By Nirooshitha Sethuram, Yogaratna

Graphics by Sheralee (Shambhavi) Hancherow

Thirteenth Day of the War (continued)

The Pandavas followed Abhimanyu through the breached Chakra formation (also called Padma Vyuha). 

Jayadratha, Dhritarastra’s son-in-law and the king of Sindhu, confronted them with his army, boosting the Kaurava troops’ morale. The forces promptly assembled at Jayadratha’s location, closing the gap Abhimanyu had opened and reestablishing their formation. 

This action instilled renewed confidence among the Kaurava troops, who subsequently reorganized into a circular array, the Chakra Vyuha. Abhimanyu’s chariot was surrounded within the formation, while his allies remained positioned outside, including Bhima.

Jayadratha’s timely intervention isolated Abhimanyu. Meanwhile, all four of Abhimanyu’s Pandava uncles were fighting Jayadratha at the entrance to the circular formation. 

Evoking Lord Shiva’s boon, granted after his failed abduction of Draupadi, Jayadratha prayed that he would successfully block the four Pandavas from entering the Kaurava territory. Fortunately for him, he managed to outmaneuver the Pandava brothers, all at once.

Abhimanyu went on with his path of destruction of the Kaurava army. He was relentlessly defeating the Kaurava soldiers within the circle, causing their lines to collapse. No one could withstand the young Pandava prince. 

 As Duryodhana struggled with indecision, his son Lakshmana stepped forward to confront Abhimanyu. He demonstrated remarkable radiance and courage. While others withdrew, he advanced with determination to face Abhimanyu, engaging in battle with notable bravery. 

Lakshmana advanced and assembled additional troops to launch an assault on Abhimanyu. A brief engagement ensued, but Lakshmana was unable to withstand Abhimanyu’s prowess for an extended period. Abhimanyu discharged a powerful arrow that struck Lakshmana’s chest, causing him to collapse and lose his life. The soldiers mourned as they saw the young Prince lying lifeless.

Duryodhana went mad in grief. In anger, he shouted, “Kill this son of Arjuna, who is all alone among us. Violate all the rules of the war code to achieve this purpose if required. He has killed my son, whom I loved most dearly.” 

Dronacharya’s involvement in this unsavory situation was unfortunate. Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Karna, Ashwatthama, Brihadbala and Kritavarma, in total six warriors surrounded Abhimanyu. They launched an attack from behind too, which was completely against the rules of combat.

Drona told Karna that Abhimanyu’s armor was impenetrable, so he should target the horse reins and attack him from behind. Karna obeyed Drona’s guidance. Arrows shot from behind cut Abhimanyu’s bow. After his horses and charioteer were killed, Abhimanyu was left without his chariot and was defenseless.

Abhimanyu stood with a knife and shield in his grasp, displaying such remarkable ingenuity that every warrior on the battlefield was taken aback. He fought off his attackers with remarkable agility, moving as if his feet never touched the ground.

Drona struck and broke the weapon in Abhimanyu’s hand with an arrow. Karna launched sharp arrows that destroyed Abhimanyu’s shield. Abhimanyu promptly removed a wheel from his chariot, holding it firmly in his hand. In doing so, he presented a striking figure, reminiscent of Lord Mahavishnu with the Sudarshana Chakra.

Subsequently, the entire army engaged him in combat, resulting in the chariot wheel he was holding being broken into fragments. Dushasana’s son grabbed his mace and attacked Abhimanyu. They fought fiercely, but both fell. Dushasana’s son got up first and struck Abhimanyu on the head as he was rising. Due to exhaustion from fighting many enemies alone, Abhimanyu was killed by that blow.

Yudhishthira was stunned when he found out about Abhimanyu’s death. He grieved intensely, recognizing that his decisions had a part in Abhimanyu’s fate. Consumed by grief, Yudhishthira believed dying would be easier than carrying on with the battle in such anguish.

In this pivotal moment, sage Vyasa arrived. Yudhishthira admitted to Vyasa that, despite his efforts, he was unable to calm his mind. Vyasa, who possessed comprehensive knowledge of the scriptures, responded by advising Yudhishthira not to succumb to despair or sorrow. Vyasa questioned Yudhishthira’s understanding of death’s true nature and urged him not to respond with confusion like ordinary people. 

Vyasa explained that death exists for the greater good of the world. He emphasized that grief should not be directed toward the deceased. Rather, concern should be reserved for the living. Through recounting ancient stories, epics, and offering philosophical insights, Vyasa provided comfort to Yudhishthira.

At the Kaurava camp, after the day’s battle, the warriors rejoiced over Abhimanyu’s death, roaring like lions. Yuyutsu arrived. Out of Dhritarashtra’s sons, Yuyutsu was the only one filled with righteous indignation when he heard this jubilation. He declared, “This is improper. Instead of feeling ashamed, you are ignorant of the laws of warfare. Having committed a grave injustice and are oblivious to the peril that awaits. You rejoice like fools.” 

At the same time, Arjuna and Krishna were heading back toward the Pandava camp, after defeating the Samsapta death squad. Arjuna told Krishna that his mind was unsettled, though he could not explain why. 

Arjuna was concerned about his brother Yudhishtra’s safety, but Krishna reassured him that his siblings would remain unharmed. Despite Krishna’s comfort, Arjuna sensed a tremendous amount of unease. Arriving, he noticed that no auspicious musical instruments were being played.

The warriors, upon noticing him from afar, respectfully bowed their heads and turned away. Arjuna wondered why Abhimanyu did not approach him today, accompanied by his brothers and wearing his usual smile.

Discussing all this, Arjuna and Krishna entered the area. They observed that everyone present appeared visibly distressed, showing a lack of clarity in their expressions.

Arjuna turned to them and said, “I have heard that Drona has deployed the Chakra Vyuha. Aside from my son Abhimanyu, none of you knows how to break into it and enter. Did my son manage to breach that formation?” 

As Arjuna spoke, he realized he had not taught Abhimanyu how to exit the formation after entering. Arjuna immediately perceived the events as they unfolded. Upon this realization, he exclaimed, “Has my son become a guest of Yama*?”

He then questioned how, with so many valiant warriors present, his and Subhadra’s son could have been left vulnerable to the enemy. Arjuna also reflected on how he might console Subhadra, and pondered who could possibly comfort Uttara, Abhimanyu’s beloved wife. With these thoughts, Arjuna expressed his profound grief, falling to his knees, unable to bear the loss of his cherished son.

Krishna, knowing the situation, shared the following words of knowledge with Arjuna. Krishna said, “You must not give in to despair. For us, weapons are both life and death, as described in the shastras. Brave warriors who never retreat in battle always face the possibility of death; it is a constant companion. The untimely deaths that befall warriors are common, aren’t they? 

“Abhimanyu has reached the celestial realm, which is reserved for those who have accomplished noble deeds. If you continue to grieve, your brothers and the other kings may lose their sense of reason. Let go of sorrow and help bring peace and courage to others.”

Upon hearing Krishna’s words, Arjuna was comforted. He asked Yudhishthira to provide a detailed account of his brave son and the circumstances of his death. Yudhishthira then recounted all the events comprehensively.

Crying out loud, “Oh my son,” Arjuna fell to the ground again in heart full of grief. With Krishna’s touch, Arjuna rose once again. Upon discovering that Jayadratha was the primary cause of his son’s demise. Arjuna said that he would slay Jayadratha by the next day’s sunset. And that should he fail to do so he will enter the sacrificial fire the moment the sun sets, taking his own life. 

He made a solemn oath to Krishna. As proof, he produced a powerful sound from his Gandiva bow, while Krishna blew his conch. Their combined sounds echoed fearfully throughout the land, causing the entire universe and everything within it to tremble. On the thirteenth day, as the sun set, everything finally came to an end.

When the Kauravas heard about Arjuna’s vow, Jayadratha became extremely anxious and fearful. Jayadratha, son of the famous king Vriddhakshatra of the Sindhu Kingdom, was born as a result of his father’s devoted penance.

As soon as the child arrived, a heavenly voice proclaimed that he would achieve remarkable fame. It was prophesied that he would reach the celestial realms after being beheaded by a legendary kshatriya, renowned among warriors everywhere. 

Although it is universally understood that every living being must eventually face death, even those who have reached spiritual wisdom through ascetic practice experience grieve when confronted by mortality.

Vriddhakshatra was devastated when he heard the prophecy of his son’s death from the celestial voice. “If this will be true then at the very moment, he who thrusts my son’s head into the earth, his own head too shall shatter into hundreds of fragments, and he shall perish.” Thus, Vriddhakshatra pronounced a curse. 

After reaching adulthood, Jayadratha was crowned by his father. Following this, his father gave up the throne and dedicated himself to a life of ascetic penance in an Ashram close to Kurukshetra. When Jayadratha heard about Arjuna’s vow and began to believe that the prediction might actually be coming true, he became afraid. 

Jayadratha approached Duryodhana and conveyed his intention to return to his country for safety reasons. Duryodhana reassured him, stating that appropriate precautions will be implemented to ensure his protection.

Duryodhana was so sure of his plan to protect Jayadratha from Arjuna the next day, he was celebrating that Arjuna would be no more after he saved his brother-in-law, Jayadratha. Not convinced with Duryodhana’s word, Jayadratha subsequently approached Drona and conveyed his concerns. The esteemed Guru reassured him and promised adequate protection would be provided.

More to come…

*Yama — the Lord of Death

1. Jayadratha https://www.facebook.com/groups/indianaiart/posts/4593363560888928/

2. Duryodhana Image by S.A.Hancherow/Canva

3. Abhimanyu battling Drona and others https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/306455949666581214/

4. Yudhishthira & Vyasa Image by S.A.Hancherow/yeri.ai

5. Yuyutsu at Kaurava camp Image by S.A.Hancherow/yeri.ai

6. Arjuna, Krishna & Pandava troops Image by S.A.Hancherow/yeri.ai

7. Krishna, Arjuna, & Yudhishthira https://www.sawanonlinebookstore.com/abhimanyus-death-2/?srsltid=AfmBOoogcfKO_2QUeSVlqgyncBojxUHG_gZfsoo1tzMEICYIIKeAgPzn

8. Arjuna with Gandiva bow  https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/231865080811267076/