Episode#58
The fourth day battle was not dissimilar in any other way - replete with incessant killings and devastation. Yet the great war stands as the main central event in Mahabharata which played a pivotal role in comprehending the different aspects and dimensions of the great epic, it has enthralled a number of generations that followed them.
At break of dawn, Pitamah re-arrayed the Kauravas regiment; being surrounded by Drona, Duryodhana and others, he appeared very radiant like Indra! The Kauravas army replete with it's chariot, elephants and horses all arrayed in battle order reminded of appearance of the sky caught in a great thunderstorm. Pitamah gave orders to advance...
Arjuna watched the hostile movements from his chariot; the Hanuman flag wave enthusiastically and readied him for a strong battle. The battle commenced and Ashwasthama, Bhurisravas, Salya and Chitrasena (son of Chala) collectively surrounded Abhimanyu and assaulted him. The young warrior fought like a lion against the opposing five killer elephants, Arjuna saw his young son battling all alone with five adult warriors and his blood boiled with fury. Like an enraged lion he roared and joined his son - escalating the tempo of the battle! Dhrishtadyumna arrived with a large force. Chala's son was killed and Chala along with Salya jointly attacked Dhrishtadyumna and severed the latter's bow into two by sharp missile. It was discharged by Salya; on seeing this Abhimanyu sent equally forceful shower of arrows at Salya...and Duryodhana and his brothers had to rush to help him.
Bhima made a sudden appearance with his favorite mace, seeing the gigantic Bhima with his equally lofty mace the Duryodhana brothers lost courage which, in turn, made Duryodhana furious and he immediately charged at Bhima with a large force of elephants, as soon Bhima saw the elephants rushing up towards his chariot, he descended from his chariot, attacked them so fiercely with his iron mace that they were strewn apart in a wild stampede, it threw the Kauravas ranks into complete mayhem.
Bhima's attack on the elephants was like Indra's devastating onslaught. The slaughtered elephants lay dead on the field like huge sleeping mountains. Those that escaped fled in panic and caused
immeasurable havoc in the Kauravas - trampling numerous innocent soldiers in their wild race! More fuel was added to fire and Duryodhana ordered a wholesale attack on his arch enemy - Bhima. But he was firm as a rock; besides the Pandavas warriors came up and joined him.
Duryodhana struck numerous arrows in Bhima's chest and climbed up his chariot. Bhima instructed his charioteer. "I see all the Dhritarashtra sons before me, ready to be shaken down like a ripe fruits on the tree. Keep your hold well on the reins and drive on. I am going to dispatch these wretches to Yama's abode." Eight Duryodhana brothers were slain in a row and in a mad fit of rage, Duryodhana attacked even more ferociously than before and successfully smashed one of Bhima's bows, picking up the fresh bow Bhima squared off the deal by casting an arrow with a knife-edge that broke Duryodhana fierce bow into two, yet an unruffled Duryodhana picked up fresh bow and discharged a well aimed shaft at Bhima, it struck Bhima on his chest with such tremendous force that he reeled and sat down with a bang.! The Pandavas warriors rushed closer and poured a large shower of arrows on Duryodhana.
Ghatotkacha saw his father's predicament and fiercely attacked Kauravas army and when none could withstand his onslaught, Bhisma said to Drona " we cannot fight this Rakshasa today as our army are weary. Moreover, it is nearing sunset and as the night progresses, the Rakshasa (demons) grow stronger, let us deal with Ghatotkacha tomorrow." He agreed and ordered the army to retire. Duryodhana sat in his tent with tear-filled eyes; he had lost his brothers at the end of days battle.
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At the end of fourth day Duryodhana on his own went to Pitamah tent, bowed reverentially and said: "Pitamah, the entire world knows that you are the greatest warrior who knows not fear. The same applies to veterans Drona, Kripa, Ashwasthama, Kritavarma, Sudakshin, Bhurisravas, Vikarna and Bhagadatta. The prowess of these great warriors and yours is limitless! Even all Pandavas join together, they cannot defeat any one of you, what then is the mystery behind this daily defeat of our army at the hands of the sons of Kunti?"
Pitamah replied: "Prince, listen to me carefully, I have advised you on every occasion; but you always refused to obey what your elders counselled you! I tell you again that it is only recourse and the best one to make the peace with Pandavas for personal and universal good! Belonging to the same Royal house, you can all enjoy this vast country as yours. I had advised you accordingly but you disregarded it and have grievously wronged Pandavas, the inescapable fruit of which now you are reading. The Pandavas when protected by Krishna himself how can one hope for victory? Reconsider again, it is not too late to call off the war for attainment of peace, the best move would be - befriend the Pandavas who are your powerful brothers, in place of enmity! Destruction is inevitable if you insult Arjuna and Krishna who are Nara and Narayana in human garb." Duryodhana heard patiently, took leave with a bow and returned to his tent only to pass sleepless night.
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