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| Kurukshetra and After |
But for the Pandavas it was a black day. When Abhimanyu did not return, Yudhishthira knew that the worst had happened. His heart grew heavy as he sat waiting; what would he say to Arjuna when he returned? But Arjuna did not need to be told in words. As he and Krishna drove back after having defeated the Samsaptakas, on the other front, his worst fears were confirmed. Yudhishthira told him how the young boy had fought all alone and how a number of veteran warriors got together to kill him. The Pandavas sat huddled in their camp and the only sound to be heard was the lamentation of Arjuna. As dawn broke and the first conch sounded, announcing the beginning of the battle, Arjuna rose. His face was grim and set, his fists clenched tight. He looked at the weeping women and swore aloud that before sunset that day he would destroy Jayadratha or would immolate himself.
The next morning the fourteenth day of battle, Drona arranged the Kaurava forces carefully. He stood at the head of the main army which faced the Pandavas. Behind this main formation, some distance to the rear, stood Jayadratha surrounded by other kings and their forces.
The Pandava army moved forward. Arjuna's chariot passed Drona's, but avoiding him he drove on. Further, Arjuna was fiercely attacked by several warriors but, defeating them all, he successfully forced his way to Jayadratha. Seeing this, Duryodhana rushed in great agitation to Drona and complained bitterly, "Arjuna has breached our great formation before your eyes and you did nothing to stop him. It seems to me that you are really with the Pandavas. I should have allowed Jayadratha to go back to his kingdom as he wished, rather than rely on you to protect him,"
Suddenly he stopped, aghast at what he had said and then continued in a contrite tone. "Please forgive me for being so blunt, I am greatly agitated. Please do something and stop Arjuna."
Drona replied, "I do not take offence at your unfair remarks but I cannot leave this place otherwise our army will be overpowered and all will be lost." Then Drona gave him a Brahmin's armour to put on. Suddenly Krishna said, "Look Arjuna, there comes Duryodhana, the man who caused all this bloodshed. Now is the time to deal with him."
Soon combat between the two started and Krishna was again surprised. "Your arrows seem to have no effect. They drop off harmlessly. What has happened? Have your arms lost their strength or the Gandiva its power?"
Arjuna smiled and said, "I understand. He has been clad in divine armour by Drona. But wait and watch now." Arjuna's arrows struck parts of Duryodhana's body not covered by the armour. Unable to bear the pain he turned and fled. | |
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