Beholding his elder brother killed, Anuvinda took up a 
 mace and ran at the chariot of Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Filled with rage, 
 Anuvinda struck Lord Krishna on the head with all his might. Lord Krishna 
 did not waver in the least, but sat on the chariot like a mountain. Then 
 Arjuna pulled six arrows from his quiver and cut off the legs and arms of 
 that great hero. As he was falling, Arjuna cut off his head with a crescent 
 shaped arrow. Upon seeing Vinda and Anuvinda slain, a huge force of 
 elephants, chariot fighters and horsemen rushed at Arjuna. However, without 
 the slightest difficulty, Arjuna sent all those warriors the the abode of 
 Yamaraja.

Arjuna then spoke to Hrishikesha these words, "The ruler of the Sindus is 
still a great distance away, and our horses are very tired. What do you 
think is our best course of action? O Krishna, You are the personification 
of wisdom. The Pandavas have You for their eyes, and You for their ears. 
Please guide us in all circumstances."

"I shall unbridle the horses and remove these arrows," Lord Krishna 
replied. "I will give them water and rest them."

"O Hrishikesha," Arjuna said, "I will hold the whole army in check with my 
powerful weapons. Do what is necessary so that the horses may continue with 
full strength."

Sanjaya continued speaking to Dhritarastra: O King, descending from the 
chariot, Arjuna stood fearlessly with his Gandiva bow in hand. Taking this 
as their golden opportunity, thousands of chariot fighters rushed at the son 
of Kunti desiring to slay him. They rushed at him as the ocean covers the 
beech. Releasing his infallible arrows, Arjuna was able to keep them at bay. 
Meanwhile Lord Krishna informed Arjuna, "There is no well from which these 
horses may drink water and feel refreshed."

Understanding Lord Krishna's desire, Arjuna released an arrow into the 
ground creating a lake that was filled with fish, lotus flowers and 
beautiful birds. Witnessing Arjuna's mystic power, the heavenly denizens 
were struck with wonder. They had never seen a lake created in the middle of 
a battlefield. Even the great sage Narada came to see the lake created by 
Arjuna's arrows. To the amazement of all, Arjuna then created a protective 
house out of arrows from which the horses could drink the water. Seeing 
this, Lord Krishna exclaimed, "Excellent! Excellent!" Vasudeva then unyoked 
the horses and lead them to that house made of arrows. Lord Krishna plucked 
out their arrows and rubbed His transcendental hand over their wounds 
relieving them of all fatigue and pain. He then lead them to the water where 
they drank as much as they desired. All this was done in the thickest of 
fighting. Lord Krishna, acting as if He were in an assembly of women, calmly 
took the horses back to the chariot and bridled them in their proper 
positions. To all who witnessed this action, it seemed highly wonderful. 
After yoking the horses to the chariot, Lord Krishna and Arjuna proceeded 
further into the Kaurava ranks. After penetrating the divisions of Drona and 
the divisions of Kritavarman, Arjuna was coming closer to the place where 
Jayadratha was being protected.

Meanwhile, Duryodhana caught up with the chariot of Krishna and Arjuna. 
Seeing him coming, Lord Krishna spoke to Arjuna, "Behold Dhritarastra's son 
coming towards us. Providence has offered an opportunity to fight with this 
great hero. Remembering the offenses this sinful person has made against 
your brothers and your wife, you should kill him immediately. By deceit he 
has taken away your kingdom and sent you into the forest. Therefore, 
remembering the offenses this person committed, send him to the court of 
Yamaraja today."

When Duryodhana was rushing toward the chariot of Krishna and Arjuna, the 
Kaurava host thought that the King would now be slain. Understanding their 
mentality, Duryodhana encouraged them, "Let your fears be dispelled. I will 
kill both Krishna and Arjuna and cause them to enter death's abode." After 
reassuring the troops, Duryodhana then challenged Partha, "O son of Kunti, 
If you have been actually begotten by the great King Pandu, then fight with 
me using all the weapons you have received from the demigods. I want to see 
your display of prowess. You always speak of achievements that we have never 
seen. You may now show me those feats by which you have won your fame."

After speaking these boastful words, King Duryodhana pierced Arjuna with 
three arrows, Krishna with ten and the horses with sixteen. He then cut off 
the whip that the lotus-eyed Lord Krishna was holding. Countering those 
arrows, Arjuna released fourteen at the King, but they were repelled by 
Duryodhana's armor. Arjuna then shot twenty nine arrows, but those also 
proved fruitless. Arjuna then said to Lord Krishna, "O Hrishikesha, I think 
the armor that Duryodhana is wearing has been put on him by Drona. That 
armor cannot be penetrated by any weapon. Only Drona knows how to apply it, 
and from that best among men, I have also learned it. However, Duryodhana 
does not know what to do with the armor. He wears it like a woman. Behold 
now, O Janardana, the strength of my arms and bow, as I vanquish this 
wretched person."

Having said these words, Arjuna invoked a celestial weapon that was capable 
of piercing Duryodhana's celestial armor. However, Ashvatthama cut off the 
weapon while it was still on the Gandiva bowstring. Seeing his weapon 
frustrated, Arjuna spoke to Krishna, "This weapon cannot be invoked twice, 
for if it is, it will slay myself as well as my troops." While speaking to 
Lord Krishna, Duryodhana pierced him with nine more arrows. Looking over 
Duryodhana's body, Arjuna saw that there was not a part that was not covered 
by that protective armor. Still Arjuna, enraged at the King's vanity, killed 
his four horses and charioteer. He then killed the supporting troops that 
protected the King. Stretching his bow to full length, Arjuna cut up 
Duryodhana's royal chariot into fragments and then pierced his palms with 
many arrows. Seeing the distressful situation the Kuru King had fallen into, 
Duryodhana's troops rushed at Arjuna in thousands. However, as they 
approached Krishna and Arjuna, they were all slain.

Meanwhile, in the front line of the battle, Drona was striving to fulfill 
his promise to capture Yudhisthira. When Drona came upon the divisions of 
Yudhisthira, there was a terrible battle that insued. Drona shattered 
Yudhisthira's bow and pierced his horses with many arrows. Yudhisthira, 
however, countered and cut off Drona's bow. Enraged, Drona then killed 
Yudhisthira's horses and charioteer. Yudhisthira then released a celestial 
dart with all his strength. As it came towards Drona, the preceptor invoked 
the Brahma weapon and reduced the weapon to dust. As the Brahma weapon 
continued toward the King, that first son of Kunti baffled it with his own 
weapons. Drona then released a mace at Yudhisthira, but the King also 
released a mace, and the two collided creating a great flash of light. Now 
that Yudhisthira was weaponless and carless, Drona rushed to capture him. 
However, Yudhisthira was taken onto Sahadeva's chariot and those horses bore 
him away from the battlefield.

In a great duel King Brihatkshatra fought with Kshemadhruti and severed his 
head with a crescent shaped arrow. King Dhrishtaketu, who had brought an 
akshauhini division of troops for Yudhisthira's cause, was engaged in 
fighting with and prince named Viradhanwan. Dhrishtaketu pierced Prince 
Viradhanwan's armor with a powerful dart and thus took his life. Sahadeva 
was engaged in combat with Durmuka, the son of Dhritarastra. In that fight 
Sahadeva killed Durmukha's horses as well as his charioteer. Durmukha then 
mounted the chariot of Niramitra. However, Sahadeva killed Niramitra with a 
broad headed shaft.

Satyaki was engaged with a Trigarta prince named Vyaghradatta. Satyaki 
pierced his golden armor and deprived him of life. Satyaki then began to mow 
down the ranks of the Trigartas. The sons of Draupadi were engaged in 
fighting with the son of Somadatta. The son of Arjuna quickly killed his 
horses, the son of Bhima cut off his bow, the son of Yudhisthira cut off his 
standard, and the son of Nakula killed his charioteer. Seeing him about to 
leave the battlefield, the son of Sahadeva cut off his head with a razor 
faced arrow. With the death of all these great generals, the Kaurava army 
broke and fled in all directions.

Coming to the front line of the battle was the great Rakshasa Alambusha. He 
attacked Bhima and killed thirty chariot fighters that were supporting him. 
Bhima, laughing all the while, pierced the Rakshasa with nine arrows. 
Uttering a loud and awful sound, Alambusha pierced Bhimasena with five 
arrows and destroyed four hundred chariots that were assisting him. Bhima 
fell down to the floor of his chariot senseless. Quickly recovering, he 
pierced the Rakshasa with many sharp pointed arrows. Remembering how Bhima 
had killed his brother Baka, Alambhusha challenged the second son of Pandu, 
"Stand before me in battle, O son of Pritha. I am now remembering how you 
killed my brother, Baka, when I was not present. It is true that you killed 
him, and now I will kill you." Boasting these words, he covered Bhima with a 
hundred shafts. The Rakshasa then became invisible, and from the sky began 
to pour thousands of arrows at the Pandava army. When the Rakshasa became 
invisible, Bhima filled the heavens with thousands of arrows greatly 
afflicting the powerful Rakshasa. Alambusha then entered the earth by his 
mystic power, and very soon, he was seen again in the sky assuming many 
hideous forms. He was sometimes large and sometimes small. He uttered 
frightful cries that echoed in all directions. He then caused thousands of 
arrows, darts, scimitars, lances, spiked maces and battle axes to fall from 
the sky upon the Pandava army. Hundreds of Pandava warriors were literally 
cut up into thousands of pieces by those weapons. Not tolerating the 
Rakshasa's victory, Bhima invoked the Tvashtri weapon that produced 
thousands of weapons destroying the Rakshasa's mystic illusions. Struck in 
every part of his body, Alambusha fled the battlefield.

Alambusha then went to another part of the battlefield and began to destroy 
the ranks of the oncoming enemy. While he was battling with the foremost 
Pandava warriors, he came upon the son of Bhima, Ghatotkacha. The son of 
Bhima pierced Alambusha with nine arrows and again with twenty. Those two 
mystic Rakshasas then began to throw up mystic illusions to slay the other 
in battle. Alambusha destroyed the mystic illusions of Ghatotkacha and 
produced his own to kill the son of Bhima. Seeing this, the other Pandavas 
came to the aid of Ghatotkacha and hemmed in the gigantic Rakshasa 
Alambusha. They covered him on all sides with thousands of arrows. Baffling 
that shower of arrows with his mystic illusions, he then freed himself from 
that encirclement of chariots. All of the Pandavas, Bhima, Yudhisthira, 
Nakula and Sahadeva as well as Ghatotkacha pierced the Rakshasa with 
hundreds of arrows. The Rakshasa Alambusha did not waver in the least and 
began to pierce those great warriors with his own arrows. He released 
countless arrows at Ghatotkacha piercing him deeply. Then the Pandavas, the 
sons of Draupadi and Ghatotkacha all rushed at Alambusha releasing their 
powerful weapons. Seeing them all coming with such great anger, Alambusha 
did not know what to do. Ghatotkacha came near the chariot of Alambusha and 
jumped upon it. He took the mystic Rakshasa by the hair and threw him from 
the chariot. Raising him up in the air and whirling him about, he dashed him 
to the ground with great force. With all his limbs smashed and blood flowing 
from the pours of his body, Alambusha gave up his life. The Pandava warriors 
sent up loud roars and blew their conches announcing Ghatotkacha's victory. 
With great enthusiasm, they again rushed against the Kaurava army killing 
them in thousands.



Thus Ends the Sixth Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, Arjuna Continues 
His Path of Destruction.



Drona Parva



Chapter Seven



Satyaki Follows the Path of Arjuna



Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, what happened to my forces after the 
great Rakshasa Alambusha was killed? Did Drona succeed in capturing King 
Yudhisthira? What happened to the son of Kunti, Arjuna, who took a 
unattainable vow to kill Jayadratha before the sun set on the horizon?

Sanjaya replied: O King, for the offences your son committed against the 
Pandavas, one great maharathi after another was killed. The fructification 
of the cruel deeds in the gambling match took place in the form of the death 
of your kinsmen. Listen, as I describe the slaughter of your forces by the 
great Adhirathas, Arjuna, Satyaki and Bhima.

Beholding the great maharathis slain one after another, Drona flared up in 
anger. He rushed at Satyaki, and a mighty battle ensued between those 
foremost chariot fighters. In the course of the duel Drona began to gain the 
upper hand, and it appeared as if Satyaki would be devoured by the great 
ocean of the preceptor Drona. Seeing the situation, Yudhisthira ordered 
Dhristadyumna to assist the esteemed hero of the Vrishni race. He requested 
Drupada's son, "Drona is rushing at Satyaki like Rahu rushes toward the sun 
and moon. Dronacharya is a great bowman and is playing with Satyaki like a 
boy plays with his toys. All of you headed by Bhimasena should fight with 
the preceptor and save Satyaki from the jaws of death."

While Drona was resisting the Pandava forces, Yudhisthira heard the sound 
of the Panchajanya conchshell. Not hearing the sound of the Gandiva bow, the 
King became worried. The son of Pandu repeatedly thought, "All is not going 
well with Arjuna, for I hear the loud shouts of the Kauravas, but I do not 
hear the sound of the Gandiva bow."

After contemplating what to do, Kunti's first son requested Satyaki, "O 
grandson of Sini, it is now time to relieve our distress. O descendent of 
Vrishni, I will now lay a great burden upon you. Arjuna is your friend and 
preceptor, and I think that he may have fallen into great trouble. Alone he 
has penetrated the great divisions of Drona and is now proceeding toward the 
divisions of Jayadratha. I can hear in the distance the loud roars of the 
Kauravas engaged in fighting with Arjuna. I have just heard the sound of 
the Panchajanya conchshell, but not the sound of the Gandiva. I know that 
Lord Krishna is with Arjuna, and there should be no need to fear, but still 
I want to see Arjuna given all protection. I do not want to see him drown in 
the Kaurava ocean. Among all the chariot fighters of the Vrishni race two 
are regarded as adhirathas. They are Pradyumna and yourself. Therefore I 
request you to enter this vast army of the Kurus and assist Arjuna in 
achieving his goals. I know that you have been chosen to protect me from 
Drona, but there are many great warriors here to safeguard me such as Bhima 
and Dhristadyumna. I now order you to enter this vast Kaurava ocean and 
attain lasting glory."

Hearing Yudhisthira's command, Satyaki replied, "O great hero, these words 
befit a great King concerned for those who are committed to him. As for 
myself, I am prepared to cast away my life for the sake of Dhananjaya. What 
is there to say about the force of the Kauravas? I am prepared to fight with 
all the demigods and asuras united. Truly I vow to you that I can reach 
Arjuna in safety and again return. However, I was strongly ordered by Arjuna 
to protect you from Drona. Without leaving you in the hands of someone 
competent, how can I follow Arjuna as you have requested?"

"O mighty armed one," Yudhisthira said, "I think that Bhima will give me 
protection in your absence. Also there is Dhristadyumna who was born from 
the sacrificial fire for Drona's death. There are also many others such as 
the five sons of Draupadi, Virata, Drupada, Shikhandin, Ghatotkacha, 
Dhristaketu, as well as my other brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva. All these 
are here to protect me like the beech resisting the sea. Therefore, go, O 
grandson of Sini, and with an easy heart, free from anxiety, aid Arjuna in 
his attempt to kill Jayadratha."

After being ordered by the great King Yudhisthira, Satyaki readied himself 
for the task ahead of him. His horses were sufficiently fed and watered. 
Their arrows were plucked out, and their bodies decorated with golden mail 
and chains. All this was done by the younger brother of Daruka who was 
expert in guiding horses in battle. Satyaki's chariot was then filled with 
enough weapons to carve his way to the presence of Arjuna. There were many 
bows and thousands of arrows. Satyaki had access to all the celestial 
weapons, and they were also present in his chariot. Satyaki then worshiped 
the brahmanas and gave away in charity many valuable presents. He also 
worshiped the lotus feet of the King and then ascended his chariot. 
Proceeding towards the Kaurava host, he appeared like the sun in the sky 
dissipating the early morning fog. As he rushed at the Kaurava army, 
Yudhisthira, surrounded by his forces, followed Satyaki to help him 
penetrate the great array.

When Satyaki came upon the preceptor Drona, a fierce battle ensued in which 
neither of the great heroes could gain the upper hand. Both warriors fought 
to their best ability, and both covered the other with hundreds of arrows. 
While the fighting was going on, Drona spoke to Satyaki, "Your teacher, like 
a coward, avoided me while I was fighting with him. O descendent of Vrishni, 
if you stand before me for a little while, you will not escape with your 
life."

"At the command of King Yudhisthira," Satyaki replied, "I will follow the 
path taken by my preceptor. O great brahmana, I will lose time if I fight 
with you, and besides a disciple should follow the example set down by his 
martial guru."

Having said this much, the grandson of Sini proceeded on avoiding Drona. 
Satyaki then spoke to his charioteer, "Listen to my orders and proceed 
carefully. O suta, just in front of us is the division of the Avantis and 
next to them is the host of the Southerners. Beyond them are the Balhikas 
and beyond them is the division of Karna. All these great divisions are 
supporting each other. Take me to the point where the Southerners and the 
Balhikas are arrayed. Between them on the left is an open space. Guide the 
horses to that point for there I will pierce this Chakravyuha."

While Satyaki was heading in the direction of the Kaurava army, Drona 
chased him from behind releasing his deadly arrows. When Satyaki came to the 
point where he intended to penetrate the great formation, the Kaurava 
soldiers broke and fled. Seeing this, Kritavarman came forward to resist 
Satyaki. The grandson of Sini quickly killed his four horses and pierced 
Kritavarman with many arrows. Furious that he was hit with arrows, 
Kritavarman released an arrow that pierced the Satyaki's body and entered 
into the earth. He then shattered the bow and arrows of that great hero. 
Satyaki was not affected, but quickly killed Kritavarman's charioteer and 
covered him with hundreds of arrows. He then proceeded on piercing through 
the Chakravyuha. Kritavarman was outraged by his defeat. He ascended another 
chariot, but before he could proceed, Satyaki was out of sight. Drona placed 
him at the gate of the large formation and then he, himself set out to 
challenge Satyaki.

Meanwhile the Pandavas headed by Bhima fell upon Kritavarman's forces. The 
son of Hridika, Kritavarman, was enraged that Satyaki had defeated him, and 
he fought with superhuman force. He pierced Bhima with many shafts and 
caused him to fall down to the floor of his chariot in a deadly swoon. To 
protect their brother, Yudhisthira, Nakula and Sahadeva covered Kritavarman 
with hundreds of arrows. Recovering consciousness, Bhima picked up a dart 
and hurled it with all his strength. However, before it could reach him, 
Kritavarman cut it to pieces. Kritavarman was then attacke by many of the 
great Pandava generals. Shikhandin came forward to assist in the fight as 
well the sons of Draupadi and Dhristadyumna. Shikhandin released a mighty 
sword at Kritavarman that shattered his bow and arrows. Kritavarman quickly 
picked up another large bow and pierced all his opponents. He caused 
Shikhandin to fall to the floor of his chariot, and to save his life, 
Shikhandin's charioteer bore him away from the battlefield. The Pandavas 
headed by Bhima then came forward to fight with Kritavarman, but the son of 
Hridika kept them all in check.

When Satyaki heard the fierce uproar that was taking place behind<N>him, he 
ordered his charioteer to turn back. He then rushed at Kritavarman and 
killed his four horses and charioteer, shattered his bow and pierced him 
with many shafts. After vanquishing him in battle, he proceeded on his way. 
He then came upon the divisions of Drona. Satyaki said to his charioteer, 
"Behold, O Suta, the vast divisions of Drona. Its leader is the great 
chariot fighter Rukmaratha. It is filled with huge elephants and many 
chariots. The Trigartas also lie within this vast division. Head in that 
direction for I will subjugate them in the very sight of the preceptor."

Satyaki, also known as Yuyudhana, then rushed at Drona's divisions which 
were filled with elephants. Coming up to challenge him was the powerful 
Jalasandha, the ruler of the Magadhas. He quickly cut Satyaki's bow and 
pierced him with many arrows. Satyaki then countered by taking up a stronger 
bow and pierced Jalasandha and also shattered his bow. Jalasandha then 
picked up a lance and threw it with all his might, lacerating Satyaki's arm 
and entering the earth. Not affected by the King's javelin, Satyaki pierced 
him again and sent up a loud roar. Jalasandha then took up a huge scimitar 
and hurled it with full force at Satyaki. That sword cut Satyaki's bow and 
arrows, and fell to the earth like a circle of fire. Smiling all the while, 
Satyaki took up another bow and with a couple of razor faced arrows cut off 
the arms of the Magadha King. Those two arms fell off either side of the 
elephant, and while his enemy was still alive, he cut off his head with a 
third arrow. After Jalasandha was killed, Satyaki pierced the huge elephant 
on which the Magadha Monarch was riding. Bolting in the opposite direction, 
the elephant trampled chariots, horses and infantry in hundreds. After the 
fall of the Magadha King, Satyaki continued to make his way toward Arjuna.

Satyaki then came upon Duryodhana and defeated him easily. He killed his 
horses, charioteer and smashed his chariot. Duryodhana, not being able to 
fight with Satyaki, ran away like a coward. Kritavarman came again to fight 
with the grandson of Sini, but Kritavarman was defeated in his attempt. 
Satyaki, with an intense desire to find Arjuna, quickly pierced 
Kritavarman's armor with many arrows. Falling into a swoon, Kritavarman was 
taken from the battlefield.

Drona, who was following Satyaki from behind, caught up to him and began to 
afflict him with many arrows. A duel then ensued which caused great wonder 
to enter the minds of the Kaurava soldiers. Finally, in the end, Satyaki 
killed Drona's charioteer, and Drona's horse ran wild across the 
battlefield. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Satyaki continued making 
his way through the Kaurava host hoping to find his Martial Guru.

Satyaki then came upon a valiant King named Sudarshana. Sudarshana desired 
to stop Satyaki from achieving his goals. He covered Satyaki with hundreds 
of arrows and sent up a loud roar. Satyaki returned arrows as fast as 
lightning killing Sudarshana's horses. Then with a long shafted arrow, he 
severed his head.

Traveling through the Kaurava host like a meteor, the grandson of Sini 
killed the prominent division leaders. At Duryodhana's command, one thousand 
chariot fighters, one hundred rathas, two thousand elephants, and countless 
foot soldiers rushed at Satyaki to kill him. Seeing them approaching him, 
Satyaki sent them all to the abode of Yamaraja. Every warrior without 
exception was slain. Enraged at the complete rout of that mighty force, 
Duhshasana ordered the mountaineers to fight against Satyaki. The 
mountaineers were expert in throwing huge boulders at the oncoming enemy. 
Some soldiers carried boulders as big as elephant heads. They all ran at 
Satyaki and released their boulders with lightning force. Seeing the mass of 
boulders coming, the grandson of Sini cut them into fragments with his 
celestial weapons. The stone fragments lit up like meteors and fell back 
upon the mountaineers slaughtering great numbers of them. Those warriors 
fell down to the ground shrieking in agony.

Seeing Duhshasana hesitating to fight with Satyaki, Drona spoke harshly, 
"Why, O Duhshasana, are these chariot fighters fleeing from battle, and why 
are you hesitating to fight? Don't you remember the gambling match where you 
tried to disrobe the beautiful Draupadi. Having been the cause of this great 
war, why do you flee the battlefield like a coward? Where is your pride now, 
and where is your boastful tongue? All these warriors are fleeing because 
you are afraid to engage the enemy. This is only one warrior, and here there 
are many. What will you do when you come face to face with the wielder of 
the Gandiva bow? The arrows of Satyaki are not equal to the powerful arrows 
of Phalguna. Before the Pandavas kill all your brothers in battle, make 
peace with the Pandavas. Formerly Bhishma warned you that the Pandavas were 
undefeatable in battle, but your ignorant brother would not listen. 
Therefore, set your heart on combat. Go quickly and engage the enemy before 
he destroys the whole army."

Sanjaya said to Dhritarastra: When chastised by Drona, your son, O King, 
did not reply, but headed into battle with Satyaki, pretending not to hear 
the preceptor's words.

Dronacharya then engaged in battle with the Panchalas, the Somakas and the 
Shrinjayas. He came upon a son of Drupada named Viraketu. A fierce 
encounter arose between those two renowned warriors, catching the attention 
of all on the battlefield. In the end, however, Drona invoked a celestial 
weapon that resembled blazing fire. Released with a meteor's speed, and 
piercing the Panchala prince, it deprived him of his life. Then four of 
Viraketu's brothers rushed at Drona to avenge his death. Drona very easily 
stupefied them and cut off their heads like one picking flowers from a tree.

Dhristadyumna could not tolerate the death of his step brothers. He rushed 
at Drona and struck him with many shafts. Deeply pierced, Drona fell to the 
floor of his chariot in a swoon. Taking the opportunity, Dhristadyumna 
descended from his chariot and rushed at him with sword in hand. He quickly 
ran to Drona's chariot desiring to sever his head. Drona regained 
consciousness as Dhristadyumna was approaching. Taking up his bow, he 
pierced him with short range arrows. Dhristadyumna was weakened and 
retreated to his own chariot to engage Drona in battle. In the end Drona 
killed his charioteer, and the horses, lacking a driver, ran uncontrolled 
over the battlefield.

Sanjaya continued relating the activities of the battle to the the blind 
King Dhritarastra. He said: O King, your son Duhshasana then assaulted 
Satyaki with the intention of killing him. He was surrounded by five hundred 
mighty chariot warriors who covered Satyaki's chariot with hundreds of 
arrows. Within a short span of time, Satyaki killed every heroic fighter 
that was supporting Duhshasana. Greatly enraged, Duhshasana pierced Satyaki 
with nine arrows and then again with three. Satyaki countered by killing the 
charioteer and horses of your son. He then cut off the wheels of his chariot 
and killed the soldiers protecting those wheels. Duhshasana quickly ascended 
the chariot of the King of the Trigartas and fled away. Satyaki did not 
endeavor to kill him remembering Bhima's oath.

Sanjaya continued: In the afternoon of that day, O King, a dreadful battle 
took place between Drona and the foremost Pandava heroes. The five Keykaya 
brothers headed by Vrihatkshatra attacked the preceptor Drona. Drona 
released fifteen arrows at the Kekaya Prince but they were shattered by 
Vrihatkshatra's arrows. Drona then invoked the Brahma weapon which issued 
from Drona's bow like lightning. However, Vrihatkshatra released a Brahma 
weapon of his own that baffled Drona's weapon. Drona, stretching his bow to 
its fullest extent, pierced Vrihatkshatra's armor. The Kekaya Prince was 
furious with Drona and pierced him with many shafts. He also killed his 
chariot driver. Dronacharya then killed Vrihatkshatra's horses, and with a 
single arrow, the preceptor pierced his heart, taking the prince's life.

Upon the death of the Vrihatkshatra, Dhristaketu, the son of Shisupala, 
came forward to fight with Drona. He had brought to Pandava's cause an 
akshauhini division of soldiers. After the Rajasuya sacrifice, when 
Shisupala had been killed by Lord Krishna, Dhristaketu was enthroned as 
King, and he became a subordinate ruler to the Pandavas. He was one of the 
seven commanders on the Pandava's side and was a great maharathi. He soon 
came upon Drona and lacerated him with many shafts. He then hit the horses 
and charioteer of the preceptor with flaming arrows. Smiling all the while, 
Drona quickly killed his four horses and with a single shaft severed his 
charioteer's head. He then pierced Dhristaketu with twenty five arrows. The 
King of the Chedis descended from his chariot and released a mace with all 
his strength. Drona countered that weapon by striking it with hundreds of 
arrows. The sounds of the colliding weapons echoed all over the battlefield. 
Dhristaketu then released an iron javelin and then a dart covered in gold. 
Drona cut up the javelin with five arrows and the dart with four. Having no 
mercy upon his enemy, Drona released a long shafted arrow that pierced 
Dhristaketu in the chest, causing him to fall to the ground mortally 
wounded. With the death of that great maharathi, the supporting soldiers 
fled in different directions.

There then came to fight with Drona the son of Jarasandha, Sahadeva. After 
Jarasandha's death by Bhima, Lord Krishna enthroned Sahadeva as King of 
Magadha. He became a subordinate King under Yudhisthira. When it came time 
for the Kurukshetra war, he brought to the Pandava's cause one akshauhini 
division, consisting of chariot fighters, calvary, elephant warriors, and 
infantry. Sahadeva was a respected fighter like his father, but unlike his 
father he was very affectionate toward the Pandavas. He rushed toward the 
preceptor Drona like a fly rushing towards a fire. He covered Drona with 
many arrows and uttered a loud roar. However, within a twinkling of an eye, 
Drona killed the son of Jarasandha within the sight of all bowmen. Drona 
then became like Yamaraja himself killing all who opposed him. He began to 
kill thousands of elephants, horses and men. The Chedis, the Panchalas, the 
Matsyas and the Shrinjayas then rushed at Drona, exclaiming, "Drona is 
slain! Drona is slain!" They fell upon him fighting with their greatest 
effort.

The son of Dhristadyumna, Ksatradharman, then came upon Dronacharya 
releasing his formidable weapons. He quickly cut off Drona's bow and pierced 
him in the chest with five arrows. Not minding those arrows, Drona picked up 
another bow and pierced Ksatradharman in the chest with a single arrow 
depriving him of his life. The great preceptor then made a mountain of heads 
around his chariot as the hosts of the Panchalas came forward to fight with 
him. Indeed, Drona roamed in the midst of the Pandava forces causing the 
annihilation of thousands upon thousands of men. Soon the battlefield became 
like a nightmare as if Drona had been appointed by Yamaraja himself to take 
away the lives of all living creatures.



Thus Ends the Seventh Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, Satyaki Follows 
the Path of Arjuna.





Drona Parva



Chapter Eight



Bhima Endeavors to Find Arjuna



After Satyaki had entered the Chakravyuha, Yudhisthira could no longer hear 
Satyaki's bow, and fearing that he might have met with some calamity, he 
decided to send Bhima into the Kaurava army to protect Satyaki. Finding the 
place where Bhima was slaughtering the Kaurava troops, Yudhisthira 
requested him, "O Bhima, I do not see Arjuna's banner, nor do I hear the 
Gandiva bow. Fearing for Arjuna's life, I have sent Satyaki into the Kaurava 
host. Now I can no longer hear Satyaki's bow or Arjuna's. I can only hear 
the Panchajanya conchshell and this leads me to believe that Arjuna has been 
slain, and Krishna is fighting with the Kauravas single handedly. I am in 
great fear that Yuyudhana (Satyaki) has also been swallowed in the Kuru 
ocean headed by Drona. Dispel my fears by going forward and protecting those 
two heroes who fight against great odds."

"I do not see any danger that can come to Krishna and Arjuna," Bhima 
replied. "However, reverently taking your command on my head, I will search 
out the place where those two heroes are releasing their arrows. After 
finding them in safety, I will return and inform you of their welfare." 
Bhimasena then ordered Dhristadyumna to protect the King in his absence and 
prepared to follow the path of Arjuna and Satyaki. He gave charity to the 
brahmanas, and the brahmanas gave their blessings for Bhima's victory. Bhima 
then prepared his chariot with all kinds of weapons and allowed his horses 
to rest. He put on a black coat of iron mail bedecked with golden design 
work. He appeared like a cloud charged with lightning.

When Bhima was ready to enter into the Kaurava army, he heard the loud 
sounds of Lord Krishna's Panchajanya conchshell. Hearing the blasts of that 
king of conches, Yudhisthira said to Bhima, "Undoubtedly Arjuna has fallen 
into distress, and Krishna, the bearer of the discus and mace, is battling 
with all the Kurus. Go quickly to the place where Dhananjaya is fighting."

Following his older brother's orders, Bhima sounded his conchshell and send 
up loud shouts, frightening Duryodhana's troops. He then set out against his 
enemy. His horses were able to travel at the velocity of wind, and they 
were guided by Vishoka. The son of the wind god began to stretch his bow to 
its full length causing destruction to the Kaurava's front line. He soon 
came upon Drona and showered him with arrows. Drona, with a desire to fight 
with Bhima, challenged him in the following words, "O Bhimasena, you will 
not be able to enter the Kaurava host, without vanquishing me in battle. 
Krishna and Arjuna have penetrated this formation with my permission only, 
but you will never succeed in doing so."

Hearing the challenge of his preceptor, Bhima said to him, "O worst of the 
brahmanas, I know that Arjuna has entered this great formation by the speed 
of his chariot. If he offered you worship, while passing, it was only to 
give you honor. However, I am not compassionate like Arjuna. Considering you 
our enemy, I will subjugate you in the presence of your assembled forces." 
Saying this much and whirling a mace in the air, he hurled it at Drona. To 
save his life, Drona stepped down from his chariot. That mace thrown with 
massive force, smashed the Preceptor's chariot and horses and entered into 
the earth. Drona quickly mounted another chariot and took up his position at 
the gateway of the formation.

Sanjaya continued: O King, Bhima entered the formation and came upon your 
sons headed by Duhshasana. Enraged, Duhshasana hurled a dart at Bhima, but 
Vrikodara cut it in two with his powerful arrows. Bhima then killed your 
sons Vrindaraka, Abhaya, Raudrakarman, Durvimochana, Vinda, Anuvinda, 
Suvarman and Sudarshana. He killed them like a tiger kills a herd of deer. 
Your other sons fled out of fear, but Bhima pursed them with great speed. He 
took up his mace and hurled it at them sending up a great roar. Overcome 
with fear, your sons fled away from that spot and the mace descended on your 
army killing many chariot fighters.

While Bhima was engaged in thinning the enemy ranks, Dronacharya again came 
to fight with Bhima. He killed hundreds of Bhima's supporting troops and 
also pierced Bhima with many arrows. Jumping down from his chariot with mace 
in hand, Bhima ran at his preceptor, his eyes red hot with anger. The second 
son of Kunti easily bore the deluge of arrows from Drona's bow, and reaching 
Drona's chariot, he picked it up by its shaft and smashed it to the ground, 
horses and all. Falling from the chariot, Drona mounted another and 
proceeded toward the gateway of the formation.

Bhima then proceeded against the huge army destroying it like a hurricane 
destroys trees. Indeed, Bhima resisted the Kaurava divisions like a 
mountain resists the ocean. He passed through the division of Kritavarman 
and the divisions of the Kambhojas and the Mlecchas. Seeing in the distance 
the chariots of Arjuna and Satyaki, Bhima sent up a loud roar that sounded 
like the rumble of clouds during the rainy season. Those sounds were heard 
by Lord Krishna and Arjuna as well as by Yudhisthira. The King could 
understand that Bhima had sighted Arjuna and Satyaki, and that they were 
fighting victoriously in battle.

Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, while the mighty armed Bhimasena was 
engaged in battle, who among our troops was brave enough to challenge him? I 
do not see the warrior, O Sanjaya, who could stand in front of the son of 
the Wind god as he wielded that terrible mace on the field of battle. I do 
not fear Arjuna or Krishna or Satyaki as much as I fear Bhima who appeared 
like a blazing fire. Tell me, O Sanjaya, who amongst our troops dared to 
fight with that mighty son of Pandu.

Sanjaya replied: While Bhima was uttering his mighty roars, Karna was 
unable to tolerate them. He rushed at Bhima stretching his bow to full 
length. A great duel then ensued in which thousands upon thousands of arrows 
were released by those two combatants. Smiling all the while, Bhima cut 
Karna's bowstring and then killed his charioteer and his horses. Karna 
descended from his chariot and got onto the chariot of his son Vrishasena. 
Bhima then roared loudly, and the sound was heard by all the Pandava 
warriors. Hearing the loud shouts of Bhima, Yudhisthira became enlivened and 
blew upon his conchshell bringing joy to the other Pandava troops.

With Karna's defeat, Duryodhana prodded Dronacharya with the following 
words, "O foremost brahmana, Arjuna, Bhima and Satyaki have succeeded in 
penetrating our formations, and they are now making their way toward 
Jayadratha. All the soldiers are asking how it is possible for these 
warriors to defeat you in battle. The destruction of my army is surely at 
hand. O great preceptor, Arjuna is coming nearer to Jayadratha, and you have 
promised him protection. What is our next course of action?"

Dronacharya replied, "As of yet only three great warriors have penetrated 
our formation. However, we have as much to fear from the Pandava army as 
from these three. Our greatest fear is from Arjuna since it is he who has 
vowed to slay Jayadratha. Our first duty in to protect Jayadratha from 
Arjuna's arrows. You should know that our defeat has come about by the 
deceitfulness of your gambling match. Those dice, which Shakuni threw in the 
great assembly hall, have now been taken by the Pandavas and turned into 
deadly arrows. The wager in today's play is the Sindhu Monarch, Jayadratha. 
There was never victory or defeat in that gambling match, but here at 
Kurukshetra there will be victory or defeat. Go quickly to Jayadratha and 
give him all protection. I will stay here and check the advancement of the 
Pandava army."

Thus commanded by the preceptor, Duryodhana went quickly to the aid of 
Jayadratha. As he was proceeding, he came upon Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, 
who previously protected Arjuna's chariot wheels. They were still trying to 
pierce the formation, and Duryodhana engaged both of them in battle. 
Duryodhana cut off Yudhamanyu's royal standard and also his bow. He also 
killed his horses and charioteer. Yudhamanyu ascended the chariot of his 
brother Uttamaujas, and together they managed to kill Duryodhana's horses as 
well as his charioteer. Greatly enraged, Duryodhana descended from his 
chariot and ran at both brothers with an upraised mace. Yudhamanyu and 
Uttamaujas quickly got down from the chariot while Duryodhana smashed it to 
pieces. Duryodhana was then picked up by Salya, the King of Madras, and 
Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, ascending other chariots, continued on their way 
to Arjuna.

Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, Once before Karna had been defeated by 
Bhimasena. How, therefore, could the Suta's son again come face to face 
with the son of Kunti. Now that Karna has been informed of his brotherhood 
with the Pandavas, has he now become compassionate upon them? O Sanjaya, you 
are expert in narrating events outside our vision. Tell me truly what 
happened when those two bulls among the kshatriyas again engaged in battle.

Sanjaya said: O monarch, not tolerating Bhima's victory, Karna came forward 
to engage in battle again. He covered the son of Kunti with arrows like a 
cloud covers a mountain with rain. He challenged Bhima with these words, "O 
Bhima, I did n't know that you knew how to fight. Why are you now proceeding 
into battle showing me your back? You want to make your way to Krishna and 
Arjuna, but first you must fight with me and defeat me in battle."

Enraged at Karna's words, Bhima turned on him and covered him with numerous 
arrows. He became like an angry cobra someone purposely stepped on. Both 
warriors began to release their mighty weapons trying to achieve the 
other's death. Both warriors began to look like porcupines as they released 
their weapons with lightning force. Finally Bhima cut Karna's bow, killed 
his horses and charioteer, and then pierced him in the chest with arrows as 
effulgent as the sun. Those arrows passed through Karna's body and entered 
into the earth. Afflicted like a trampled snake, Karna ascended another 
chariot and proceeded again toward the second son of Pandu.

When Bhima saw Karna again coming for battle, he covered him with thousands 
of arrows. Both were furious and released their selected weapons seeking to 
kill the other. In the end Bhima cut Karna's bow and killed his horses. 
Karna picked up a huge dart and threw it forcefully at Bhima. Bhima, 
however, shattered it with eight arrows. The second son of Kunti then killed 
Karna's charioteer and sent up a loud roar. Karna became confused by the 
shower of weapons and did not know what to do.

Seeing him in that state, Duryodhana ordered Durjaya, "Go, O Durjaya, and 
save Karna from certain death at the hands of Bhima." Responding to his 
brother's order, Durjaya came upon Bhima and pierced him with nine arrows, 
his charioteer with seven and his horses with eight. Rising up like a cobra, 
Bhima pierced him with ten arrows that entered his body and stuck out of his 
back. Becoming senseless, he fell to the ground deprived of life. Overcome 
with grief, Karna descended from his chariot and circumambulated Durjaya's 
dead body, weeping all the while. When Bhima had made Karna weaponless and 
carless, he covered him with arrows and made him look like a forested 
mountain.

Karna then quickly ascended another chariot and again began to fight with 
Bhima. The battle was fierce, but the son of the wind god again deprived 
him of his chariot by means of a mace. Fighting from the ground, Karna was 
able to check Bhima's advance as he came rushing forward. Duryodhana, seeing 
the situation, ordered his brother, Durmukha, "The son of Radha has been 
deprived of his chariot and is now fighting on foot in desperation with 
Bhima. Go quickly and take him on your chariot." Following the orders of the 
King, Durmukha quickly assaulted Bhima and covered him with many arrows. 
Bhima responded by rushing towards Durmukha and ignoring Karna. Bhima, 
stretching his bow to full length, released nine arrows that took Durmukha's 
life. All this happened as Duryodhana and Karna looked on. Fallen from his 
chariot, Durmukha lay on the ground writhing like a snake. With tears in his 
eyes, Karna circumambulated Durmukha and then ascended his chariot. That 
great adhiratha Bhima had now defeated Karna for the third time.

Sanjaya continued: O King, beholding Karna routed, five of your sons then 
rushed at Bhima to kill him. They were Durmarshana, Duhshaha, Durmada, 
Durdhara and Jaya. These five heroic sons surrounded Bhima and covered him 
with numerous arrows. Karna also came to their support. Bhima proceeded 
against Karna piercing him with arrows on all sides. In the presence of the 
Suta's son, Vrikodara killed those five sons. They fell from their chariots 
like trees falling upon the earth. With the fall of these five sons, five 
other of your sons whose names were Chitra, Upachitra, Charuchitra, Sarasan, 
Chitrayudha, and Chitravarman rushed at Bhima and surrounded him with their 
chariots. Although fighting to the best of their ability, they were no match 
for Bhima. The second son of Pandu pierced each of them with a single shaft 
and sent them to the abode of Yamaraja. With the death of these great 
heroes, Karna shed tears and recollected Vidura's words of wisdom.

As he was grieving for the loss of these dear friends, six other brothers 
of Duryodhana came forward to fight with Bhima. They were Satrunjaya, 
Satrusaha, Chitra, Chitrayudha, Dridha, Chitrasena and Vikarna. Seeing them 
coming, Bhima took out seven arrows furnished with wings of gold. Stretching 
his bow to full length, he pierced each of those heroes in the chest. Those 
arrows passed through their bodies and continued into the sky. Falling from 
their chariots, they were deprived of their lives. Bhima momentarily felt 
aggrieved for Vikarna's death for it was he who stood up in their defense at 
the gambling match in Hastinapura. It was he who said that Draupadi was not 
a slave. It was he who was always thinking of the Pandava's welfare. 
However, due to Bhima's vow, that great hero also met the fate of his 
brothers. Bhima had now killed thirty one of Duryodhana's brothers, and 
Duryodhana, overcome with lamentation, also recollected Vidura's words that 
were filled with wisdom.

Witnessing the death of all these friends, Karna rushed at Bhimasena to 
kill him. Another great battle ensued in which all of Bhima's weapons became 
exhausted. Karna was able to kill Bhima's horses and drive his charioteer 
from his chariot. When all of Bhima's bows had been broken, he picked up a 
dart and hurled it at Karna with full strength. The son of Radha then 
shattered the weapon with his forceful arrows. Desiring either victory or 
death, Bhima picked up a sword and shield. Karna quickly shattered the 
shield to pieces with five arrows. Enraged, Bhima threw the huge sword and 
broke Karna's bow. Karna quickly strung another bow and began to pierce 
Bhima as he stood in his chariot. Bhima jumped up into the air shouting 
loudly and ran at Karna to kill him. Karna slumped down to hide himself from 
the onrushing son of Pandu. Bhima tore off the royal flagstaff on Karna's 
chariot and waited for him to descend and fight according to kshatriya code. 
Karna, however, stayed on his chariot, and taking up his bow, began to 
pierce Bhima as he moved on foot. The son of Kunti was obliged to turn back 
because he had no weapons. He ran into the midst of many elephants that had 
been slain by Arjuna earlier. This impeded Karna's chariot which could not 
proceed further because those huge beasts were lying there in great number. 
Bhima then picked up one of the elephants and threw it at Karna's chariot. 
However, Karna cut the dead animal to pieces as it flew threw the air. Bhima 
picked up more elephants, horses, chariots and other objects and threw them 
with great force at Karna's chariot. The son of Radha then cut up those 
animals and objects as they came toward him. Bhima then thought of slaying 
Karna with his bare fists, but he remembered the vow that Arjuna had taken 
to slay the Suta's son. Karna then came near Bhima and touched him with the 
horn of his bow. Bhima quickly grabbed the bow and smashed it over Karna's 
head. Blood began to flow from Karna's head, and Karna was furious. 
"Beardless Eunuch! Ignorant fool and glutton!" Karna shouted at Bhima, "You 
are but a child, and your profession should be cooking. Or rather you should 
again go to the forest and live the life of a muni." Laughing loudly, Karna 
again yelled to him, "You may fight in battle with others but not with me. 
Go to Krishna and Arjuna for they will give you protection. Go to them like 
a child seeks his father."

Bhima also began laughing and scornfully said to the Suta's son, "O wicked 
person, I have repeatedly routed you, and I have forced you to run away 
from the battlefield. How can you indulge in such boastful words. You have 
defeated me only once, but still I have not run away. Even as I have slain 
the mighty Kichaka, I will also slay you if you stand in front of me for a 
while."

While Karna and Bhima were taunting each other, Lord Krishna and Arjuna 
appeared on the scene, and Arjuna began to pierce Karna with many arrows. 
This proved to be too much for Karna, and he fled from Bhima's presence. As 
Karna was running away, Arjuna took out a celestial weapon and empowered it 
with the force of a thunderbolt. He then released the weapon at Karna, but 
it was cut up in mid air by the weapons of Ashvatthama. Ashvatthama, fearing 
Arjuna, quickly entered a Kaurava division and hid himself among the 
elephants. Arjuna then began to engage the Kaurava army in combat 
slaughtering their ranks in thousands.



Thus Ends the Eighth Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, Bhima Endeavors 
to Find Arjuna.



Drona Parva



Chapter Nine



The Death of Jayadratha



Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, When the sun headed toward the western 
horizon, what did the mighty son of Pandu do, desiring to kill the ruler of 
the Sindhus, Jayadratha.

Sanjaya said: O King, when Partha and Krishna saw that Satyaki was making 
his way toward them, Krishna informed Arjuna, "O Partha, in the distance is 
the grandson of Sini, Satyaki. This disciple and good friend of yours has 
vanquished renowned chariot fighters in his endeavor to assist you. He has 
defeated the preceptor Drona and conquered the mighty Kritavarman. 
Certainly he has been sent by Yudhisthira to help subjugate the great 
maharathis ahead of us."

"O Keshava," Arjuna replied, "I am not happy that Satyaki has left the King 
unprotected. I will now have to worry about Yudhisthira as well as Satyaki. 
Here comes Bhurishravas to challenge Satyaki. The grandson of Sini appears 
to be tired, his weapons are exhausted, and his horses are also tired. On 
the other hand Bhurishravas has not yet engaged any opponent in battle, and 
his horses and supply of weapons are fresh. I do not know what will be the 
outcome of this duel."

Sanjaya continued: When Bhurishravas came within range of Satyaki, he 
uttered the following harsh words, "By good luck, you have come within my 
vision. Today, I will obtain the wish that my father has cherished for so 
many years. I will gladden King Duryodhana's heart by killing you in the 
presence of Krishna and Arjuna. After your death, I will wipe away the 
tearful eyes of the wives of whose husbands you have killed in battle."

"I have never been overwhelmed by fear in battle," Satyaki replied, "and 
you will not succeed in terrifying me. What is the use of such boastful 
words? You will have to accomplish what you have vowed. Hearing you foolish 
statements, I cannot contain my laughter. By killing you in the presence of 
all your followers, I will satisfy my preceptor Arjuna, and bring great joy 
to his heart."

Having said this much, Satyaki engaged in battle with the powerful son of 
Somadatta. They fought like two elephants, roaring and thirsting for 
victory. They covered each other with a deluge of arrows, looking for an 
opportunity to slay the other. Satyaki managed to kill Bhurishrava's horses 
and Somadatta's son also managed to kill Satyaki's horses. When each became 
carless, they took up swords and shields and opposed each other like two 
bulls fighting for the sake of a cow. They struck each other and made 
graceful revolutions, lacerating each other's arms, head and chest. Finally 
Bhurishravas struck Satyaki and knocked him to the ground. He picked him up 
by the hair and kicked him in the chest. He then raised his sword and was 
prepared to cut off Satyaki's head. Seeing this Lord Krishna said to Arjuna, 
"O Arjuna, behold, Bhurishravas has defeated Satyaki. Having come a long 
distance and overcome with exhaustion, Satyaki is about to be slain by the 
mighty Kuru warrior. Do not allow this to happen."

 "The Kuru prince is dragging Satyaki by the hair" Arjuna replied, "and is 
 about to slay him. To save Satyaki's life, I will stop Bhurishravas."

Having vowed Satyaki's safety, Arjuna pulled out a razor faced arrow and 
placed it on the Gandiva bow. As Bhurishravas raised his sword to kill 
Satyaki, Arjuna released his weapon, severing the arm that held the sword. 
Casting his wrathful glance upon Arjuna, Bhurishravas yelled at him, "O son 
of Kunti, you have performed a cowardly act in as much as while I was 
fighting with another, you have cut off my arm. What will you say about your 
defense in an assembly of mighty warriors. You are of royal descent and have 
been trained by the mighty preceptors Drona and Kripa. You have received 
instructions from Indra and Lord Shiva, so how is it that you have committed 
such a unscrupulous act. This unfair deed has been performed, undoubtedly, 
with Krishna's approval, since this is His relative who is about to be 
slain. The Vrishnis and the Andakas are certainly crooked by nature, and by 
their association, you have been influenced to preform coldhearted acts of 
cowardice."

Replying to Bhurishravas, Arjuna said, "Out of ignorance, O son of 
Somadatta, you are chastising Krishna and myself for an act that is not 
sinful in the least. Knowing the rules of warfare, I would never perform a 
immoral act on the field of battle. The kshatriyas fight in battle 
surrounded by their kinsmen and friends. These mighty warriors fight with 
the help of those who support them. Satyaki has engaged in battle, with me 
as his support, and it is my duty to protect him. If I had allowed Satyaki 
to be slain, then sin would have overcome me due to negligence. You wanted 
to kill Satyaki at a time when he was weakened due to battling single 
handedly with thousands of the Kuru host. Having come upon him in that 
state, you have easily defeated him. You should rebuke yourself since you 
did not take precaution for your own protection. Indeed, O hero, how would 
you have behaved towards one who was your own dependent?"

Thus chastised by Arjuna, the Kuru general, Bhurishravas, left Satyaki and 
sat down in yoga meditation to give up his body. He spread a seat of arrows 
with his left hand and sat down there intending to give up his mortal frame. 
All the warriors who witnessed his activities spoke highly of Somadatta's 
son, and they derided the action of Krishna and Arjuna. Not tolerating those 
critical words, Arjuna spoke loudly to all present, "Everyone here is 
acquainted with my great vow, that no one shall succeed in slaying anybody 
on the side of the Pandavas who is within the reach of my arrows. 
Remembering this, O Bhurishravas, you should not find fault with me. The 
fact that I have cut off your arm while you were combating Satyaki is not 
contrary to morality. What morality was there when my son Abhimanyu was 
unfairly defeated by six great warriors. He was carless and weaponless, but 
still you pierced him with your arrows." Not replying to Arjuna statements 
of truth, Bhurishravas sat in meditation determined to give up his life. 
Arjuna again spoke to him, "O son of Somadatta, you are a member of our 
family, and you are very dear to me. I love you as much as I do my own 
brothers. You may now attain that destination which is only obtainable by 
the meditation of great mystic yogis."

"O Bhurishravas," Lord Krishna said, "I am also pleased with you. You have 
constantly performed sacrifices and Agnihotras (fire sacrifices). You may 
now ascend to My spiritual abode that is free from the contamination of this 
material world. That destination is desired by the foremost heavenly god, 
Lord Brahma, and is the ultimate objective of life. When your soul leaves 
your body, my carrier Garuda will take you to the spiritual world."

Sanjaya continued: O King, when Satyaki had regained consciousness, he 
stood up and drew his sword, desiring to cut off Bhurishravas's head. 
Although all the warriors forbid him to do so, he raised his sword to kill 
the sinless son of Somadatta, who was sitting in meditation. Krishna, 
Arjuna, Bhima, Uttamaujas and Yudhamanyu also forbid Satyaki from performing 
this apparently mercenary act. While all the soldiers were calling out in 
disapproval, Satyaki cut off Bhurishravas's head who was preparing to enter 
the spiritual world. None of the warriors approved of Satyaki's act, and the 
devas, who were watching from the heavens, expressed their disapproval of 
the way the great Kuru warrior was slain.

Then the Kaurava heroes spoke amongst themselves, "This is actually no 
fault of the Vrishni hero for this is a predestined act. It has been decided 
by higher authorities that Bhurishravas be slain by Satyaki. There is no use 
passing judgement on whether it is wrong or right."

Satyaki then sharply chastised the Kaurava warriors, "All of you are sinful 
persons wearing the garb of righteous men. Where was your righteousness 
when Abhimanyu, while fighting on foot, was killed by seven great warriors. 
I have already taken a vow that any man who strikes me with his foot will be 
slain even if he be engaged in the practice of asceticism. That which is 
ordained by providence must happen."

Sanjaya continued: O King, after Satyaki had spoken these words, none of 
the warriors on either side said anything, but within their minds, they 
glorified the heroic son of Somadatta.

Dhritarastra inquired: Satyaki had defeated Drona, Karna and Kritavarman in 
battle. Having crossed the Kaurava ocean, how is it that the Vrishni hero 
had been thrown to the ground by the Kuru warrior Bhurishravas?

Sanjaya said: Hear from me, O King, how this predestined activity came 
about in the form of a benediction offered by Lord Shiva to the Kuru 
descendent Somadatta. In the Yadu race there was a great hero named 
Surasena. He had many sons out of which two, Sini and Vasudeva were very 
famous. During Devaki's Svayamvara ceremony, Sini abducted Devaki and 
vanquished all the Kings that opposed him. It so happened that Somadatta 
could not tolerate that action and challenged Sini to combat. A battle then 
ensued which lasted half a day, and in the end Sini was able to throw 
Somadatta to the ground and kick him with his foot. Sini kicked Somadatta in 
the chest in the presence of thousands of warriors. Out of compassion Sini 
let the Kuru hero live and sent him away with his life. Humiliated, 
Somadatta went to the forest and performed very severe austerities to 
solicit Lord Shiva. When the great Mahadeva was pleased with Somadatta, he 
appeared before him and asked him to take a benediction. Somadatta 
requested, "O lord, please give me the benediction of a son who can defeat 
Sini's son in combat and strike him with his foot in the midst of thousands 
of warriors." Lord Shiva granted the benediction, and as a result 
Bhurishravas took birth as Somadatta's son, and Satyaki took birth as the 
descendent of Sini. The Vrishni heroes can never be defeated in battle for 
their prowess exceeds all on earth. This has happened due to the 
benediction offered by Lord Shiva.

Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, after the great maharathi, Bhurishravas 
had been slain, what happened to Krishna and Arjuna as the sun began to set 
on the horizon.

Sanjaya replied: O descendent of Bharata, after the Kuru general 
Bhurishravas had ascended to the spiritual world, the mighty armed Arjuna 
spoke unto the Lord Vasudeva saying, "O Krishna, take me to the place where 
the King of the Sindus, Jayadratha, is positioned. The sun is about to set 
on the western horizon. Jayadratha is being protected by many heroic chariot 
fighters, and he will be difficult to kill. Urge the horses toward his 
chariot for I will defeat the Kuru host and kill Jayadratha."

Following the instructions of His devotee, Lord Krishna drove the celestial 
chariot of Arjuna towards the Suchimukha formation in which Jayadratha was 
carefully guarded. Seeing him coming, King Duryodhana urged Karna as 
follows, "O Karna, the time for battle has now come at last. Protect 
Jayadratha, and prevent Arjuna from fulfilling his vow. If Jayadratha can be 
protected, then Arjuna will have to enter fire, and with his death, victory 
will be in our grasp. With Arjuna's death, the other Pandavas will be slain 
easily, and then we can rule this world, with its oceans and islands, with a 
contented at heart. In this formation there is Ashvatthama, Kripa, 
Kritavarman, Duhshasana, Salya, yourself and myself. How then will it be 
possible for Arjuna to defeat us?"

"O King," Karna replied, "my body has been deeply pierced by Bhima's 
arrows, and every limb suffers with pain. However, I shall fight to my best 
ability for I have surrendered my life to you. As long as I shall fight, the 
heroic Dhananjaya will not be able to kill Jayadratha. Let all the forces 
witness the duel between myself and Vibhatsu. Regarding victory, that will 
depend on destiny."

As Karna and the King were talking, Arjuna penetrated the Kaurava host and 
began slaughtering the ranks in his effort to kill Jayadratha. The foot 
soldiers, the horsemen, the chariot fighters and those riding on elephants 
rushed at Arjuna to impede his progress. They were like moths entering fire 
as they came face to face with Arjuna's celestial weapons. Those who died 
appreciating the wonderful deeds of Lord Krishna and Arjuna were elevated 
to the Vaikuntha planetary system in the spiritual world. Those who saw, at 
the last moment of their lives, Lord Krishna with a bridal whip in His right 
hand and the reins in His left, moving swiftly across the battlefield, never 
returned to this material world. Those who meditated on the beautiful lotus 
like face of Lord Krishna with His black curling hair and dazzling jeweled 
crown bedecked with a peacock feather, never returned again to inhabit a 
mortal fram. The Lord appeared to be working hard as He drove the chariot of 
His devotee. There were beads of sweat on His brow and blood flowed from the 
arrow wounds on His transcendental body. This enhanced His beauty all the 
more. By driving Arjuna's chariot, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord 
Krishna, was assuring the liberation of all who died in front of Him. Such 
was His causeless mercy.

Arjuna cut into the Kaurava army and caused a massacre of men. Rushing at 
Arjuna was Duryodhana, Karna, Vrishasena, Salya, Ashvatthama and Kripa. All 
those warriors were placed in front of Jayadratha for his protection. They 
released hundreds of arrows and covered the chariot of Krishna and Arjuna 
so that it could not be seen. However, Arjuna countered and pierced each of 
the great warriors with numerous shafts. Bhimasena and Satyaki were close 
behind assisting Arjuna in his fight with the great Kaurava warriors. Arjuna 
pierced Karna with a hundred arrows and caused blood to flow from each 
wound. Karna then released fifty arrows that pierced Phalguna and ten arrows 
that pierced Krishna. Greatly enraged, Arjuna cut up Karna's bow and 
penetrated his chest with nine arrows. He then took out a celestial weapon 
of solar radiance and released it at Karna. However, Ashvatthama shattered 
it in mid air as it came upon Karna with the speed of a meteor. Karna then 
took up another bow and began to rain upon Arjuna hundreds of arrows. 
Roaring like bulls, those two warriors filled the sky with their arrows. 
Arjuna then cut off the head of Karna's charioteer and caused his horses to 
run wild. Ashvatthama quickly appeared and took Karna upon his chariot, and 
they both continued fighting against Partha. Salya pierced Arjuna with 
thirty arrows and Kripa pierced Lord Krishna with twenty. Arjuna countered 
and pierced Salya with a hundred and Kripa with twenty. As the fighting was 
becoming more intense, Arjuna invoked the Varuna weapon causing panic 
striken fear to enter the hearts of Duryodhana's army. However, realizing 
their duty to protect Jayadratha, they all rushed at Arjuna with greater 
speed. The the cardinal directions were filled with weapons as the Kaurava 
army approached the son of Kunti. Foot soldiers released their javelins and 
battle axes. Some threw their maces, and others ran at Arjuna's chariot with 
upraised swords. However, all met with death as the son of Pandu shattered 
their weapons and severed their limbs from their body. The sound of the 
Gandiva bow exactly resembled the peal of thunder in a rain cloud, and 
Arjuna's arrows exactly resembled lightning bolts as they were released from 
the Gandiva bow. Arjuna then invoked the Aindra weapon, and from His bow 
came thousands upon thousands of arrows that were blazing with fire. 
Inspired with the force of a celestial weapon, those arrows took away the 
lives of thousands upon thousands of infantrymen, horsemen, and chariot 
fighters. Hundreds of huge elephants fell to the earth as the son of Kunti 
made his way toward Jayadratha.

The sun and the horizon were meeting together in the distance and that 
combination caused the sky to turn red. Krishna was driving Arjuna's 
chariot with greater speed, and finally Arjuna caught sight of Jayadratha. 
His flagstaff was marked with the sign of a boar. Arjuna quickly pierced him 
with sixty four arrows and sent up a loud shout. Not tolerating that action, 
Jayadratha flamed up with anger and pierced Arjuna with six arrows that 
resembled venomous serpents. He also pierced Lord Krishna with three 
arrows. The whole Kaurava army surrounded Arjuna and began to shower their 
weapons. Lord Krishna found that it was difficult driving the chariot 
through the mass of dead soldiers. All the great Kaurava warriors attacked 
Arjuna at once, but not minding them, he quickly severed the head of 
Jayadratha's charioteer and felled his standard with a single arrow.

The sun was now being devoured by the horizon and seeing the situation, 
Lord Krishna spoke to Arjuna, "Just see, O son of Kunti, how Jayadratha has 
been carefully protected by the six great warriors. Without vanquishing 
those six maharathis, you will never be able to kill Jayadratha. I shall, 
therefore, cover the radiant sun with My Own potencies so that it appears 
the sun has set. At that time Jayadratha will no longer guard himself 
closely. Taking this opportunity, you should cut off his head with your 
arrows. Do not be afraid of the darkness; it is simply a display of My 
internal potency to aid you in killing Jayadratha."

Then the Supreme Personality of Godhead covered the sun with his mighty 
potencies and it appeared as if the sun had set on the horizon. All the 
Kaurava warriors including Jayadratha turned their heads in excitement 
toward the sun's path. They now thought that Arjuna would now have to enter 
fire. While Jayadratha was looking at the setting sun, Lord Krishna ordered 
Arjuna, "Just see how the Sindhu King is looking at the setting sun. He is 
joyful and has cast off all fear of you. Take the opportunity and cut off 
his head with the weapon Lord Shiva has given you."

Lord Krishna then drove the chariot with great speed toward Jayadratha. 
Arjuna began to lacerate each of the great warriors and drove them away from 
protecting Jayadratha. They were all extremely puzzled about Arjuna's 
actions. Although they tried to impede his progress, they were driven away 
by the force of his weapons. The battlefield was thick with soldiers and 
Arjuna had to carve his way closer to Jayadratha. Arjuna then took out the 
Pashupati astra given to him by Lord Shiva. As he set it on his bow, Lord 
Krishna again advised him, "O Dhananjaya, quickly cut off the head of the 
sinful Jayadratha. However, do not let the head touch the ground. It is 
known that the father of Jayadratha, Vriddhakshetra, protected his son with 
a benediction saying that anyone who caused his son's head to fall to the 
ground would have his own head crack into a hundred pieces. Vriddhakshetra 
has retired to the forest for meditation. He is just near here at 
Samanta-panchaka. After cutting off Jayadratha's head, you should guide the 
arrow and the head to the lap of Jayadratha's father. Vriddhakshetra will 
then throw the head to the ground, causing his own death."

Following the orders of the Lord of the universe, Arjuna drew the string of 
his bow to full length and released that mighty Pashupati astra. It pierced 
the air like a lightning bolt and snatched the head of Jayadratha from his 
body. It continued on toward the Samanta-panchaka pilgrimage site. King 
Vriddhakshetra was engaged in offering his evening prayers, and suddenly he 
saw a severed head in his lap, a head with black hair and glittering 
earrings. He at once threw the head to the ground causing his own head to 
crack into many pieces. At this sight the devas were filled with wonder and 
began to applaud the prowess of Lord Krishna and Arjuna.

When Jayadratha had been slain, the darkness that had been created by Lord 
Krishna was removed, and again the sun was seen on the horizon. The 
Kauravas then realized that the darkness had been created by Lord Krishna's 
mystic power, and they could also understand that as long as the Supreme 
Lord rode on Arjuna's chariot there was no possibility of their victory. 
That day Arjuna annihilated seven akshauhini divisions of soldiers. In other 
words Arjuna himself killed approximately two million men on that fourteenth 
day of the battle. Those men seeing Lord Krishna on Arjuna's chariot 
attained liberation from the path of birth and death. They entered either 
the impersonal brahmajyoti or the eternal kingdom of God. Such was the mercy 
of Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna then blew His conchshell, the Panchajanya and Arjuna blew his, 
the Devadatta. That sound filled the heavens in all directions and was 
heard by Yudhisthira who was many miles away. King Yudhisthira could 
understand that Jayadratha had been killed, and the whole Pandava army 
roared with joy.

Meanwhile Krishna sounded his conchshell on the Rishava note. This was the 
signal that Daruka should bring Lord Krishna's chariot. Daruka quickly 
appeared on the scene and waited for instructions from his worshipable Lord. 
"Take Satyaki on this chariot," Lord Krishna ordered, "and help him in his 
rivalry against Karna."

Daruka quickly went to the spot where Satyaki was engaged in combat. 
Satyaki ascended Lord Krishna's chariot and waited as Karna came rushing 
towards him. Karna was incensed that Jayadratha had been killed, and he 
wanted revenge. He attacked Satyaki and fought with all his prowess, but in 
the end his horses and his chariot driver were killed. To save him from 
death Ashvatthama, Salya and Vrishasena encircled Satyaki and covered him 
with a curtain of arrows. Karna then quickly ascended Duryodhana's chariot. 
Satyaki quickly defeated Ashvatthama, Salya and Vrishasena, but refrained 
from killing Duryodhana's brothers remembering Bhima's vow. Satyaki's 
expertise in combat was unequaled amongst the Kuru warriors. He had defeated 
Drona, Karna and killed Jalasandha and Bhurishravas. Everyone on the 
battlefield considered that after Lord Krishna and Arjuna there was only one 
great bowman and that was Satyaki. Together on that single day, Arjuna, 
Satyaki and Bhima had destroyed eight akshauhini division of troops.

Dhritarastra said: After Jayadratha's death what did the second son of 
Kunti, Bhima do, his chariot having been destroyed?

Sanjaya replied: O King, after Bhimasena had been made carless, Arjuna came 
to him. Bhimasena then related everything that Karna had said to him calling 
him a fool, glutton, etc. Enraged Arjuna went near Karna and spoke to him in 
a loud voice, "O wicked son of a Suta, you are puffed up with false pride. 
You have been defeated many times by Bhima, and now by Satyaki, and still 
you think yourself great. You have uttered harsh words against Bhima, and 
you cut the string of my son's bow while he wasn't looking. My son Abhimanyu 
was killed unfairly in battle by cowards like yourself. For these offences 
you will die in battle along with your relatives and friends. I take a vow 
that I will kill your son Vrishasena even while you are looking on. After 
his death, I will kill you, and I will watch as Duryodhana sheds tears of 
lamentation."

After Arjuna had vowed the death of Karna and his son, the sun completed 
its descent into the western horizon. At that time Lord Krishna spoke to 
Arjuna, "By good luck, O Phalguna, you have fulfilled your vow. Many great 
chariot fighters have been slain, and Jayadratha has met his end according 
to his destiny. No other warrior could have completed this vow."

Replying to Lord Krishna, Arjuna said, "Through Your grace, O Janardana, 
have I completed this vow. O my Lord, when the Pandavas have You for their 
master, then victory does not seem wonderful. Through Your grace, 
Yudhisthira will obtain victory over Dhritarastra's sons and obtain 
sovereignty of the entire earth. This is Your victory, my Lord, and all our 
prosperity is due to You. O Slayer of Madhu, please accept us as Your 
surrendered servants and maintain us as You see fit."

Sanjaya continued: After the two Krishnas had spoken to each other, they 
then made their way to Yudhisthira. Coming to the King's presence, Lord 
Krishna said, "O King, by good luck your younger brother has kept his vow. 
The Sindhu King has been slain and victory is now within your grasp."

Thus informed of Arjuna's victory by Lord Krishna, the King descended from 
his chariot with tearful eyes. He affectionately embraced Arjuna and Krishna 
and spoke to them, "By God's grace, I can behold you today, O Arjuna. By 
good luck, the sinful Jayadratha has been slain and your vow fulfilled." 
Turning to Lord Krishna, Yudhisthira said, "O Vasudeva, You are the master 
of the three worlds, and they who have You for their preceptor will never 
meet with defeat in their struggle for life. O Govinda, You are the Lord of 
the three worlds and the master of Indra. O mighty armed one, You are the 
creator of this cosmic manifestation, and You are the Supersoul in 
everyone's heart. The Vedic mantras sing Your glories. O Hrishikesha, those 
who take shelter in You will obtain the highest prosperity in this material 
world."

"My dear King Yudhisthira," Lord Krishna replied, "I regard the Kauravas 
and their kinsmen to be already dead. O Slayer of the enemy, one who has 
offended My devotees can never have happiness in this world. Kingdom, family 
and wealth will be lost to those who have done harm to My pure devotees." As 
Lord Krishna was speaking, Satyaki and Bhima also appeared, and the King out 
of affection embraced both of them and congratulated them on their victory. 
All the warriors on the Pandava's side became joyful, and once more set 
their heart on battle.

Dhritarastra said: O Sanjaya, after the King of the Sindhus had been 
killed, what did my sons do having failed to keep their vow?

Sanjaya replied: O king, upon the fall of Jayadratha, Duryodhana went to 
the preceptor Drona and said, "Behold, my teacher, the immense slaughter of 
Kings who have supported me in battle. The mighty bowman Jalasandha has been 
killed by Satyaki. Also Sudakshina and Alambusha lay on this Kurukshetra 
plain killed by the enemy's arrows. Alas, Somadatta's son has been killed as 
well as Jayadratha to whom you have promised protection. Seven akshauhini 
divisions of troops were slain by Arjuna alone on this fourteenth day. In 
the absence of so many of my friends and relatives, I have no need for life. 
Today, I should enter those regions where these renowned warriors have gone 
for my sake. O preceptor of Pandu's sons, grant your permission in this 
matter."

"O sinful wretch," Drona replied, "why do you pierce my ears with you shaft 
like words! I have repeatedly told you that Arjuna cannot be slain. 
Shikhandi, backed by Phalguna, has killed Bhishma. When this happened, I 
knew that the Bharata host was doomed to death. It is only a matter of time 
for all of us. This frightful carnage of men has come about because you did 
not listen to Vidura's wisdom. In the presence of six great maharathis, why 
was Jayadratha slain? It is more that just physical strength that will win 
this war; it is righteousness and devotion to God. The Pandavas have Lord 
Krishna, who is none other that the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Arjuna 
has Him for his chariot driver, and this being the case, Arjuna alone is 
sufficient to reduce this whole army to ashes. What hope, then, do you have 
for success? Coming towards me now are the Shrinjayas and the Panchalas. I 
will not rest from battle until they are slain. My son will help me. You 
should now go and protect the troops. Both the Kurus and the Pandavas are 
extremely angry and will fight into the night. Go and prepare for battle." 
While the two were talking, the Pandava divisions appeared for combat.



Thus Ends the Ninth Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Death of 
Jayadratha.





Drona Parva



Chapter Ten



The Death of Ghatotkacha



Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, after Jayadratha's demise, what did the 
Kaurava army do, being headed by the invincible Drona? Certainly Drona 
could not tolerate the fact that his vow had been violated. Please relate 
everything that happened during the night battle at Kurukshetra.

Sanjaya said: O King, the Kaurava army headed by Dronacharya could not 
accept their defeat at the hands of Partha. Reforming their divisions, they 
marched against the Pandavas. Even though darkness had set in, they fought 
fiercely slaying each others ranks and causing a great carnage. The Somakas 
assaulted Drona in the darkness of night with a desire to end his life. King 
Shivi was leading a division of troops, and he came upon the preceptor with 
the might of a tempest. King Shivi pierced Drona in the chest with thirty 
arrows, and also killed his chariot driver. Seeing the situation, King 
Duryodhana sent to the preceptor another chariot driver. Rushing against 
King Shivi, Drona killed his four horses and then severed his head. Highly 
enraged, Drona then began to consume the Somaka's ranks with his celestial 
weapons.

The son of the Kalinga King supported by Kalinga warriors rushed at 
Bhimasena. Bhima had earlier killed his father, and the son, overcome with 
anger, sought Bhima's death. However, not tolerating this impudence, Bhima 
ran to his chariot and leaped into it. He raised the King's son with his 
hands and killed him with one blow of his fist. Kalinga's son fell to the 
earth, having all of his bones broken. After this Bhima proceeded to the 
chariot of Druva, the brother of the slain prince. He dragged him from his 
chariot, roaring all the while. He killed him with the repeated blows from 
his fist. Bhima then rushed at the chariot of Jayarata, and with one slap 
from his palm, he killed that mighty Kalinga hero. This was all done within 
Karna's sight. The son of Radha, not tolerating Bhima's prowess, took up a 
dart and threw it with all his might. Bhima caught the dart in his hand and 
threw it back at Karna, blazing like a meteor. However, Shakuni shattered it 
to pieces with his arrows.

Ascending his chariot, Bhima challenged the Kaurava warriors thirsting for 
battle. He came upon Duryodhana's brother, Durmada and killed his horses 
and charioteer. Durmada then ascended the chariot of his brother Dushkarna, 
and together they assaulted Bhima. In the very sight of Karna, Duryodhana, 
Somadatta, Bahlika and Ashvatthama, Bhima stomped on their chariot and 
smashed it into the ground. He then crushed those two brothers with his 
powerful fists. Indeed, there was no bone in their body that was not broken. 
Seeing Bhima's gruesome appearance, all Kuru warriors fled that spot.

The battle became fierce on both sides. It was as if Kurukshetra had become 
the domain of Yamaraja himself. Ghatotkacha, surrounded by an akshauhini 
division of Rakshasas, attacked Ashvatthama, imploring the illusions of 
mystic power. The son of Ghatotkacha was Anjanaparvan, and there arose a 
fierce duel between him and Drona's son. In the end Ashvatthama made him 
carless, and descending from his chariot, Anjanaparvan took up a scimitar 
and threw it at Ashvatthama. The son of Drona shattered it in mid air. 
Furious, the son of Ghatotkacha released a mace with full potency. 
Ashvatthama also cut up that weapon to pieces. Anjanaparvan then ascended 
into the sky, and by his Rakshasa illusion began to rain trees upon Drona's 
son. However, Ashvatthama killed him with his arrows as he fell to the 
earth.

Intensely angry, Ghatotkacha assaulted Ashvatthama surrounded by his 
akshauhini division of soldiers. All those distinguished warriors released 
their weapons at Ashvatthama's chariot. The sky was filled with arrows, 
javelins, darts, maces, battle axes and swords. Seeing that mass of weapons 
coming toward him, Drona's son invoked his celestial weapons, decimating 
them all. Ghatotkacha then released a celestial mace at Ashvatthama. Drona's 
son descended from his chariot and caught the weapon as it came upon him. 
Ashvatthama then released that weapon with full force, and coursing through 
the air it smashed Ghatotkacha's chariot. Bhima's son, unscathed, ascended 
Dhristadyumna's chariot and continued fighting with Drona's son. Taking out 
one of his celestial weapons, Ashvatthama slew one hundred thousand Rakshasa 
warriors as they assaulted him. With hundreds and thousands of arrows 
blazing through the sky, Ashvatthama reduced the size of that akshauhini 
division to nothing. With the massacre of that Rakshasa division, 
Ghatotkacha became enraged and fought with greater intensity.

Ashvatthama then killed one of King Drupada's sons, Suratha, as well as his 
brother Satrunjaya. He then killed the ten sons of King Kuntibhoja. Taking 
from his quiver an arrow that resembled the rod of death, Drona's son 
released it at the Ghatotkacha's chest. Passing through his chest, that 
arrow entered into the earth. Bhima's son then fell to the floor of 
Dhristadyumna's chariot, and fearing him dead, Dhristadyumna took him from 
the battlefield.

Sanjaya continued: O King, after Bhurishravas's death, his father Somadatta 
was looking for the opportunity to kill Satyaki. He came upon him in the 
dead of night, and they began to harass each other with their deadly 
weapons. Somadatta spoke to Satyaki, "Why, O Satyaki, have you taken to the 
practice of thieves. Why have you taken the life of my son who had given up 
his weapons. You are reputed to be a great chariot fighter, but today I 
shall cut off your head with my winged arrows."

"Stay in battle for a while" Satyaki replied, "and feel the pain caused by 
my weapons. I have already killed two of your sons and today, I will also 
kill you along with all of your kinsmen." The two mighty warriors then 
fought on releasing their lethal weapons. Bhima joined in the fight and 
released a wooden mallet at the Somadatta's head. Satyaki also released an 
arrow that blazed through the sky like lightning. Both weapons hit Somadatta 
at the same time, causing him to fall into a deadly swoon.

Beholding his son fallen in battle, Bahlika, the son of Pratipa and brother 
of Maharaja Shantanu, challenged Satyaki releasing his mighty weapons. 
Bahlika also released a dart at Bhima, causing him to fall unconscious to 
the floor of his chariot. Coming to his senses, Bhima took up a mace and 
hurled it at his grand uncle. That mace snatched off Bahlika's head and then 
entered the earth. The great grandsire of the Kuru dynasty then fell to the 
ground like a tree struck by lightning.

Sanjaya continued speaking to King Dhritarastra: Overcome with anger at 
this action, ten of your sons, O King, rushed at Bhima to kill him. Their 
names were Nagadatta, Dridharatha, Viravahu, Ayobhuja, Dridha, Suhasta, 
Viragas, Pramatha, and Ugrayayin. They challenged Bhima and surrounded him 
with their chariots. With ten arrows, Bhima quickly dispatched them to 
Yamaraja's abode. Bhima then killed a brother of Karna named Vrikaratha and 
five brothers of Shakuni named Gavaksha, Sarabha, Bibhu, Subhaga and 
Bhanudatta.

Seeing the Pandavas slaughtering the Kaurava host, Duryodhana requested 
Karna, "O Karna, our warriors are encircled on all sides by the Pandavas. O 
my friend, go now and save them from certain annihilation. The Pandavas are 
roaring with victory and penetrating our ranks. Smash their pride with your 
forceful arrows."

"Be cheerful, O descendent of Bharata." Karna replied. "Even if the great 
Indra were to come himself, still I would slay the Pandavas. I will kill 
Arjuna with Indra's shakti weapon and give you world sovereignty. While I am 
alive, O Kaurava, you will not have to indulge in any kind of lamentation."

Sanjaya continued: While Karna was uttering these boastful words, 
Kripacharya addressed the Suta's son, "If words alone, O Karna, could lead 
to victory, then certainly this army would be well protected. You are always 
boasting your glories, but we have not yet seen an exhibition of your 
prowess. Many times have we seen you encounter the sons of Pandu, and each 
time you have been defeated. While Duryodhana was being taken away by the 
Gandharvas in the Dvaitavana forest, who was the first to run away? Outside 
of Virata's city, the Kauravas united together and took away the cows. 
However, we were all vanquished by the mighty armed son of Kunti. I do not 
think that you are a fit match for any one of the Pandavas. Brave men never 
indulge in boasting, but prove their prowess on the field of battle. You are 
always building palaces in the air that are torn to pieces by the divine 
sons of Kunti."

"I will vanquish Arjuna," Karna replied, "with the dart given to me by 
Indra, the king of heaven. Upon Arjuna's death, the other Pandavas will be 
easily defeated. This earth will then become the sole property of the Kuru 
dynasty. Knowing all this, I speak with confidence about my prowess. As for 
yourself, you are a brahmana by birth and have now grown old. You are 
unskilled in battle, and your main fault is that you seek the Pandava's 
protection. O son of Saradwat, if you speak to me again in these words, I 
will cut out your tongue. Many great warriors headed by Bhishma have fallen 
in this battle, but all of these are greater than the Pandavas. It is, 
therefore, destiny that is defeating us and not the Pandavas. O lowest of 
men, I will continue to fight to my best ability, and in the end you will 
see Kunti's sons slain by my arrows."

Sanjaya continued: O Monarch, after hearing Karna's harsh words, 
Ashvatthama drew his scimitar and rushed at Karna to kill him. Duryodhana 
quickly seized Drona's son before he could harm Karna. Duryodhana then said, 
"O Ashvatthama, anger is never the sign of a brahmana. O sinless one, do not 
be angry with Karna who is trying to enliven us. Forgive him, and together 
let us engage in battle with the Pandava force." Suppressing their anger, 
both Kripa and Ashvatthama forgave Karna, but in their hearts they knew that 
the pride of the Suta's son would be vanquished when he met Arjuna face to 
face.

Thus forgiving each other and uniting in combat, those great maharathis 
began to grind the ranks of the Pandava host. When Karna came upon Arjuna, 
he assaulted him with full force. Those two warriors, who were actually 
brothers, began to cover each other with their mighty weapons. In the end, 
however, Arjuna smashed his chariot and horses and also killed his chariot 
driver. Karna was then taken upon the chariot of Kripa, and thus the vanity 
of that boastful person was smashed by Arjuna's weapons.

Satyaki then came upon Bahlika's son, Somadatta. Those two great heroes 
again fought desiring each others death. With the death of Somadatta's sons, 
Sala and Bhurishravas, Somadatta was always looking for the opportunity to 
fight with Satyaki. He pierced Satyaki with ten arrows and sent up a loud 
roar. Satyaki quickly cut off his bow and killed his horses. He then 
released an arrow of fiery effulgence that was as sharp as a razor. Falling 
upon the chest of the Kuru general, it deprived him of life. He fell from 
his chariot like a demigod falls to earth after the exhaustion of his pious 
activities. With this action the troops that were supporting him fled out of 
fear. The last son of Somadatta named Bhuri rushed at Satyaki intending to 
avenge his father's death. He fought with Satyaki for some time but in the 
end he was killed by a dart that pierced his chest.

In the darkness of night, the two armies ground each other in a war of 
attrition. When the darkness was so dense that no one could tell which side 
the other was on, Duryodhana ordered that the soldiers carry torches. Very 
soon the whole Kaurava army was seen under the light of these torches and 
lamps. The Pandava army also took up torches and lamps, and the fighting 
continued on. The celestial demigods using their mystic power created light 
in the heavens, and indeed, the battlefield of Kurukshetra looked wonderful.

Sahadeva encountered Karna and a fierce battle took place. Karna remembered 
his promise to his real mother Kunti, and for some time he played with 
Sahadeva as a cat plays with a mouse. The valiant son of Madri pierced Karna 
with twenty arrows. However, Karna quickly killed Sahadeva horses and 
charioteer. Descending from his chariot, Sahadeva took up a sword and shield 
and ran at Karna. The son of Radha shattered the effulgent sword and shield 
that were protecting the powerful son of Madri. Sahadeva then released a 
mace, but it was cut into fragments by Karna's arrows. Sahadeva then 
released with full force an effulgent golden dart. When that weapon was also 
baffled, Sahadeva hurled at his elder brother chariot wheels, limbs of 
elephants, dead horses and dead human bodies. All these, however, were cut 
to pieces by Karna's arrows. Having no weapons, Sahadeva retreated from 
battle. He was followed by Karna who touched him with the horn of his bow 
saying, "Do not fight in battle those who are superior to you. O son of 
Madri, fight with those who are your equals." Laughing all the while, Karna 
proceeded against the Panchalas, granting life to Sahadeva whom he could 
have killed if he desired.

Karna then began to consume the Pandava divisions with his celestial 
weapons. Men, slaughtered in thousands, littered the battle field creating a 
river of blood. Seeing the destruction of his troops, Yudhisthira went to 
Arjuna and informed him, "Just see the mighty bowman, Karna, stationed in 
the distance like Rudra himself. I cannot tolerate the wails of our troops. 
Go, O Phalguna, and do what is necessary for slaying the Suta's son, thus 
fulfilling your vow."

Hearing this order, Arjuna spoke to Hrishikesha, "Yudhisthira is afraid for 
the safety of the army. Karna appears like Yamaraja, who engages in the 
destruction of all living beings. O tiger of the Vrishni race, proceed, 
therefore, to the place where Karna is releasing his arrows. O slayer of 
Madhu, I will either slay him, or he will slay me."

"O son of Kunti," Lord Krishna replied, "I can see Karna covering the 
battlefield like a heavenly warrior. I do not think that the time is right 
for you to engage in a mighty duel. As long as he has Indra's Shakti weapon, 
it will be difficult to defeat him. Let Ghatotkacha challenge Karna. He is 
endowed with mystic powers and is a suitable combatant to fight against 
Radha's son."

Arjuna then called for Ghatotkacha and soon Bhima's son appeared. Lord 
Krishna requested him in these words, "Listen, O Ghatotkacha, to my order. 
You must now become the boat to save the Pandavas from the wrathful storms 
of Karna. Just near here the Suta's son is killing our troops in thousands. 
Go and quickly stop him from devouring our men."

"I am as much a match for Karna as I am for Drona," Ghatotkacha replied. "I 
will fight with Karna in such a way that the subject of this battle will be 
spoken of until the end of creation. Tonight I will spare none, even those 
that ask for mercy will receive none." Saying this much, Ghatotkacha headed 
into battle.

The son of Bhima had a copper face and a huge form. His belly was sunken 
and the hair on his body pointed upwards. The top of his head was green, and 
his ears were like arrows. His tongue was very long, and his mouth extended 
from ear to ear. His teeth were long and sharp, and his nose was thick. On 
his head he wore a beautiful crown arching over the top of his forehead. His 
earrings were bright, and he wore garlands of flowers mixed with gold. 
Opening his mouth wide and roaring loudly, he proceeded against Karna.

When both warriors met a fierce duel ensued. Both were expert in weapons, 
and both were highly provoked. They fought like two angry elephants over a 
she elephant in heat. Karna had to resort to his celestial weapons, and 
Ghatotkacha had to resort to his Rakshasa illusions. Ghatotkacha was 
surrounded by man eating Rakshasas of fierce proportions. There were 
thousands of them, and because it was night time, they became more powerful. 
They all rushed at Karna releasing a thick shower of stones and rocks. The 
supporting soldiers of Karna fled out of fear, and only Karna stood 
releasing his celestial weapons trying to destroy that illusion. Beholding 
the illusion destroyed by Karna, Ghatotkacha took up an effulgent chakra and 
released it with great force. That weapon, blazing through the sky, was then 
shattered by Karna's arrows. Greatly angered, Karna killed Ghatotkacha's 
horses and smashed his chariot. He then pierced Bhima's son with so many 
arrows that there was not two fingers breadth of space where there was not 
an arrow.

Roaring loudly, Ghatotkacha caused thousands upon thousands of arrows to 
fall from the sky. He himself then produced many heads that began to devour 
Karna's celestial weapons. At one point Bhima's son was seen lying on the 
battlefield as if dead, and at another time, he was seen assuming many 
hideous forms the size of mountains. He was then seen assuming a small form 
and piercing the earth. In the next moment, he was seen riding on a golden 
chariot wandering through the earth and sky. He came near Karna and said, 
"Stand before me for a while, O Suta's son. I will satisfy your desire for 
battle, and I will today feast on your flesh." Saying this much, the fierce 
Rakshasa rose up into the sky roaring with laughter. By his mystic power he 
produced a mountain, and from that mountain fell swords, lances, stones and 
boulders. Upon seeing that mountain in the heavens, Karna was not agitated 
in the least, but invoked a celestial weapon that destroyed the mystic 
illusion. Ghatotkacha then produced a huge rain cloud, and from that cloud 
fell stones, trees and lightning bolts. Karna invoked the Vayavya weapon 
that dispersed the huge cloud. By the mystic power of Bhima's son, Rakshasas 
were seen everywhere. Some were riding on elephants, some on chariots and 
some on horses. They filled the earth as well as the sky, and to any 
ordinary person, they would have caused great fear. Ghatotkacha then 
released an Anjalika weapon that shattered the strong bow of Karna. Taking 
up another bow, Karna destroyed the mystic illusion that was surrounding 
him. Ghatotkacha then took up an Asani weapon that was given to him by 
Rudra. The celestial weapon had eight chakras revolving on it and was the 
deadliest weapon. Descending from his chariot, the son of Bhima released it 
at Karna. However, Karna descended from his chariot and caught the weapon as 
it came to him. He then hurled it back at Ghatotkacha destroying his chariot 
and mules. Karna then pierced Ghatotkacha upon which the son of Bhima 
disappeared from sight like smoke rising into the sky. There then appeared 
on the battlefield lions, tigers, hyenas, snakes with fiery tongues, and 
birds with iron beaks. Wolves, leopards and many other animals endowed with 
hideous faces also appeared. They all screamed fiercely and approached Karna 
to devour him. However, the Suta's son pierced those animals, and then 
destroyed the mystic illusion with his mantra weapons.

At this time a Rakshasa named Alayudha came to the side of the Kauravas. 
His kinsmen had been Baka, Kirmira and Hidimva. He came to Kaurava's side 
hoping to engage Bhima in single combat and kill him. He was accompanied by 
numerous fierce Rakshasas, and they were all eager for battle. Duryodhana 
welcomed the Rakshasa Alayudha and requested him, "Just near here, Radha's 
son is engaged with the son of Bhima, Ghatotkacha. Go there and assist Karna 
so that the mighty Rakshasa will not kill him."

Abiding by Duryodhana's orders, the Rakshasa went into battle with Bhima's 
son. Suddenly Bhima appeared on the scene and supported his son in the 
fight against Alayudha. Alayudha, seeing Bhima present before him, left his 
fight with Ghatotkacha and rushed at Bhima releasing his mighty arrows. 
Bhima, stretching his bow to full length, released arrows the were as 
forceful as lightning. Alayudha cut up some of those arrows with his own, 
and others he caught in his hand. Bhima then threw a mace at the Rakshasa, 
but Alayudha released his own, and the two collided causing a great sound 
that made the very earth tremble. The Rakshasa Alayudha then killed Bhima's 
horses and caused him to descend from his chariot. Upon seeing this, Lord 
Krishna told Arjuna, "Let us go immediately to where these Rakshasas are 
harassing our army. It is night time, and they are fighting fiercely. Just 
see, Alayudha has made Bhima carless, and now Bhima is fighting on foot. 
Immediately send Ghatotkacha to fight with him." Following the instructions 
of his Lord and master, Arjuna ordered Ghatotkacha to engage Alayudha in 
battle.

Bhima's son then gave up his fight with Karna and attacked the brother of 
Baka. They fought with each other using mystic illusions and other weapons. 
They assaulted each other with arrows, swords, maces and lances, roaring 
all the while. They struck each other with their strong fists and pulled 
each other by the hair. Blood was flowing from both Rakshasas, and when they 
hit each other, blood splattered in all directions. Finally Ghatotkacha 
picked up Alayudha and dashed him on the ground. Taking out a large sword, 
he severed his head from his body. Rushing to the place where Duryodhana 
was, Bhima's son placed the severed head on his chariot saying, "No one 
should visit the King without bringing some present." Laughing loudly and 
opening his mouth from ear to ear, the mighty Rakshasa returned to his own 
chariot. Overcome with fear, the Kaurava army ran in all directions.

Ghatotkacha then engaged Karna in battle and began to shower him with his 
mystical powers. When Bhima's son found that he could not conquer Karna, he 
invoked into existence a highly powerful weapon. With that weapon, he 
killed the horses and charioteer of Karna. He then disappeared from sight. 
All thought that Karna would now be slain. To protect his life, Karna began 
to cover the sky with his celestial weapons. For a moment there was nothing 
but silence. Looking in all directions, Karna could not perceive where 
Ghatotkacha was. Suddenly in the sky appeared a huge red cloud spitting fire 
and blazing meteors. The huge cloud began to thunder shaking the whole 
earth. Fiery weapons were pouring out of the cloud heading in Karna's 
direction. Karna released his heavenly astras, but none could destroy the 
illusion produced by Ghatotkacha. Those blazing weapons fell upon the 
Kaurava army killing them in thousands. Screams of horror were heard from 
the troops as those blazing weapons descended from the sky upon the foremost 
Kaurava leaders. Rakshasas with horrendous forms, as well as man eating 
animals, came out of that cloud and began to devour the Kaurava troops. 
Indeed, from that cloud fell axes, lances, stones, boulders, maces and fiery 
chakras. All the weapons were blazing with fire and fell upon the Kaurava 
warriors piercing their bodies and severing their limbs. Suddenly the troops 
were overcome with panic and fled the battlefield screaming, "Run away! run 
away! All is lost! The demigods are slaying us for the Pandava's sake!"

Only Karna stood his ground contending with the mystic illusion. Then, with 
a huge mace equipped with chakras, Ghatotkacha killed Karna's four horses. 
Jumping down from his chariot and looking into the sky, Karna did not know 
what to do. The Kaurava warriors pleaded with the Suta's son, "O Karna, kill 
the Rakshasa soon before he destroys the whole army. Use your Shakti weapon 
given to you by Indra, the King of Heaven. This mystic illusion is not 
sparing even those running away from battle, or those who have no weapons. 
Without Arjuna this whole army is about to be destroyed."

Reflecting for a moment on the circumstances at hand, Karna decided to use 
his Shakti weapon. Picking it up from his chariot, he glanced upon it and 
remembered how it was given to him by Indra years before. He had exchanged 
it for his natural golden armor and earrings. It was meant to kill Arjuna. 
Not finding any other way to save the army from extermination, Karna picked 
up that dart and readied himself to release it. It could only be used once, 
and after being released, it would again return to Indra. Karna then 
released the mighty weapon in the direction of the mystic illusion. Fierce 
winds began to blow, and all creatures in the sky were overcome with intense 
fear. That dart soared through the sky, and piercing the mystic illusion, it 
struck Ghatotkacha in the chest depriving him of his life. While dying from 
the force of that weapon, Ghatotkacha wanted to do one last good deed for 
the Pandavas. By his mystic power, he increased his size to a gigantic form, 
and falling from the sky, he crushed a complete akshauhini division of 
troops.

The Kaurava army became joyous and approached the Suta's son to worship 
him. The Pandavas were overwhelmed with grief to see the gigantic dead form 
of Ghatotkacha. Bhima lamented the death of his son. Only Lord Krishna was 
joyous on the occasion. He uttered loud sounds of happiness and embraced 
Arjuna with great affection. Seeing this manifestation of happiness on the 
death of one of their distinguished heroes, Arjuna curiously inquired, "O 
Achyuta, you are showing signs of joy when the time is not appropriate. It 
is a time for lamentation over the death of one of our dearest nephews. 
Please tell me why you have lost your gravity on the death of a mighty 
hero."

"Listen to Me, O Dhananjaya!" Lord Vasudeva replied. "I know that Karna can 
now be killed, because he no longer has possession of that celestial dart. 
There is not a man on earth that could stand before Karna with that dart in 
his possession. Even with My Sudarshana discus, I could not defeat Karna 
with his Shakti weapon. Now that he is deprived of that dart, you, and only 
you, can kill him. When you approach him in battle and his chariot wheels 
become stuck in the mud, overcome by the brahmana's curse, then you will be 
able to slay him. I have, before this battle, caused the annihilation of 
many demoniac rulers. I have caused the death of Jarasandha, Shishupala, and 
Ekalavya, the ruler of the Nishadas. These Kings would have certainly joined 
the Kauravas and would have been difficult to conquer. Jarasandha was killed 
by Bhima, and I severed Shishupala's head in the Rajasuya sacrifice at 
Indraprastha. I have also killed Ekalavya who could not be slain by the 
demigods and asuras combined. I have also caused the death of Ghatotkacha by 
means of Karna's Shakti weapon. Out of affection for you, I did not slay him 
before. Being a Rakshasa, he was inimical to the brahmanas and Vaishnavas. 
If Karna had not slain him, then I would have killed him with My own 
weapons. Those who destroy religious principles will be killed, either by 
Myself or through My different energies. Do not be anxious about Karna's 
death; it will take place. Bhima will also fulfill his vow to kill 
Duryodhana."

After Ghatotkacha's death, Yudhisthira sat down on his chariot overcome 
with grief. In that condition, Lord Krishna consoled him, "O son of Kunti, 
do not grieve in this way. Such lamentation does not become one of high 
birth. Rise up, O King and fight. If the enemy sees you in this condition, 
then they will surely attain victory."

Yudhisthira replied, "O son of Devaki, when we were living in the forest 
Ghatotkacha came to us and rendered many services. While Arjuna was away in 
the heavenly planets, Ghatotkacha stayed with us for our protection. When we 
traveled great distances, he used to carry Draupadi upon his back and 
relieve her from fatigue. My affection for Ghatotkacha is twice what I feel 
for Sahadeva. I was dear to him, and he was dear to me. For offending 
Arjuna, the Sindhu King was slain, and for offending me, I will slay that 
sinful Karna. This act alone will console my grief."

Having spoken these words, Yudhisthira rushed against Karna with an anger 
like Yamaraja himself. While Yudhisthira was rushing into battle, Vyasadeva 
appeared and stopped him from any further action. He spoke to him 
affectionately, "By good luck, O Yudhisthira, Karna has used his Shakti 
weapon in battle. If this had not happened, then Arjuna would have been 
surely killed. How then would you have grieved? It is for your benefit that 
the Rakshasa has been slain. Do not lament, O son of Kunti. Death is the end 
to all creatures in this world. Ghatotkacha has attained the spiritual world 
and, and he has attained great fame in battle. On the fifth day from today, 
this entire earth will be yours. With a cheerful heart, unite with your 
brothers and defeat your enemies." Saying this much, Vyasadeva disappeared 
from sight.



Thus Ends the Tenth Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Death of 
Ghatotkacha.





Drona Parva



Chapter Ten



The Fifthteenth Day at Kurukshetra;

The Fall of the Preceptor, Drona



After Ghatotkacha's death in the middle of the night, the warriors on both 
sides fought on desiring victory. When the battle approached midnight, many 
warriors fell asleep where they were fighting. Some fell asleep while 
riding their elephants, while others fell asleep in their chariots. The 
horsemen fell asleep on their horses, and the infantry men fell asleep on 
the ground. Other warriors who were still awake began to slay those who had 
fallen unconscious due to fatigue. Seeing the situation, Vibatsu (Arjuna) 
ordered the troops on both sides, "All the heroic soldiers are exhausted and 
overcome with sleep. Therefore, take rest. When the moon appears toward the 
end of night, you may again rise and fight." Hearing these pleasing words, 
the Kauravas and Pandavas laid down for a few hours rest. Indeed, they all 
praised Arjuna for his compassion. Laying aside their weapons, they fell 
into the slumber of sleep. Complete silence overcame the battlefield as 
those brave soldiers forgot the fatigue of battle. A sweet breeze blew 
giving solace to those gallant heroes who had fought for so long.

Sanjaya continued: O King, After a couple of hours had passed, the moon 
appeared on the horizon casting its rays in all directions. Illuminating 
the battlefield, that lunar disc revealed the sleeping soldiers overcome 
with battle fatigue. The darkness that had protected the soldiers for some 
time was now dissipated by the effulgence of the full moon. The soldiers 
awoke and again readied themselves for battle. Desiring to enter the 
spiritual world, they faced each other with upraised weapons.

At this time the wicked King Duryodhana approached Drona and rebuked him, 
"No mercy should be shown to those who are still resting from the fatigue of 
battle. The rested Pandavas have now become stronger due to the energy 
received from sleep. You, O preceptor, are protecting the Pandavas and want 
them to prosper. All the celestial weapons including the Brahmastra are 
known to you. I request you to use these weapons to destroy the Pandava 
army. Indeed, even the heavenly gods will not be able to defeat you as you 
invoke your superhuman astras. The Pandavas are certainly afraid of you. 
However, your affection for them prevents you from fighting to your best 
ability."

Sanjaya continued: Thus chastised by his student, Drona felt anger in his 
heart. He spoke to Duryodhana, "Although I am old, O Duryodhana, I am 
fighting to my utmost ability. These soldiers do not know how to defend 
themselves against celestial weapons. If I use them to slay large numbers of 
men, where will be the merit? If, from a desire to gain sovereignty, I 
slaughter defenseless soldiers, where will be my peace of mind? However, I 
am forced to follow your orders, but after slaying the host of Panchalas, I 
will throw down my armor and give up this mortal body. Do you really think 
Arjuna has been overcome with battle fatigue? Do not be so stupid as to 
think that his energy is limited. That third son of Kunti has defeated Indra 
in battle as well as the Gandharvas in the Dvaitavana forest. He has killed 
sixty thousand Nivitakavachas who could not be slain by the devas united. 
How then can human beings overcome him? O monarch, you have already seen how 
Arjuna has destroyed half your army. Where is your intelligence?"

To these words of wisdom, Duryodhana replied, "Myself, Karna, Duhshasana 
and Shakuni shall take half the army and assaulting Krishna and Arjuna, we 
will slay them in battle. You may head up the other half and achieve your 
vow by slaughtering the Panchala warriors." Laughing at Duryodhana's 
immaturity, Drona said, "Blessings to you, O foremost of the fools! What 
kshatriya is there who would face one who is invincible in battle. Arjuna 
cannot be defeated, and even the heavenly gods have not been able to impede 
his progress. Only persons, who are destined to die, speak as you are 
speaking. You are sinful, arrogant, cruel, conceited and possess little 
wisdom. Just before you stands Arjuna. Go, now, along with Karna, Duhshasana 
and Shakuni. Being scorched by Phalguna's arrows, you will come running to 
me for assistance. Do not flee the battlefield, but fight to your best 
ability. Since I am not pleasing to you, you make take the task into your 
own hands."

With these words, the battle commenced and those brave warriors fought on 
desiring to enter the spiritual kingdom. When the end of the night came, 
the solar orb appeared on the horizon diminishing the splendor of the moon. 
All the soldiers descended from their chariots, horses and elephants and 
offered obeisances and prayers to the sun god as he made his appearance on 
the eastern horizon.

With the appearance of the sun, the warriors on both sides began to engage 
in combat. Taking half of the army, Drona began to grind the enemy ranks 
with his celestial weapons. The Preceptor then came upon Drupada and Virata. 
Those two Pandava generals began to release their selected weapons against 
their arch enemy, the son of Bharadvaja. Causing their weapons to be 
ineffectual, Drona cut off the bows of both Drupada and Virata. Enraged, 
Virata threw ten lances at Drona and sent up a loud roar. Drupada also 
released a terrible dart that flew through the sky like a meteor. Drona 
shattered those lances and the dart by means of his own arrows. The 
preceptor then took out a couple of broad headed shafts and pierced the 
chests of both heroes, depriving them of their lives. Witnessing the death 
of his father, Dhristadyumna took a vow to kill Dronacharya before the day 
had ended. He then went forward accompanied by a division of troops for 
keeping good his promise.

Meanwhile, Arjuna was engaged in battle with the mighty Preceptor. 
Beholding the encounter between teacher and student, all on the battlefield 
were struck with wonder. Drona could not find an opportunity to gain the 
upper hand over his disciple. He invoked the Aindra, the Pashupati, the 
Tvashtra, the Vayavya, and the Yamya weapons. As soon as these weapons were 
released from Drona's bow, they were destroyed by the mantra weapons of 
Arjuna. Drona was very pleased with his disciple's abilities, and within his 
heart he cheered Arjuna. The heavenly denizens were witnessing the duel with 
intense curiosity. The firmament was filled with the praises of both teacher 
and student. Drona then invoked the Brahmastra weapon which caused fierce 
winds to blow and the earth to tremble. Partha countered that weapon with a 
Brahma weapon of his own. When the two weapons met, they were withdrawn by 
Arjuna causing the agitation in nature to abate.

Drona then left Arjuna and began to exterminate the Panchalas and the 
Shrinjayas. With his superhuman weapons, he was destroying great numbers of 
men. It was obvious that Drona had given up all knowledge of morality for 
he was slaughtering troops who did not know how to defend themselves from 
the power of his weapons. Arjuna was reluctant to fight with his preceptor, 
and as a result there was no one who could oppose that mighty hero. Seeing 
the situation, Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas, "This esteemed bowman 
cannot be defeated even by the devatas. However, when he lays aside his 
weapons, he can be killed by any great hero. Let us tell him that his son 
Ashvatthama has been slain. Out of affection for his son, he will no longer 
fight, and thus this army will be saved."

Hearing this plan, Arjuna did not appreciate it nor did Yudhisthira. 
However, others approved of it, and Bhima immediately went and killed a huge 
elephant named Ashvatthama that belonged to a king on their side. He then 
approached Drona and exclaimed aloud, "Ashvatthama has been slain." He said 
it repeatedly and spoke of his son's death. Drona's arms weakened, and his 
weapons fell from his hands. Recollecting, however, his son's strength, 
Drona picked up his weapons thinking Bhima to be lying. He again attacked 
the Panchalas and began to carve away at their front line. Drona then 
invoked the Brahma weapon, causing the slaughter of tens of thousands of men 
at a time. With this weapon, he killed five hundred Matsya warriors, six 
thousand elephants, and ten thousand horsemen. Seeing Drona on the field of 
battle like Yamaraja himself, the demigods and sages who were witnessing the 
battle desired to take him to the heavenly planets. They then ordered him, 
"O great brahmana, you are fighting unrighteously. You are versed in all the 
Vedas and should know not to kill innocent men needlessly. Such acts do not 
become you. With the Brahmastra weapon, you are burning men who do not know 
how to counter such weapons. Your predestined time on earth has now come to 
an end. O Drona, lay aside your weapons and fix your mind on the Supreme 
Godhead, Narayana. Do not continue to engage in such cruel acts."

Hearing the sages advice, and seeing Dhristadyumna before him, Drona no 
longer desired to engage in battle. When Yudhisthira came near him, Drona 
inquired whether his son had been slain or not. Drona believed that 
Yudhisthira would never tell a lie even for the sake for the sovereignty of 
the universe. Previously Lord Krishna had advised the King in these words, 
"If Drona continues to fight using these celestial weapons, the whole army 
is destined for annihilation. You can save this needless slaughter of men by 
telling a lie. In this case falsehood is better that truth. There will be no 
sin incurred if you do so on My behalf. You should follow my instructions 
with firm faith."

Bhima then said to Yudhisthira, "I have killed a mighty elephant belonging 
to the King of the Malavas, Indravarman. The elephant's name was 
Ashvatthama. I then went to Drona and said that his son had been slain. 
However, the Preceptor did not believe my words. If you say that his son is 
dead, then he will lay aside his weapons. Because we are desiring victory, 
you should accept Krishna's advice."

Reflecting on the good counsel given by Lord Krishna and Bhima, Yudhisthira 
told Drona that his son had been killed, indistinctly adding the word 
elephant after the name. Before this Yudhisthira's chariot used to ride at a 
height of four fingers above the ground. However, since he hesitated to act 
on Lord Krishna's order, his chariot and horses touched the earth. Hearing 
that his son was dead, Drona's strength diminished and his celestial weapons 
would no longer come at his command. Remembering the great sage's advice, he 
cast aside his weapons and sat down in meditation. He fixed his mind on the 
Supreme Person, Lord Krishna and turned his thoughts completely away from 
battle. Perfecting his practice of yoga, he left his body in the presence of 
all. Only those endowed with spiritual vision were able to understand what 
was taking place.

Taking the opportunity given by providence, Dhristadyumna descended from 
his chariot with sword in hand. Arjuna called out loudly, "O son of Drupada, 
do not kill him, but bring him alive. A teacher should never be killed by 
his student." Paying little attention to Arjuna's advice, Dhristadyumna 
rushed at Drona's chariot, and raising his sword, he severed the Preceptor's 
head. No one appreciated this act against a defenseless person, and all 
rebuked Drupada's son for his cruelty. Arjuna melted with pity for his 
teacher and almost fell unconscious. Dhristadyumna, covered with Drona's 
blood, then took the head by the hair and showed it to all warriors. 
Overcome with great fear, the Kauravas ran away in all directions.

Beholding the troops retreating, Ashvatthama went to Duryodhana and 
inquired, "O descendent of Bharata, why are the troops flying away in fear, 
and why are you not trying to rally them? All the great warriors including 
Karna are fleeing. Has some great calamity overcome the army?"

 Duryodhana, unable to answer the question of Drona's son, said to Kripa, 
 "Please tell him why the army is running away." Then Saradwat's son told 
 Ashvatthama that his father had been slain by Dhristadyumna. Kripa told 
 him in detail how his father had been killed. He told him of the deception 
 and lie by Yudhisthira which caused Drona to throw away his weapons. He 
 told him how Bhima had killed an elephant named Ashvatthama, and using this 
 as a deception, lied to his father. Kripa also told Ashvatthama how 
 Dhristadyumna had cut off his father's head as he was sitting in 
 meditation. He also spoke of how Arjuna had tried to stop the sinful act.

Hearing of his father's slaughter, Ashvatthama became like a cobra someone 
stepped on. He blazed up like a red hot fire and began to grind his teeth 
and squeeze his hands. He thought of annihilating the whole Pandava army.

Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, when Drona's son heard of his father's 
death, what did he say and what did he do? He lived only to please his 
father, and the father lived only to please the son. What action did that 
bull among men take to avenge the unfair killing of the Preceptor?

Sanjaya replied: O King, after his father's death, Ashvatthama appeared 
like Yamaraja himself, capable of destroying the three worlds. In that angry 
mood, he spoke to Duryodhana, "I have now heard how my father has been 
cruelly slain. Without doubt my father has attained a destination meant for 
renowned heroes. I do not lament this. However, I cannot tolerate the fact 
that Dhristadyumna has seized his locks of hair and has displayed my 
father's head. Today, the earth shall drink the blood of Drupada's son as 
well as the wicked King Yudhisthira. Today I shall exterminate the whole 
Pandava army. Previously my father received a weapon from Lord Vishnu known 
as the Narayana astra. This weapon has the power to destroy even those that 
are considered unslayable. That weapon will destroy all who oppose it. No 
one shall escape with life today, having released that invincible weapon." 
With this resolution, Ashvatthama rallied the retreating troops.

Meanwhile the Pandavas witnessed with wonder the Kaurava army again 
assembled for battle. Arjuna informed his brothers and all present that that 
Ashvatthama had rallied the troops with the intention of killing 
Dhristadyumna. Arjuna did not approve of the way Dhristadyumna had killed 
his preceptor. However, both Bhima and Dhristadyumna defended themselves 
saying that Drona had turned away from the path of righteousness. Hearing 
Dhristadyumna's criticism of Drona, Satyaki trembled with anger and took up 
a mace to kill Dhristadyumna. However, he was stopped by Bhima who pacified 
him with affectionate words. Sahadeva also spoke to him, and thus his anger 
was quelled. Together they again prepared themselves to meet the oncoming 
enemy.

Drona's son then began a colossal carnage on the front line of battle. He 
piled up a mountain of heads from the Pandava army. Then touching water and 
invoking the Narayana astra, Ashvatthama aimed that invincible weapon at 
the Pandava army. The earth began to tremble and a great wind storm appeared 
on the Kurukshetra plain. In the heavens hundreds of thousands of celestial 
arrows appeared with flaming mouths. Maces, battle axes, Sataghnis, javelins 
and discs, effulgent as the sun, appeared in the sky, numbering tens of 
thousands. Coming down upon the Pandava army, those weapons began to destroy 
countless men. That divine weapon, owned by Lord Narayana, began to consume 
the Pandava army like a wild fire consumes dry grass.

Witnessing the slaughter of troops, all the Pandavas fell into anxiety, not 
knowing what to do. Lord Krishna, the protector of His devotees, then 
ordered the troops, "Lay down your weapons and descend from your chariots, 
horses and elephants. If you lay weaponless on the earth, this astra will 
not harm you. If you even think of battle within your mind, this weapon will 
kill you. Give up all thoughts of war and fix your minds in a peaceful 
state."

Hearing this advice, all the soldiers threw down their weapons and laid on 
the ground. However, Bhimasena, refused to surrender to the weapon. He 
yelled to all present, "None of the warriors should lay down their weapons. 
I shall oppose this astra. With my heavy mace, I shall stop the force of 
this weapon. O Arjuna, you should not lay down the Gandiva bow for a stain 
will come upon your glory."

Thus addressed by Bhima, Arjuna replied, "My vow is that this Gandiva bow 
shall not be used against women, cows, brahmanas and or any weapon owned by 
Lord Narayana." Bhima did not heed Lord Krishna's advice or the action of 
Arjuna. He rushed forward on his chariot to challenge Ashvatthama. Drona's 
son, smiling all the while, then began to direct the astra at Bhima. Indeed, 
that great weapon passed over all the soldiers and concentrated on Bhima's 
head. Suddenly Bhima appeared like a fiery mountain. Quickly Arjuna covered 
him with the Varuna weapon that cooled the blazing heat. He released that 
weapon so quickly that no one knew of it, not even Ashvatthama. The Narayana 
astra built up in strength, and the chariot of Bhima was blazing with fire. 
Seeing the certain death of Bhima, both Arjuna and Krishna rushed to save 
him. They jumped in his chariot, which was protected by the Varuna weapon 
and forced Bhima to the ground. Bhima was sighing like a snake and refused 
to part with his weapons. Then Lord Krishna pacified him, "O son of Pandu, 
although I have forbidden you, you have not thrown down your weapons. If 
Arjuna could have countered this weapon, then I would have never recommended 
the army stop fighting. Just see, all the warriors have given up their 
weapons. If you do not do the same, this weapon will destroy you." Bhima 
then reluctantly threw aside his weapons and laid down upon the ground. Thus 
pacified, the Narayana astra refrained from killing the Pandava troops.

When the heat of that weapon had cooled, sweet breezes began to blow and a 
fragrant aroma appeared in the wind. Beholding the pacification of the 
Narayana astra, the Pandavas again stood ready for battle. Duryodhana rushed 
to Ashvatthama and requested, "O foremost brahmana, release this weapon 
again for the Pandavas are forming their troops for victory."

"O King," Ashvatthama replied, "that weapon cannot be invoked again. If it 
is, it will undoubtedly slay the person who releases it. Vasudeva has 
baffled this weapon. I will, however, use my other weapons for slaughtering 
the Pandava host."

Making this resolution and seeing Lord Krishna and Arjuna present before 
him, Ashvatthama invoked the Agneya weapon which caused intense fire to 
appear. Arrows with intense flames fell upon the Pandava soldiers scorching 
their bodies. Ashvatthama then directed that weapon toward the chariot of 
Krishna and Arjuna. The Agneya weapon killed thousands upon thousands of 
chariot fighters, elephants and horsemen like a forest fire destroys trees. 
To save the Army, Arjuna invoked the Brahmastra weapon which countered the 
weapon released by Ashvatthama. When both weapons were withdrawn, the 
Pandavas saw that a full akshauhini division had been burnt by the weapon. 
So scorched were the soldiers that they could not be distinguished. Both 
armies thought that Krishna and Arjuna had been killed by the weapon, but 
upon seeing them in their chariot, the Pandava warriors cheered loudly and 
blew their conchshells.

When his astra had been baffled, Ashvatthama did not know what to do. He 
descended from his chariot and ran away from the fight. As he was leaving 
the battlefield, he came upon Vyasadeva. He offered his obeisances unto him 
and spoke to him with tearful eyes, "O great sage, why has my Narayana astra 
born no fruit? This fiery weapon has the power to destroy the whole Pandava 
army. Why then has it been pacified after the slaughter of only one 
akshauhini division of troops? O great muni, I desire to hear of this in 
detail."

"O son of Drona," Vyasa replied, "as you have been told before, Krishna is 
the Supreme Godhead, who is to be worshiped by all persons. Even the 
heavenly Lords, Brahma and Shiva, worship and meditate upon that Supreme 
Person. He is the cause of all cosmic manifestation, and therefore, He can 
never be slain, for His body is not material. He makes possible the birth of 
all creatures in this world, and He is, therefore, the father of all living 
beings. He has appeared in this world to reestablish the principles of 
religion, and He is appearing like an ordinary human being bewildering 
everyone by his internal potency. Arjuna is his eternal associate and can 
never be slain. There is no warrior on this battlefield that can equal him. 
The eternal Lord Krishna should be worshiped by all beings."

Hearing Vyasadeva's words of wisdom, Ashvatthama was pacified and ordered 
that the troops be withdrawn for the day. After the preceptor Drona had 
fallen, the Kaurava warriors became morose and entered their tents for 
nightly rest.



Thus Ends Chapter Eleven of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Fifteenth Day at 
Kurukshetra; The Fall of the Preceptor Drona.



Thus Ends the Drona Parva.



Chapter Commentary



One may question the morality of Lord Krishna's instruction for Yudhisthira 
to tell a lie. Most persons are attached to mundane moral codes and laws put 
down for human society to follow. However, if God's order opposes morality, 
the highest morality is to follow the order of the Lord, even if it means 
breaking worldly laws. Yudhisthira had never told a lie in his life, but the 
Lord tested Yudhisthira's understanding of real surrender. One should not 
kill one's grandfather, but Lord Krishna ordered Arjuna to do it, because 
Bhishma had taken the wrong side. We must be attached to the order of the 
Lord or his representative and not to mundande laws.

Of course, this does not mean that one can ignore the laws of the 
government or the laws set down for man in such law books as the Manu 
samhita, the Torah, the Koran or the Bible. One should not act whimsically. 
One must follow these, but the Lord's order is supreme, and supercedes any 
law or rule in any scripture or passed by any government.