Episode#68
News of Arjuna's oath reached the enemy. The spies informed Duryodhana that Arjuna, having learnt that Jayadratha was the cause of Abhimanyu death, had vowed to kill Jayadratha before sunset the next day.
Vriddhakshatra, the illustrious King of Sindhi's was blessed with a son Jayadratha. During his breath, a voice was heard to say: "This prince will attain great glory in the happy regions above after being slain in the battle. One who, among the warriors of all ages, ranks among the most illustrious, will in the field of battle shall get his head severed from the body."
All living beings must die but truth is always bitter! Vriddhakshatra was grieved to hear the voice declare his son's end. In his disturbed state of mind, he uttered a curse "He, who shall cause my son's head roll down on the ground, his head shall be burst at that very moment into fragments."
When Jayadratha grew up to his manhood, Vriddhakshatra handed over the state administration to his prince. After his marriage to Duryodhana sister Dussahala; his father retired to the forest, where he spent the evenings of his days in austerities in an ashram near the plain, which afterwards became the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
When Jayadratha came to know about Arjuna vow, he remembered the prediction about his death and he feared his end was near. "I do not want to be in this battle any longer. Let me go back to my country," he said to Duryodhana. "Do not fear my friend," replied Duryodhana "These are the veterans and warriors who will protect you - Karna, Chitrasena, Vivimsati, Bhurisravas, Sayla, Vrishasena, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhoja, Kamboja, Sudakshina, Vikarna, Durumukha, Duhsasana, Subaru, Kalinga, the Avanti Princes, Drona and his illustrious son Aswasthama and Sakuni - besides I shall be close by. One entire army will have but only one objective today, to defend you against Arjuna. You should not leave us now." Jayadratha complied with his request.
Drona having advised to Jayadratha, proceeded to marshal the forces for the next day. Twelve miles to the rear of main army, Jayadratha and his forces were placed in strongly guarded position.
It was fourteenth day and the battle raged fiercely at many points, between Satyaki and Bhurisravas at one place, between Bhima and Karna at another and between Arjuna and Jayadratha at the third.
"The decisive hours has come, Karna" said Duryodhana, "If before nightfall, Jayadratha is not slain, Arjuna will kill himself as per his pledge and with Arjuna's death, the destruction of the Pandavas is certain and this kingdom will be ours in no uncertain time with absolute sovereignty. Look! The sun is about to set and little time is left! I do not think it is possible for Arjuna to reach Jayadratha, you, Aswasthama, Salya, Kripa, and I will guard Jayadratha to avoid his falling into Arjuna's hands before sunset."
The Pandavas were depressed while the Kauravas shouted in joy! Jayadratha turn to west and thought "I am saved" he had not seen the sun, but at the same moment, Krishna said to Arjuna "The Sindhu King Jayadratha is looking at the horizon. I have caused this false darkness and the sun is still up and has not set. This is the moment to run your errand now as Jayadratha is off his guard." A shaft flew from the Gandiva bow reminding of vulture swooping down on a chicken - and carried away Jayadratha's head with it....
"Listen Arjuna" cried Krishna "deliver your shaft in swift relays, so that the head may be supported from falling to the earth and carry towards Vriddhakshatra where he is meditating." And Arjuna obediently aimed his arrow which gently carried only the head in the air! Vriddhakshatra was in the ashram sitting in open absorbed in his evening meditation with eyes closed, when his son's head with beautiful black hair and golden earrings gently dropped into his lap! The old king finished his meditation and got up, when the head rolled down and fell on the ground. And, as ordained, Vriddhakshatra head burst into hundred fragments. Jayadratha and his father together thus reached the High Heavens!
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Vatsala the wife of Abhimanyu reached Hastinapur and went to meet Laxamani who still suffered from the traumatic death of his brother Laxamana Kumar.
Vatsala confessed her love for Laxamana Kumar and Laxamani confessed her love with Abhimanyu but unable to express and she had decided that she will never marry.
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The two young men among the Mahabharata warfare figures who were the live embodiment of all the qualities of heroism, fortitude, strength, courage and amiability were - Arjuna's son Abhimanyu and Bhima's son Ghatotkacha! Both of them agave up their lives on the Kurukshetra battlefield. Towards the latter part of the Mahabharata fight, the hatred precipitated on both the sides did not find satisfaction in battle in any way...!
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