JAYADRATH VADH - PART 2
Arjun vs. Kritavarma
-------------------------
After leaving Drona, Arjun 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 Gandiv end to end. They fell
unfailingly upon men, horses and elephants,
leaving them floundering. Kritavarma
challenged Arjun, 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.
Krishna again said to Arjun. "Do not spare him.
You are losing too much time. Forgetting your
relationship with him, crush him at once."
Charged with Krishna's admonition, Arjun shot
a cluster of shafts at Kritavarma that broke his
bow and sent him reeling.
Taking his
opportunity, Arjun rushed past him and
pressed on into the Kaurava ranks. As
Kritavarma came back to his senses, he was
assailed by Arjun's two protectors, who kept
him at bay as Arjun pushed forward.
Arjun kills Srutayush and Sudakshina
------------------------------------------
Then the Kalinga king, Srutayush, charged
Arjun. Whirling a huge mace, he closed rapidly
on the Pandava. Arjun 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 Arjun with his
mace held aloft. Srutayush, the son of the
River Parnasa, had received a boon from
Varun 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
Varun's warning. As he reached Arjun's
chariot he swung his mace at Krishna and
dealt him a great blow. Krishna received the
blow on his broad shoulders without shaking,
even as a mountain is unshaken by a tempest.
In accord with Varun's words, however,
Srutayush's mace turned as he lifted it to
again strike Krishna. 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.
Sudakshina, a Kambhoja prince, challenged
Arjun and fired hundreds of arrows at him.
Arjun warded off the shafts and Sudakshina
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, Arjun fell to his knees in a swoon.
Krishna swiftly circled the chariot around as
Arjun recovered his senses.
Getting to his feet, Arjun licked the corners of
his mouth and glared at Sudakshina. He drew
the Gandiv back to his ear and shot a volley of
shafts that smashed the prince's chariot.
Arjun 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.
Arjun vs. Surasenas, Abhisahas, Sinis and
Vasatis
------------------------------------------
After killing the prince Arjun 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 Arjun's
own shafts or deflected from his impenetrable
armour, he annihilated the warriors as if
appointed by Yamaraja to bring on the end of
the yuga. Continuously pressing forward
toward Jayadrath, 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 Duryodhan and Drona for
protection.
Three of Srutayush's sons then attacked Arjun,
hoping to avenge their father. They were
powerful fighters. For some time, Arjun's
chariot was hardly visible beneath the shower
of weapons they launched at him. Arrows,
darts and lances rained down on both Arjun
and Krishna. They appeared like the twin
peaks of a great mountain lashed by a violent
storm. Gradually, however, Arjun checked his
opponents' missiles and his chariot again
appeared on the battlefield. Placing a long
golden arrow onto the Gandiv, 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,
Arjun sent up a triumphant cry and charged
into the thick array of Kauravas between
himself and Jayadrath. While the other
Pandavas and their forces engaged with the
principal Kaurava warriors, Arjun 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.
Drona and Duryodhan
-------------------------
Hearing that Arjun was steadily approaching
the Sindhu ruler, Duryodhan spoke with
Drona, who had resumed his position near the
Kaurava prince. Drona had thought it best to
stay near Jayadrath, supporting his generals.
He would stand a better chance of checking
Arjun when flanked by Kripa, Karna and
Ashwatthama. The Pandava would be hard-
pressed to get past him again.
Duryodhan looked apprehensively at his
commander, "O preceptor, Arjun 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 Jayadrath are trembling
with fear. You are our only shelter. Everyone
came to the fight today believing that Arjun
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."
Duryodhan'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 Arjun 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 Arjun'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 Arjun.
Duryodhan 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
Jayadrath 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 Jayadrath will escape when he faces the
infuriated Arjun in battle."
Duryodhan wept tears of frustration, trying by
any means to incite Drona to attack Arjun.
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 Jayadrath, and indeed
our army, from the enraged and invincible
Arjun."
Drona looked wearied. How many times did
Duryodhan 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 Yudhishthir, but
it was to no avail. Again, I vowed to protect
Jayadrath, but how is it possible when we face
Arjun and Krishna together on one chariot? I
can only endeavour 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 Arjun's side."
Drona shook his head and looked around at
the thick ranks of warriors protecting
Jayadrath. Doubtlessly they would all soon lie
dead. Arjun would spare none in his efforts to
slay the Sindhu king, and Krishna would do
anything to protect his friend's promise. He
had already shown that enough times.
Duryodhan, 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 defence for Jayadrath. I will not
personally confront Arjun 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
Arjun, 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
Jayadrath's protection.
Someone had to check
Arjun, but Duryodhan was the only one
available.
Drona continued, "O great hero, you are a
mighty maharathi, possessed of fame and
skilled at defeating your enemies. Go to where
Arjun stands. Challenge him yourself and
arrest his progress."
Duryodhan looked up in astonishment. "O
preceptor, how do you honestly expect me to
stop Arjun? 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 Arjun. He has already overcome you
and Kritavarma, 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 honour."
"What you say is true, O King. No one can
defeat Arjun. 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 Arjun. I will tie on
your armour 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. Arjun knows how to do this,
but no one else on this battlefield. Take off
your armour, 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."
Duryodhan quickly removed his golden
armour. 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 armour,
invoked by my prayers, was originally given by
Brahma to Indra. Clad in this armour, Indra
fought and defeated Vritrasura, who had
overpowered all the other celestials. O King,
go forward and face Arjun. There is no time to
lose."
Arjun forges ahead
------------------------
As the sun reached the meridian on the
thirteenth day, many terrific battles were
being fought between the respected heroes on
both sides. Dhrishtadyumna was steadily
pressing forward, hoping to meet Drona in
single combat. Bheem constantly sought out
Dhritarashtra's sons, while Yudhishthir
engaged with Shalya and his division of
warriors. Satyaki encountered Bahlika,
Sahadev fought with Shakuni, Ghatotkacha and
his Rakshasa hordes with Alambush 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, Arjun continued to plow through
the tightly packed Kaurava troops. Hearing
news of his progress, Jayadrath shook with
fear. Karna and Ashwatthama stood by his
sides, grim-faced. Still some twenty miles from
Jayadrath, Arjun fought on remorselessly. With
his fiery shafts he created breaches in the
enemy defences, and Krishna would then
quickly drive the chariot through. Wherever
the chariot went, the Kauravas were driven
back like darkness at sunrise. Arjun'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 Arjun annihilated the troops who opposed
him, Krishna baffled their attacks by His skillful
driving, exhibiting various expert manoeuvres
as the chariot moved with circular, backwards,
and sideways motions.
Sometimes Arjun'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.
Arjun kills Vinda and Anuvinda
------------------------------------
As the sun began its downward course, Arjun
was attacked by Vinda and Anuvinda, the two
princes of Avanti. Both were maharathis and
they came at Arjun from both sides at once.
Roaring in delight, the fearless warriors
charged at Arjun, releasing their long-shafted
arrows by the hundreds.
Surprised by their sudden appearance, Arjun
was hit hard by more than sixty arrows.
Krishna was pierced with the same number
and the horses were all caught with twenty
arrows each. Blazing in anger, Arjun 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 Arjun with a
downpour of arrows. Ignoring the attack, Arjun
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 Arjun 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 Arjun. Anuvinda
swerved from side to side as he ran,
determined to avenge Vinda's death. Reaching
Arjun's chariot, he brought the mace down
with all his power onto Krishna's forehead.
Krishna remained firm. Utterly enraged to see
Anuvinda strike Krishna, Arjun 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 Arjun. The Pandava
slew them with arrows shot from the Gandiv
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
Arjun. His chariot was completely lost in the
enemy ranks. Krishna found it impossible to
move in any direction.
Arjun fights on his feet
----------------------------
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING FEAT OF ARJUN. HE STOOD IN THE MIDST OF 11 AKSHOUHINIS UNSUPPORTED BY CHARIOT.
As the battle raged on, He said, "O Parth,
such is the intensity of this fight that even our
celestial horses are becoming weary. We are
still far from Jayadrath and they need rest."
Fighting continuously, Arjun replied, "O
Madhav, 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."
Arjun 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 Krishna drove away from him. The
Kauravas, seeing Arjun standing on the
ground, felt that their opportunity for victory
had arrived. Roaring even louder, they ignored
Krishna and the chariot and trained all their
weapons on Arjun. Arjun 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
defences. To approach him was to rush into a
solid wall of arrows. The meeting of Arjun's
shafts with those of his adversaries created a
sheet of fire in the sky. Scorched, the
Kauravas fell back.
Arjun ran over to where Krishna had released
the horses. Krishna told him that they needed
water and Arjun replied, "It shall be done."
Drawing back his bow with a golden arrow
fixed to it, Arjun uttered incantations to invoke
the Varun astra. 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, Arjun
constructed a shelter on the lakeside made
entirely of arrows. Krishna laughed and
applauded him. He led the horses into the
shelter where, after drinking their fill, they lay
on the grassy ground. Krishna then removed
their arrows and gently massaged their bodies.
The Kauravas had rallied and again
surrounded Arjun, 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, Arjun appeared
wonderful. Celestials praised him and the
Kauravas themselves applauded his prowess.
They marvelled 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, Krishna harnessed the horses
and drove up to Arjun's side. As He did so,
the mystical lake, with its birds, aquatics and
rishis, vanished.
Arjun continues his relentless slaughter
------------------------------------------
Mounted again on his chariot, Arjun sounded
his conch. Krishna urged on the horses, and
the chariot rushed into the thick of the
Kauravas, with Arjun 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 Duryodhan! It is his fault that the
earth now faces such a calamity. These two
heroes will spare no one." Other Kauravas
said, "Dhritarashtra should begin the
preparations for Jayadrath's last rites. The
Sindhu ruler will be killed today."
Arjun 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 Krishna 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. Arjun
and Krishna appeared like two fiery suns risen
together at the end of the age. Anyone coming
near them was burnt by the fire of Arjun's
weapons and fell lifeless to the earth. The
Kauravas facing Arjun became dispirited and
hopeless. They struggled vainly to check him
from reaching Jayadrath, but in less than an
hour Arjun could see in the distance Drona's
tall standard. With a triumphant shout he
said, "See there the preceptor's banner, O
Madhav. I think we are drawing close to the
Sindhu king. He cannot be more than a few
miles away."
Krishna again advised Arjun 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 Krishna. Bleeding from their
wounds, they appeared like two flowering
karnikara trees. Krishna 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. Arjun
continuously launched his blazing shafts in
unending lines that struck down men, horses
and elephants alike.
Arjun vs. Duryodhan
------------------------
As Arjun came within a few miles of Jayadrath,
he was suddenly met by Duryodhan. With his
impenetrable armour 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.
Krishna stopped the chariot and said, "Behold
Dhritarashtra'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 Parth.
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 Arjun, kill him and cut the root
of the wicked Kauravas."
Arjun stared angrily at the bellowing
Duryodhan. "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."
Krishna drove the chariot toward Duryodhan.
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 Duryodhan 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, Duryodhan laughed.
"Dispel your fears. I will soon send these two
to Death's abode."
Duryodhan taunted Arjun. "O Parth, 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
Krishna's."
Duryodhan immediately pierced Arjun with
three arrows that flew invisibly toward him.
With four more he pierced each of his horses,
and with another ten he struck Krishna. With
another well-aimed arrow he cut the whip in
Krishna's hand, which fell to the ground in
two pieces. Arjun drew the Gandiv back to his
ear and fired four steel-headed shafts that
screamed through the air. Hitting Duryodhan's
armour they fell harmlessly to the earth. Arjun
released another sixteen arrows which were
again deflected from his armour. He shot
twenty more shafts with even more power,
but these were also ineffective against
Duryodhan's armour.
Seeing this, Krishna said with surprise, "I have
not seen this before. Your arrows, capable of
penetrating the earth, are falling uselessly
from Duryodhan's armour. Is everything well
with you, O Parth? Is the Gandiv losing its
power? Why are you unable to pierce your
enemy? This is not the time to fail. What is the
cause?"
Arjun understood. Looking at the laughing
Duryodhan, he replied, "I think Drona has tied
on Duryodhan's armour 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 armour. Surely You
know this, O Krishna, because You know
everything. Yet see how this fool stands before
me. He is like a woman clad in armour 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."
Duryodhan stood fearlessly in his chariot and
called to Arjun derisively, "Try again, O Parth.
I think you are losing your touch." He fired a
thick volley of shafts that covered both Arjun
and Krishna. The Kauravas watching the fight
were delighted to see Duryodhan impervious
to Arjun's attack. They roared and beat their
drums.
Fending off Duryodhan's arrows, Arjun became
incensed. With a taut smile he slew
Duryodhan'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 Duryodhan 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 Arjun with chariots, elephants and
horses. Kripa, who had come to Duryodhan's
assistance, took him on his chariot, bearing
the emblem of a bull, and carried him to
safety.
Arjun 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 Krishna blew their
conch shells with full power.
That sound filled
the battlefield and terrified the Kauravas.
Jayadrath also heard it in the distance and
froze in his chariot, looking fearfully in the
direction of the sound.
Elsewhere on the field the other Pandavas had
been fighting and destroying thousands 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, armour and
weapons.
----------To be continued ---------
JAI DHANANJAYA
_/\_
No comments:
Post a Comment