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MBK: 2.17: Arjuna Slaughters the Kauravas
Chapter 17 Arjuna Slaughters the Kauravas
Some time before sunrise on the thirteenth day of battle, Yudhisthira rose from his bed,
awoken by bards and minstrels singing his praises. Melodious songs were played as the
Pandava king performed his ablutions, assisted by a hundred servants who fetched water in
golden jars as well as soaps, unguents, perfumes and other items. His limbs were daubed with
pure sandalwood paste as Brahmins chanted holy Vedic mantras. Servants then brought
Yudhisthira his fine white garments and adorned him with fragrant lotus and champaka flower
garlands.
Having bathed and dressed, the king faced east and worshipped Krsna with Vedic prayers,
his heart absorbed in love. After this he went before the sacred fire and made offerings
to Visnu and the gods, invoking auspiciousness and praying for victory in battle.
Emerging from his tent, Yudhisthira saw a number of aged and venerable Brahmins. The
old sages, a thousand in number, were accompanied by a further eight thousand disciples. They
uttered benedictions and blessed Yudhisthira, who distributed charity to them. The king
gave away jars of gold to each of the Brahmins, as well as cows, horses, cloth, honey, ghee,
fruits, and other valuable items.
Then he entered the council chamber. He sat upon a throne made entirely of gold and covered
with a precious silk carpet. When he had taken his seat, his orderlies came and decorated
him with ornaments of pearl, gold, and priceless gems. The monarch shone like a mass of clouds
emitting bright flashes of lightning. He was fanned by gold-handled yak-tail whisks as
white as the moon. Bards again sang his praises and the music and voices of the Gandharvas
could be heard in the sky. Outside the tent a tremendous clatter of chariot wheels and
horses' hooves resounded as the other kings and warriors came to council. Conch-shell
blasts filled the air, and the measured march of infantry seemed to shake the earth as the
troops headed for the field.
As the kings took their places in Yudhisthira's council chamber after first bowing before
him, a guard informed him that Krsna had arrived. Yudhisthira ordered that He be shown in immediately
and offered a fine seat by his side. He personally stepped down from his throne as Krsna entered
and showed Him to His seat. Taking the offering of arghya held out by a Brahmin, Yudhisthira
performed the worship. Krsna waved to Satyaki to sit with Him, and the two Yadavas shared
the same large throne next to Yudhisthira.
When he had again taken his seat, Yudhisthira began by addressing Krsna. "O Madhusudana,
have You passed the night in happiness? Like celestials relying on the thousand-eyed Indra,
we depend on You alone for victory and indeed for eternal happiness. Our very existence
depends upon You. If it pleases You, therefore, we ask that You somehow manage things so that
Arjuna's vow is fulfilled. Help us to cross this ocean of grief and wrath. O Madhava,
become our raft so that we do not sink in the vast Kuru sea. All glories to You, O Krsna,
O Visnu, O Hari, O Janardana. You are the foremost of all men. Narada has pronounced
You to be the best and most ancient of all beings. You always protect Your surrendered
servants, and we seek Your protection today."
Krsna appeared pleased as Yudhisthira stopped speaking. He replied in a sonorous voice,
"In all the worlds, including the heavens, there is no archer like Arjuna. That handsome
hero will slay all your enemies. I will drive his chariot and will do everything in My power
to assist him. Today you will see Jayadratha compelled to travel that road from which no
traveler ever returns. Vultures, hawks and jackals will feast on his flesh tonight. O
Yudhisthira, even if Indra and the gods come to his aid, he will still be delivered to
Death's domain. Tonight, the victorious Arjuna will report to you that he has slain the Sindhu
monarch. Dismiss your grief and be attended with prosperity, O King."
As Krsna spoke, Arjuna entered the assembly. He came and bowed before Yudhisthira, who
immediately stood to embrace him. Still holding his brother, Yudhisthira said, "It is evident,
O Dhanajaya, that you will have a great victory today. Your appearance at this moment portends
it, as does Krsna's infallible blessing."
Arjuna touched his brother's feet and went over to Krsna, bowing low with folded palms.
He then took his seat and the Pandavas discussed the day's strategy. They had heard from their
spies of Drona's plans to create a formation surrounding Jayadratha, protected at every
point by the foremost warriors. Deciding upon a suitable counter-array, the Pandavas got
up and went out for the battle.
Krsna fetched Arjuna's chariot and equipped it with every kind of weapon. Dressed in effulgent
gold armor, He drove the chariot to the royal tent. Arjuna came out and circumambulated
the chariot with his Gandiva in hand. He then mounted the chariot like the sun rising over
the eastern mountains. Satyaki climbed aboard with him and the chariot moved off. Setting
out to slay Jayadratha, Arjuna appeared like Indra accompanied by Varuna and Surya setting
out to kill the Asuras.
Countless musical instruments rang out, while bards and Brahmins sang Arjuna's glories and
uttered benedictions. Hearing the chants and cheered by the other warriors as he went toward
the battlefield, Arjuna felt confident and eager for the fight. From behind him a delightful
breeze blew, bearing the fragrance of celestial blossoms.
Arjuna said to Satyaki, "I think my victory today is assured. These signs all around us
point to it and my mind feels enthused. I will soon penetrate to the spot where Jayadratha
stands, passing through all the heroes who desire to see my prowess and then go to Yamaraja's
domain. O mighty-armed one, do not forget your prime duty to protect Yudhisthira. None
can vanquish you in battle, and the king is as safe with you as he is with me. With you
by his side, I will be able to attack Jayadratha with a peaceful mind."
Satyaki said that he would not leave Yudhisthira as far as he was able. The two heroes continued
to talk as Krsna drove the chariot toward the Kuruksetra plain, where millions of men
had already assembled for the battle.
As sunrise approached, Drona issued orders for his great formation. Calling for Jayadratha
he said, "I will detail Karna to stand by your side. He will be supported by my own
son, as well as Salya, Krpa and Vrishasena. They will have with them a force of one hundred
thousand horsemen, sixty thousand chariots, twenty thousand infantry, and fourteen thousand
elephants. This detachment, with you in its midst, will form itself into an array shaped
like a needle. The formation will be protected by a second, impenetrable array in the shape
of a lotus. I will be at the head of that second formation. The king and his brothers,
as well as numerous other powerful warriors, will stand in that array. At the front of
these two formations I will create a semi-circular array filled with warriors who will not retreat.
At the foremost point before that will be an array resembling a cart, which will serve
to draw in and capture any soldiers foolish enough to assail us from that direction. Indeed,
I do not think that even Sakra, thunderbolt in hand, could reach you today."
Comforted, Jayadratha made his way to his position in the army. As he passed through
the troops they shouted out their battle cries. "Where is Arjuna?" they cried. "Bring Bhima
here, I am ready to do battle!" The warriors whirled their polished maces and brandished
their swords. Maddened with pride, they roared tumultuously. They slapped their arms and
blew their conches, proceeding swiftly and joyfully toward the battlefield.
Gradually, carefully following Drona's detailed directions, the Kauravas formed themselves
into the strategic array he had designed. It stretched for miles and appeared like a
collection of clouds covering the earth. The wonderful configuration appeared so formidable
that no one could imagine penetrating it. At its rear stood Jayadratha, heavily guarded
on all sides.
Drona, clad in a coat of white mail and a beautiful turban, moved about making the final
arrangements. Seeing his shining chariot, with its crimson horses and its standard bearing
the mark of a Brahmin's waterpot and deerskin, the Kauravas were delighted.
In the sky the Siddhas and Caranas looked down with wonder at the Kauravas, spread out
in their tremendous formation. "Surely they will devour the whole earth with its mountains,
oceans and forests."
Duryodhana looked at his army with satisfaction. He still had many infantry, chariots, cavalry
and elephants left. He gazed across at the advancing Pandava forces. How would Arjuna
ever fulfill his vow? His promise had been rash. By sunset the war would be over. Taking
up his ornate bow, Duryodhana ordered his charioteer to move off, eager for the battle
to begin.
As the Pandavas approached their enemies they saw Drona's formation with amazement. It seemed
to have no end and it appeared like the ocean rolling across the battlefield toward them.
Undaunted, Arjuna said, "O Krsna, just see Drona's attempt to thwart my vow. The front
lines are at least twenty miles across, and it must be twice that distance deep. But I
will seek out its weak points and break it apart with fiery arrows. Before Drona's eyes
I will cut down the sinful Jayadratha."
As the two armies converged, one of Duryodhana's brothers, Durmarshana, came to the front of
the Kauravas. Roaring furiously he exclaimed, "Watch as I check Arjuna, like the shore resisting
the ocean. Let everyone see the irate and indominatable Dhananjaya collide with me,
like one mass of rocks colliding with another. O warriors, stay or turn back as you wish.
I will fight with the Pandavas alone to enhance my glory and fame."
Durmarshana rushed across the field to begin the fight. He saw Arjuna's chariot at a distance,
with Hanuman sitting on its towering standard. The roars of the celestial ape could be heard
throughout the Kaurava forces. They mingled with the sounds of Arjuna's conch, which he
blew repeatedly as he closed upon his foes. Both sounds filled the Kauravas' hearts with
anxiety as they again remembered how fiercely Arjuna fought when he was angry. Drona had
his musicians strike up cheering melodies, but a deafening clamor already filled the
field.
Arjuna saw Durmarshana charging at him and he said, "Drive swiftly toward the Kaurava
prince, O Madhava. I will meet his challenge and send him and all his followers reeling."
Krsna drove the chariot straight into the mouth of the cart formation at the Kauravas'
head. As Arjuna faced Durmarshana he was immediately surrounded by thousands of chariot fighters.
Thinking of his son he began to slay them mercilessly. Worked up to the highest pitch
of fury, he scattered his shafts in all directions. The opposing warriors' heads fell like lotuses
torn from their stems. Gold armor spattered with blood lay gleaming on the ground. Chariots
were smashed, elephants slain, and horses deprived of their riders. Headless infantrymen
ran about wildly, still clutching their swords, before falling lifeless to the earth.
After a brief fight, Durmarshana was routed and put to flight. Wounded all over his body,
his armor shattered and standard broken, he raced away from his enemy. Arjuna spared his
life only to honor Bhima's vow.
In a short time Arjuna had slain several thousand of his foes. His chariot hurtled about with
such speed that the Kaurava troops felt there were hundreds of Arjunas. In their fear and
confusion, they struck and killed each other. Crying in agony and steeped in blood, many
heroes lay dying on the field. Whoever came toward Arjuna soon found himself pierced by
a fatal shaft. No one could detect any weakness in him as he danced on the terrace of his
chariot, his bow always drawn to a circle. Krsna's driving was unrivalled and He constantly
thwarted the Kauravas' attacks.
Drona and the other Kaurava chiefs were astonished to see Arjuna annihilating their troops, even
as the sun destroys darkness. The killing of Abhimanyu had clearly turned him into a
different person. He had been formidable before, but now he was fighting with a frenzied passion,
showing no quarter. The warriors surrounding him broke and ran.
Seeing Arjuna pressing steadily through the Kaurava ranks, Dushashana came forward on
his chariot and challenged him. He was supported by a mighty division of elephants that quickly
surrounded Arjuna. The tuskers had large bells around their necks which clanged as they raced
about the field.
Arjuna sent up a fierce war cry and began to kill the elephants with winged arrows that
pierced their tough hides. Like a killer whale plunging through the ocean, he penetrated
the elephant division and brought them down one after another. He struck each elephant
with a hundred shafts and they fell like cliffs broken by thunderbolts. Gushing streams of
blood, they dropped, screaming, to the ground. The warriors fighting on their backs were
swept off by Arjuna's shafts, which penetrated two or three of them at once.
Seeing the elephant force in disarray, Dushashana fled. It was impossible to face Arjuna in
his present mood. The Kaurava raced up to Drona and sought his protection. Drona licked
his lips and moved through his forces toward Arjuna. Seeing his preceptor advancing upon
him with upraised weapons, Arjuna folded his palms and bowed his head. He called out, "O
Brahmin, wish me well and bless me. I desire to pass through this impenetrable array. You
are the same to me as my own father, or as Yudhisthira or Krsna. Thus even as Asvatthama
deserves your protection, so do I. Let me pass. I wish to slay the Sindhu ruler. O lord,
O best of men, see to it that my vow is fulfilled."
"O Bhibatsu, you will not be able to conquer Jayadratha without first defeating me."
Drona then shot a hundred arrows at Arjuna in swift succession. The Pandava skillfully
countered them and replied with a hundred of his own. Drona warded off Arjuna's attack
with ease and at once pierced both him and Krsna with shafts resembling blazing tongues
of fire. He cut Arjuna's bowstring and covered his chariot with arrows. Arjuna attacked him
back with six hundred arrows fired with such speed that it appeared as if he had shot only
one shaft. He followed that with another seven hundred, then a thousand, then ten thousand,
training them on the warriors who supported Drona.
Seeing him again slaying large numbers of the Kaurava troops, Drona pierced Arjuna's
chest with a powerful barbed arrow. Hit hard by that shaft, Arjuna trembled like a mountain
during an earthquake. Quickly regaining his composure, he broke off the arrow which was
embedded in his armor. He focused his attention on Drona and sent showers of arrows at him.
Drona replied by covering Arjuna with shafts. Neither Arjuna nor Krsna nor their chariot
was visible as Drona assailed them with countless arrows, which fell in unbroken lines.
Working hard, Krsna drove the chariot away from Drona's arrows. As the chariot came clear
of the attack he said, "O Partha, there is no time to waste. Jayadratha still stands
a great distance from here. This battle with Drona could go on all day. Leave him aside
and proceed ahead with all speed."
Arjuna realized that Krsna was right. There was little chance of defeating Drona, nor
did he relish fighting with him. Once again folding his palms, Arjuna called out, "O my
lord, I will now take my leave. You are my preceptor and I do not wish to fight with
you further. There exists no man in all the worlds who can vanquish you in battle. Please
bless me. I am going on."
Krsna urged on Arjuna's horses and the chariot raced away, leaving Drona to the right. As
they passed him he shouted, "Where are you going, Dhananjaya? Have you become afraid?"
Drona again released volleys of arrows at Arjuna, but Krsna drove the chariot so fast
that all of his shafts fell short. With Drona still calling, Arjuna sped away, leaving him
far behind. He was joined by Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, two powerful Panchalas who had
fought their way through to him. They protected him on either side of his chariot as he rushed
forward into the hostile array.
As Drona turned to chase Arjuna, the Pandava commander, Dhristaketu, challenged him with
a roar. Drona turned to face him and was immediately struck by a volley of shafts. Drona's horses,
chariot, and charioteer were all covered by Dhristaketu's arrows. Drona blazed up like
an infuriated mountain lion suddenly roused from slumber. He released a razor-faced arrow
that cut apart his opponent's bow. Dhristaketu then took up another bow and in an instant
fired a hundred more arrows. Not minding the attack, Drona shot four crescent-headed shafts
that slew his enemy's horses and cut down his charioteer. Dhristaketu leapt from his
stationary chariot, mace in hand, and charged Drona. Whirling about as he ran, he hurled
the mace with all his power and it flew at Drona spitting fire. Drona at once shot dozens
of hammer-headed shafts that smashed the mace to pieces. Dhristaketu then picked up a long
lance from the earth and threw it violently, but again the Kuru preceptor cut it down in
mid-flight. Drona then set a long, anjalika shaft on his bow. Empowering it with mantras,
he fired it from his fully-drawn bow and it struck Dhristaketu on the chest. The shaft
pierced right through the Chedi king and entered the earth behind him.
Seeing his foe falling to the ground, Drona looked around for Arjuna. The Pandava had
disappeared into the throng. Drona decided to make his way swiftly toward Jayadratha.
No doubt he would get his chance to meet Arjuna there before too long.
After leaving Drona, Arjuna plunged into the Kauravas. Like maladies afflicting the body,
he afflicted his enemies with fiery shafts. Roaring and blowing his conch, he attacked
the Kauravas as if demented. He launched blazing arrows from the Gandiva end to end. They fell
unfailingly upon men, horses and elephants, leaving them floundering. Krtavarma challenged
Arjuna, setting at nought their long-standing friendship. The Pandava and the Vrishni fought.
No difference could be detected between the two as they matched weapon for weapon. It
appeared as if Yamaraja were contending with Death personified. Arrows charged with mantras
collided in mid-air with mighty explosions. Both men circled each other and released a
continuous stream of shafts. Both were pierced in all parts of their bodies as they sought
for weak spots in their foe.
Krsna again said to Arjuna. "Do not spare him. You are losing too much time. Forgetting
your relationship with him, crush him at once."
Charged with Krsna's admonition, Arjuna shot a cluster of shafts at Krtavarma that broke
his bow and sent him reeling. Taking his opportunity, Arjuna rushed past him and pressed on into
the Kaurava ranks. As Krtavarma came back to his senses, he was assailed by Arjuna's
two protectors, who kept him at bay as Arjuna pushed forward.
Then the Kalinga king, Srutayush, charged Arjuna. Whirling a huge mace, he closed rapidly
on the Pandava. Arjuna sped three dozen shafts at him and the king took up his own bow, sending
fifty arrows back. After an exchange of shafts, Srutayush leapt down from his chariot and
ran at Arjuna with his mace held aloft. Srutayush, the son of the River Parnasa, had received
a boon from Varuna that his mace would prove irresistible to all. However, the god had
warned him, "Do not attack anyone who is not fighting or this weapon will kill you."
In the heat of the battle, Srutayush's forgot Varuna's warning. As he reached Arjuna's chariot
he swung his mace at Krsna and dealt him a great blow. Krsna received the blow on his
broad shoulders without shaking, even as a mountain is unshaken by a tempest. In accord
with Varuna's words, however, Srutayush's mace turned as he lifted it to again strike
Krsna. It smashed into his own head and killed him. The Kauravas wailed on seeing the hero
killed by his own weapon. His army fled, crying out in fear.
Sudaksina, a Kambhoja prince, challenged Arjuna and fired hundreds of arrows at him. Arjuna
warded off the shafts and Sudaksina hurled a dreadful iron lance, furnished with bells
and a long, spiked point. It blazed brilliantly and emitted sparks as it flew. Hit by the
lance, Arjuna fell to his knees in a swoon. Krsna swiftly circled the chariot around as
Arjuna recovered his senses.
Getting to his feet, Arjuna licked the corners of his mouth and glared at Sudaksina. He drew
the Gandiva back to his ear and shot a volley of shafts that smashed the prince's chariot.
Arjuna then struck him on the chest with an arrow charged with the force of a thunderbolt.
With his chariot falling apart all around him, the prince dropped headlong to the earth
like a tree cut at its root.
After killing the prince Arjuna encountered the armies of the Surasenas, Abhisahas, Sinis
and Vasatis. Driving into their midst, he dispersed them with his weapons. Oblivious
to the immense volumes of arrows which fell upon him, which were either struck down by
Arjuna's own shafts or deflected from his impenetrable armor, he annihilated the warriors
as if appointed by Yamaraja to bring on the end of the yuga. Continuously pressing forward
toward Jayadratha, he left a trail of devastation. Sixty thousand of his antagonists were slain
in less than an hour. The survivors turned and fled, crying out to Duryodhana and Drona
for protection.
Three of Srutayush's sons then attacked Arjuna, hoping to avenge their father. They were powerful
fighters. For some time, Arjuna's chariot was hardly visible beneath the shower of weapons
they launched at him. Arrows, darts and lances rained down on both Arjuna and Krsna. They
appeared like the twin peaks of a great mountain lashed by a violent storm. Gradually, however,
Arjuna checked his opponents' missiles and his chariot again appeared on the battlefield.
Placing a long golden arrow onto the Gandiva, he invoked the Sakra weapon, presided over
by the king of the gods. Thousands of shafts went toward the princes like streaks of lightning,
cutting down all their arrows and other missiles. Those deadly shafts struck the princes with
terrible force, severing their arms, legs and heads from their trunks. Many thousands
of Kaurava warriors supporting the princes were also annihilated.
Having swept away the three Kalinga princes, Arjuna sent up a triumphant cry and charged
into the thick array of Kauravas between himself and Jayadratha. While the other Pandavas and
their forces engaged with the principal Kaurava warriors, Arjuna ploughed through their army
like a raging fire. All the other Pandava fighters were left far behind as he battled
his way through the enemy.
Hearing that Arjuna was steadily approaching the Sindhu ruler, Duryodhana spoke with Drona,
who had resumed his position near the Kaurava prince. Drona had thought it best to stay
near Jayadratha, supporting his generals. He would stand a better chance of checking
Arjuna when flanked by Krpa, Karna and Asvatthama. The Pandava would be hard-pressed to get past
him again.
Duryodhana looked apprehensively at his commander, "O preceptor, Arjuna is crushing our forces.
Like a fire among dry weeds, the Dhananjaya fire, strengthened by the wind of his anger,
is swallowing up my forces. The warriors protecting Jayadratha are trembling with fear. You are
our only shelter. Everyone came to the fight today believing that Arjuna would not escape
with his life when you faced him. O illustrious one, it seems you are attached to the Pandavas
and therefore I have become confused, not knowing what to do next."
Duryodhana's tone was imploring. He looked anxiously about the field. Karna stood at
a distance with his weapons at the ready, but even he would find it hard to check Arjuna
in his present mood. Only Drona could stop him, if he so desired. There was not a warrior
in all the worlds who could overpower Drona in battle. As Arjuna's instructor, he knew
everything about his mode of fighting and any possible weakness. There could only be
one reason why he had not already slain Arjuna.
Duryodhana frowned. "To the best of my ability I have always tried to please you, great Brahmin,
but it seems you do not value my service. O man of infinite prowess, although we are
devoted to you, it appears you do not wish us well. Although you live on our bread, still
you injure us. I now see that you are like a razor soaked in honey. If you had not assured
me, I would not have prevented Jayadratha from returning to his kingdom. Fool that I
am, I believed you, and as a result I have virtually offered him as a victim to Death.
Indeed, a man might escape even when he enters Death's jaws, but there is no chance that
Jayadratha will escape when he faces the infuriated Arjuna in battle."
Duryodhana wept tears of frustration, trying by any means to incite Drona to attack Arjuna.
Afraid that he may have had the opposite effect, he spoke more gently. "O hero, forgive my
ravings for I am afflicted by grief. I fall at your feet. Please save Jayadratha, and
indeed our army, from the enraged and invincible Arjuna."
Drona looked wearied. How many times did Duryodhana have to be told? "I am not offended by your
words, O ruler of men. You are the same to me as my own son. Thus I have tried in every
way to assist you. I have tendered you wholesome advice, but you have not listened. I have
made vows for your benefit, fully intent on keeping them. Before all men I promised to
capture Yudhisthira, but it was to no avail. Again, I vowed to protect Jayadratha, but
how is it possible when we face Arjuna and Krsna together on one chariot? I can only
endeavor to my full extent; I cannot control the results. Destiny is the ultimate controller,
despite man's exertion, and the Lord of destiny sits by Arjuna's side."
Drona shook his head and looked around at the thick ranks of warriors protecting Jayadratha.
Doubtlessly they would all soon lie dead. Arjuna would spare none in his efforts to
slay the Sindhu king, and Krsna would do anything to protect his friend's promise. He had already
shown that enough times. Duryodhana, however, was faithless and could not understand this
simple truth.
With a sweep of his hand Drona indicated the forces surrounding him. "These troops are
the last line of defense for Jayadratha. I will not personally confront Arjuna again,
as I am needed here. Nor will he fight with me at present. When I tried engaging with
him, he simply left me standing."
Drona could understand that the situation was desperate. The Pandavas had thought out
their strategy well. Their forces had pressed ahead behind Arjuna, taking advantage of the
chaos he was causing. All the chief Kaurava warriors were engaged in different parts of
the field, either fighting or remaining in critical positions for Jayadratha's protection.
Someone had to check Arjuna, but Duryodhana was the only one available.
Drona continued, "O great hero, you are a mighty maharatha, possessed of fame and skilled
at defeating your enemies. Go to where Arjuna stands. Challenge him yourself and arrest
his progress."
Duryodhana looked up in astonishment. "O preceptor, how do you honestly expect me to stop Arjuna?
I may be able to conquer Indra, armed with his thunderbolt and heading the host of gods,
but it will not be possible to conquer Arjuna. He has already overcome you and Krtavarma,
as well as slaying all of the Kalinga rulers. He has also slaughtered myriads of fierce
barbarian fighters. How will I face him? O great one, I am dependent on you. Please save
my honor."
"What you say is true, O King. No one can defeat Arjuna. Under normal circumstances
I would not risk you against him, but we face a dire calamity. Still, you need not fear.
I will make you invincible even to Arjuna. I will tie on your armor in such a way that
will make it impenetrable to both human and celestial weapons. Even if the creatures of
the three worlds come together against you, still you need not fear. Arjuna knows how
to do this, but no one else on this battlefield. Take off your armor, O King, and I will tie
it on again while reciting the ancient mantras uttered by Brahma himself. You may then proceed
fearlessly against the mighty Pandava."
Duryodhana quickly removed his golden armor. After Drona had touched water for purification
and rinsed his mouth, he replaced it while intoning mantras. When he had finished he
said, "You will now be able to face any foe with impunity. This celestial armor, invoked
by my prayers, was originally given by Brahma to Indra. Clad in this armor, Indra fought
and defeated Vrtrasura, who had overpowered all the other celestials. O King, go forward
and face Arjuna. There is no time to lose."
As the sun reached the meridian on the thirteenth day, many terrific battles were being fought
between the respected heroes on both sides. Drstadyumna was steadily pressing forward,
hoping to meet Drona in single combat. Bhima constantly sought out Dhrtarastra's sons,
while Yudhisthira engaged with Salya and his division of warriors. Satyaki encountered
Bahlika, Sahadeva fought with Sakuni, Ghatotkaca and his Raksasa hordes with Alambusha and
his supporters, and the other chief fighters among the Pandavas fought opponents of equal
might. Fighting with human and celestial weapons, the great warriors created a beautiful sight
on the battlefield as they attacked and counterattacked each other, displaying all their skills.
Meanwhile, Arjuna continued to plow through the tightly packed Kaurava troops. Hearing
news of his progress, Jayadratha shook with fear. Karna and Asvatthama stood by his sides,
grim-faced. Still some twenty miles from Jayadratha, Arjuna fought on remorselessly. With his fiery
shafts he created breaches in the enemy defenses, and Krsna would then quickly drive the chariot
through. Wherever the chariot went, the Kauravas were driven back like darkness at sunrise.
Arjuna's arrows slew men standing a full two miles away. His well-tempered and polished
steel shafts dropped from the sky like showers of meteors. As Arjuna annihilated the troops
who opposed him, Krsna baffled their attacks by His skillful driving, exhibiting various
expert maneuvers as the chariot moved with circular, backwards, and sideways motions.
Sometimes Arjuna's progress was swift and at other times slow, but no one saw him cease
fighting for a moment. His bow was constantly drawn and arrows flew out in endless streams.
It took great courage to even look at him. Thousands of warriors, careless of their lives,
rushed against him and perished like insects falling into a fire.
As the sun began its downward course, Arjuna was attacked by Vinda and Anuvinda, the two
princes of Avanti. Both were maharathas and they came at Arjuna from both sides at once.
Roaring in delight, the fearless warriors charged at Arjuna, releasing their long-shafted
arrows by the hundreds.
Surprised by their sudden appearance, Arjuna was hit hard by more than sixty arrows. Krsna
was pierced with the same number and the horses were all caught with twenty arrows each. Blazing
in anger, Arjuna shook off their shafts and aimed his own arrows at his antagonists, looking
for their vulnerable points. He struck both of them and stopped their forward charge.
The two princes screamed out their battle cries and covered Arjuna with a downpour of
arrows. Ignoring the attack, Arjuna carefully aimed a couple of broad-headed shafts and
cut apart both their bows. With two more arrows he cut off their standards, and with another
dozen he slew their charioteers and horses. All this happened in a matter of moments.
Before the princes could do anything Arjuna shot a crescent-headed shaft with full force
that severed Vinda's head.
Seeing his brother slain, Anuvinda leapt from his chariot bellowing with rage. Clutching
his mace he raced toward Arjuna. Anuvinda swerved from side to side as he ran, determined
to avenge Vinda's death. Reaching Arjuna's chariot, he brought the mace down with all
his power onto Krsna's forehead. Krsna remained firm. Utterly enraged to see Anuvinda strike
Krsna, Arjuna shot five short shafts that cut off his arms, legs and head. The prince
fell down like fragments of rocks shattered by an explosion.
Seeing both their leaders killed, the Avanti army rushed in a body at Arjuna. The Pandava
slew them with arrows shot from the Gandiva which appeared like showers of sparks flying
up from a great fire. Whirling about in his chariot, he consumed the army like a fire
consuming a forest at the end of the summer. Thousands of other troops then came at Arjuna.
His chariot was completely lost in the enemy ranks. Krsna found it impossible to move in
any direction. As the battle raged on, He said, "O Partha, such is the intensity of
this fight that even our celestial horses are becoming weary. We are still far from
Jayadratha and they need rest."
Fighting continuously, Arjuna replied, "O Madhava, I will create a path through these
foes. You may then take the chariot through, unyoke the horses, and let them rest. Draw
out the arrows from their bodies while I keep these warriors in check."
Arjuna directed a great stream of arrows at his enemies and forced them back. He then
leapt down from the chariot, still releasing countless shafts, and Krsna drove away from
him. The Kauravas, seeing Arjuna standing on the ground, felt that their opportunity
for victory had arrived. Roaring even louder, they ignored Krsna and the chariot and trained
all their weapons on Arjuna. Arjuna fought on foot against them. He spun around and shot
searing arrows in all directions. The amazed Kauravas could not find any gap in his defenses.
To approach him was to rush into a solid wall of arrows. The meeting of Arjuna's shafts
with those of his adversaries created a sheet of fire in the sky. Scorched, the Kauravas
fell back.
Arjuna ran over to where Krsna had released the horses. Krsna told him that they needed
water and Arjuna replied, "It shall be done." Drawing back his bow with a golden arrow fixed
to it, Arjuna uttered incantations to invoke the Varunastra. He shot the arrow at the earth
and at once a large lake appeared, with swans, ducks, and other aquatic birds swimming amid
lotuses and lilies. The clear pond had been transported from the heavenly regions and
was cool and pleasing. A gentle breeze blew over it and celestial sages were seated on
its banks.
Invoking another mystical weapon, Arjuna constructed a shelter on the lakeside made entirely of
arrows. Krsna laughed and applauded him. He led the horses into the shelter where, after
drinking their fill, they lay on the grassy ground. Krsna then removed their arrows and
gently massaged their bodies.
The Kauravas had rallied and again surrounded Arjuna, who continued to fight on foot. Showers
of arrows, darts and lances fell upon him, but he stood as firm as Mount Meru. He received
the massive downpour of weapons like a mountain receiving rain. Even as the single fault of
covetousness destroys all a man's good qualities, he single-handedly destroyed his enemies.
Contending alone against countless warriors seated on chariots, horses and elephants,
Arjuna appeared wonderful. Celestials praised him and the Kauravas themselves applauded
his prowess. They marveled at the sight of the lake and the shelter he had created. Despite
strenuous exertions, they could not overcome him even though he was disadvantaged by the
loss of his chariot. His speed, lightness of hand and agility were too great. As he
held off the Kaurava forces, Krsna harnessed the horses and drove up to Arjuna's side.
As He did so, the mystical lake, with its birds, aquatics and rsis, vanished.
Mounted again on his chariot, Arjuna sounded his conch. Krsna urged on the horses, and
the chariot rushed into the thick of the Kauravas, with Arjuna spraying deadly shafts on all
sides. Like a storm agitating the ocean, he created havoc among the enemy ranks. The Kauravas
were beaten back and unable to check his progress. Some of them called out, "Fie upon Duryodhana!
It is his fault that the earth now faces such a calamity. These two heroes will spare no
one." Other Kauravas said, "Dhrtarastra should begin the preparations for Jayadratha's last
rites. The Sindhu ruler will be killed today."
Arjuna pressed forward relentlessly. Only four hours remained until sunset and he still
had ten miles of troops to cross. The bravest of the Kauravas rushed against him, but like
rivers entering the sea they did not return. Other cowardly warriors, like atheists turning
away from scripture, turned back from the fight, thus incurring condemnation and sin.
The fire-colored chariot Krsna drove appeared like Surya's chariot driven by Aruna. It tore
through the Kaurava ranks. Rested and refreshed, the horses raced ahead, seeming to rise up
into the sky at every moment. Arjuna and Krsna appeared like two fiery suns risen together
at the end of the age. Anyone coming near them was burnt by the fire of Arjuna's weapons
and fell lifeless to the earth. The Kauravas facing Arjuna became dispirited and hopeless.
They struggled vainly to check him from reaching Jayadratha, but in less than an hour Arjuna
could see in the distance Drona's tall standard. With a triumphant shout he said, "See there
the preceptor's banner, O Madhava. I think we are drawing close to the Sindhu king. He
cannot be more than a few miles away."
Krsna again advised Arjuna to circumvent Drona so as not to lose time, but Drona had already
seen him and was shooting arrows that flew more than two miles and pierced both him and
Krsna. Bleeding from their wounds, they appeared like two flowering karnikara trees. Krsna
drove the chariot away from Drona's attack, placing a body of Kaurava troops between them.
He then moved in a great circle around Drona's division. Arjuna continuously launched his
blazing shafts in unending lines that struck down men, horses and elephants alike.
As Arjuna came within a few miles of Jayadratha, he was suddenly met by Duryodhana. With his
impenetrable armor shining brilliantly, the Kaurava prince sent up a mighty roar and charged.
Drawing up his chariot at a short distance from his enemy, he shouted out a challenge.
Krsna stopped the chariot and said, "Behold Dhrtarastra's powerful son standing fearlessly
before you. He has constantly hated the Pandavas and is an accomplished warrior, capable of
contending with innumerable warriors at once. I think, O sinless one, that the time has
come when you should fight with him. Upon him rests victory or defeat. Vomit upon him
the venom of your wrath, O Partha. It is your good fortune that has brought him before you
alone. Why has he risked his life in this way? Surely he will soon regret his folly.
Strike down this evil-hearted one and the war will be over. O Arjuna, kill him and cut
the root of the wicked Kauravas."
Arjuna stared angrily at the bellowing Duryodhana. "Let it be so. Go closer to this wretch so
that I may punish him with sharpened shafts. I will now avenge the wrongs he committed
against Draupadi."
Krsna drove the chariot toward Duryodhana. Seeing the Kaurava chief exhibiting no fear,
even though there was sufficient cause, many warriors looked on and applauded. Others cried
out in sorrow, considering Duryodhana to be like a libation of ghee poured into a sacrificial
fire. "The king is slain! The king is slain!" they cried in terror.
Hearing their cries, Duryodhana laughed. "Dispel your fears. I will soon send these two to
Death's abode."
Duryodhana taunted Arjuna. "O Partha, let me see your prowess. Release all the weapons
you have learned from Drona and received from the celestials. Watch as I repulse your attack.
Then I will sever your head along with Krsna's."
Duryodhana immediately pierced Arjuna with three arrows that flew invisibly toward him.
With four more he pierced each of his horses, and with another ten he struck Krsna. With
another well-aimed arrow he cut the whip in Krsna's hand, which fell to the ground in
two pieces. Arjuna drew the Gandiva back to his ear and fired four steel-headed shafts
that screamed through the air. Hitting Duryodhana's armor they fell harmlessly to the earth. Arjuna
released another sixteen arrows which were again deflected from his armor. He shot twenty
more shafts with even more power, but these were also ineffective against Duryodhana's
armor.
Seeing this, Krsna said with surprise, "I have not seen this before. Your arrows, capable
of penetrating the earth, are falling uselessly from Duryodhana's armor. Is everything well
with you, O Partha? Is the Gandiva losing its power? Why are you unable to pierce your
enemy? This is not the time to fail. What is the cause?"
Arjuna understood. Looking at the laughing Duryodhana, he replied, "I think Drona has
tied on Duryodhana's armor today. It contains the might of the three worlds. Only Drona
knows its secret and he has taught it to me. No weapons can pierce this armor. Surely You
know this, O Krsna, because You know everything. Yet see how this fool stands before me. He
is like a woman clad in armor and does not know how to take advantage of his position.
Even though he is protected by an impenetrable coat of mail, I will still defeat him. Watch
as I send him reeling from my attack."
Duryodhana stood fearlessly in his chariot and called to Arjuna derisively, "Try again,
O Partha. I think you are losing your touch." He fired a thick volley of shafts that covered
both Arjuna and Krsna. The Kauravas watching the fight were delighted to see Duryodhana
impervious to Arjuna's attack. They roared and beat their drums.
Fending off Duryodhana's arrows, Arjuna became incensed. With a taut smile he slew Duryodhana's
four horses. He then broke apart his chariot with a hundred hammer-headed shafts. Taking
another four arrows with extended points, he empowered them with mantras and aimed them
carefully at the Kaurava. The arrows struck Duryodhana on the tips of his fingers, the
only exposed part of his body, as he was releasing his own shafts. He screamed in pain as they
went under his nails. Dropping his bow he jumped about on the terrace of his chariot,
shaking his hand in agony.
Seeing their leader distressed, other Kaurava warriors rushed to his rescue. They surrounded
Arjuna with chariots, elephants and horses. Krpa, who had come to Duryodhana's assistance,
took him on his chariot, bearing the emblem of a bull, and carried him to safety.
Arjuna again set to slaying the Kaurava troops. He soon managed to break free from his assailants.
As his chariot emerged from the enemy array, both he and Krsna blew their conchshells with
full power. That sound filled the battlefield and terrified the Kauravas. Jayadratha also
heard it in the distance and froze in his chariot, looking fearfully in the direction
of foes. The losses on both sides were great. The earth again assumed a terrible aspect,
with the bodies of slain men and beasts lying about amid the wreckage of chariots, armor
and weapons.