Death of Abhimanyu

The death of many stalwarts put Duryodhan in a fix. Next day he arranged his army in an impregnable wheel format known as "Chakra Formation". On the side of pandavs sonly Abhimanyu, son of Arjun, was capable of penetrating this format; but he did not know how to come out of it. This teenage lad, however, pleaded with his father and uncles to allow him to enter the enemy ranks and then all of Pandavs would come to help him inside.

Accordingly, seeking blessings of Sri Krishna, Abhimanyu led a small army and entered the Chakra formation. Kauravas allowed him to enter but soon sealed off the entry of Arjun and company. Duryodhan, Dushasan, Jayadrath, and many more Kauravas warriors attacked the lone but brave Abhimanyu who fought gallantly all alone against them all. Arjun and others were anxious to reach near him but were obstructed by a large force of Kaurava army men. Sri Krishna was also worried.

Soon inside the circle, Abhimanyu lost his bow, his chariot was broken, and he was without any weapon to defend himself. Standing on the ground without losing his courage, this brave man continued to fight with whatever make-shift weapon he could lay hands on. His whole body was inflicted with wounds from sharp arrows and javelins. Bleeding and dazed, at last, he fell on the ground.

Kripacharya advised other Kauravas to halt further attacks on the boy as he was helpless and without any weapon. But Jayadrath neglected this sane advice. Without mercy and consideration for the helpless state of Abhimanyu, Jayadrath kicked him with his foot and killed him with his sword.

The news of brave Abhimanyu's death spread all over. Kauravas were shouting like victors and Pandavs were angered like cornered lions. Arjun was deeply grieved and tears rolled down his eyes. His heart, however, was filled with anger and revenge. The evening halted the battle for the day. Arjun vowed to kill Jayadrath by evening next day or else give his body up in the burning flames.

End of Jayadrath

Next day, the terrified Jayadrath sought protection from Duryodhan pleading, "O Duryodhan, Arjun and Pandavs would apply all their skills and power to succeed in killing me. How should I protect myself against his sharp lethal arrows? I am afraid I would not live beyond sunset today."

Reassuring him, Duryodhan said, "O my brother-in-law, how can you think that we would leave any stone unturned to protect you. We would all see that Arjun does not succeed in his pledge and would himself as vowed will die in flames. Rest assured, O Jayadrath, nothing bad will come to your fate."

All the warriors on Kaurava side surrounded Jayadrath's chariot and prevented anyone approaching him. Jayadrath was almost invisible! Arjun and Bhim, Yudhisthir and others tried to reach near him but were obstructed by one and all. Exchange of arrows filled the sky. Many soldiers lost their lives. It was almost impossible to attack Jayadrath.

Morning turned to noon, noon into afternoon. There was a faint pal of gloom in Pandavs heart while Kauravas appeared to rejoice.

And at that time, in the hours of approaching dusk, the sky became dark, stars were visible on the horizon. Shouts of victory to Duryodhan were heard while everyone on the side of Pandavs thought that Arjun would have to keep his vow and die! For, everyone thought that Sun had set.

Jayadrath dancing with joy lifted himself up to see the darkness of evening sky. He thought he had now no fear from Arjun.

But the wonder of wonder was in stores! The skies were dark because of total eclipse of the sun on that day at that hour and not because it was evening! As Jayadrath was looking in merriment, the eclipse ended and the sun came out. The sun light was bright and then said Lord Sri Krishna:

"O Arjun, look there is the sun and here this Jayadrath, What are you waiting for. It is still day time, evening has not yet fallen. Kill Jayadrath."

And the sharp penetrating arrow left the Gandiva of Arjun to take the head of Jayadrath far off in the jungle into the lap of his father!

At last Duryodhan dies

Thus one after the other all Kauravas were being killed. But Bhim was still not satisfied. He had vowed to kill Dushasan and Duryodhan He had promised Draupadi that he would drink the blood from the chest of Dushasan and would dress her hair with the blood from the thigh of Duryodhan. To that end, Bhim took permission of Yudhisthir and Sri Krishna and killed Dushasan in a brief fight.

But with Duryodhan the mace or club fight went on and on. It was fierce and terrifying. Both Bhim and Duryodhan were well built and adept in the skills of fighting. Bhim hit his opponent below the belt! Duryodhan's thigh was broken and he was left there to die a slow and undignified death.

As already written, I do not want to justify Bhim's action of hitting on the prohibited area of the body. But I feel the misbehavior of Duryodhan with Draupadi could not have any other outcome.

EPILOGUE

In all, on Kauravas's side there were 1.1 million soldiers and 0.7 million on the side of pandavs; total 1.8 million. The war lasted for 18 days. Except for Sri Krishna, five pandavs, Draupadi and a few others everyone was killed in this Great War of Mahabharat. It was the worst human carnage ever witnessed on the earth. A race was almost totally annihilated. The story can go on, and indeed it goes on. But that I would tell you some other time.

After reigning supreme for many years the five brothers accompanied by Draupadi started for Himalayas renouncing kingdom and all luxuries. A dog also accompanied Yudhisthir. On the way, first Draupadi falls down dead. In response to the question of his brothers, Yudhisthir said she fell victim to her special preference for Arjun!

Next, Nakul and Sahadev die on the way. Yudhisthir said, "They were very proud of their looks and knowledge."

Next Arjun fell down. He had succumbed to his pride about his mastery in archery.

Then Bhim also left the mortal body. Yudhisthir said to himself; "Bhim was excessively infatuated with his eating."

But the dog remained with Yudhisthir.

Soon they reached at the doors of Heaven. The lord of Heaven, Indra appeared before Yudhisthir and said: "O noble one, welcome to the kingdom of Heavens. You are the most righteous person who ever lived on the earth, therefore we are pleased to welcome you. But there is one condition. This dog cannot be admitted to this holy place of heavens. You come alone and leave the dog behind."

To this Yudhisthir objected saying: "O Lord, I cannot leave this holy creature who has accompanied me in all trials and tribulations. Either you admit us both or else I do not need the safety and luxury of your Heaven."

On hearing Yudhisthir speak thus, the dog changed himself in the form of Dharma Itself and said: "O Yudhisthir the people in coming generations for time immemorial will praise and remember you as the most righteous person ever born. Come, let us enjoy the heavenly bliss."

NAMASTE
Dr C S Shah.