Episode#57
On the third day, Bhisma formulated his leading army in the array of the Eagle while Duryodhana and his forces protected the rear and took precision over the minutes details assuring that there could be no mishap for them on that day.
Arjuna and Dhrishtadyumna arrayed their forces with skill. They decided to assume the array of Crescent formation of their army which was more effectual to cope as against the Eagle formation of the enemy's forces. On right side of the crescent stood Bhima and on the left Arjuna before they led the respective division.
The battle begin, all arms were engaged, the blood flowed in torrents while the dust rose by chariots, horses and elephants rose to mask the face of the sun. Arjuna's attack was powerful but the enemy counter-attacked viciously javelins, Spears and other missiles flew in the air like a fleet of aroplanes in a thunderstorm. The shafts covered Arjuna's chariot like a blanket of locusts. But this was amazing proficiency in archery, he skilfully lifted the same by discharging arrows in unending stream from his resilient bow.
Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha attacked Duryodhana division and surprisingly the son excelled his father in valour. Duryodhana lay swooning as Bhima's shaft hit him. His charioteer had the presence of mind and quickly drove the chariot away.
Bhisma once again resume his operation, the turn of events had been so favourable that the delighted Pandavas we're unprepared for Pitamah sudden assault, stung by Duryodhana reproaches, he rages about the battlefield like a devastating torch fire. He rallied his men and delivered the most severe attack yet made on Pandavas army. His most agile movements created a hallucinations to the Pandavas that led them to think he was Omni-present everywhere...! Those who opposed him we're struck down and perished like moths in the blazing fire.
The Pandavas army was thoroughly disintegrated and the trio Krishna, Arjuna and Shikhandi tried their best to restore order and confidence could not. Krishna cautioned "The critical time has come. Be steadfast to your decision - do not flinch to aim your arrows at Bhisma, Drona and all your friends, relatives and elders, the time has come wherein you have to stand by your pledge or else be ready to embrace defeat, you shall now attack Bhisma Pitamah."
"Drive on" said Arjuna. The moment Arjuna's chariot sped towards Bhisma, it was covered with a wall of arrows aimed by the latter, Arjuna immediately bent his bow which discharged three shafts together breaking Bhisma bow, Bhisma second bow also met the same fate, Bhisma reluctantly but assuredly, picking up another bo and poured shaft's on Arjuna's chariot with uttering aim.
Vasudev Krishna was not happy the way Arjuna me with the situation, Bhisma bow was working fiercely, Arjuna too displayed his skill in archery but a warrior's heart was missing in the entire scenario. He appeared neutral and not intent on doing what he was expected to do. His hands disallowed to do what his brain commands - the reason being that he had too much regards for his great Pitamah.
Vasudev Krishna restlessness displayed itself he said "I cannot withstand this any longer, Arjuna! I shall kill Bhisma myself if you cannot." And dropping his reins, he picked up his Sudarshana Chakra, jumped down from his chariot and rushed towards Bhisma. Bhisma remained unperturbed, on the contrary his face brighten with ecstatic joy "Come, come O lotus eyed Krishna! I bow to you, O Lord of the world; have you indeed descended from the chariot for my sake? I offer you my life. If I am slain by you, I shall be glorified in the three worlds. Grant me that boon - and may your hands take my life away and preserve me till eternity!"
A greatly distressed Arjuna jumped out and ran after Krishna and entreated him to return back and said "Do not lose your patience with me. I promise my heart will not waver again believe me." Thus he persuaded Krishna to return, the chariot reins we're once again in Vasudev Krishna hands.
Arjuna attacked the Kauravas forces furiously and thousands were slain by him. The Kauravas suffered a severe defeat on the evening of third day.
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Draupadi was inadvertently walking down the memory lane repeatedly since her modesty was mauled in front of the open court - leaving a deep scar on her mind! She regretted Yudhishtira erroneous indulgence in the dice game that brought bad name to family, for the first time, she regretted marrying Pandavas.
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