:clap: Very good work, Nakeeran.
What pictures could not picturise in my mind, your words have. The text somehow enables easy envisaging of the amazing and yet terrifying nature of the Great Indian War.
Love and Light.
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:clap: Very good work, Nakeeran.
What pictures could not picturise in my mind, your words have. The text somehow enables easy envisaging of the amazing and yet terrifying nature of the Great Indian War.
Love and Light.
Thanks Anbu Kathir :D
Day 10 of the war continues ................
Dushashan showed tremendous skills & resisted for a long while before Arjuna & other approaching pandavas.
Finally, Arjuna manages to penetrate Dushashana’s resistance & moves towards Bhishma.
Shikandi once again stepped forward & started firing arrows which pierced the chest of Bhishma but he didn’t react . He continues to shower arrows on Arjuna only.
Now, supported by Duryodhana, the tired Dushashan once again resumes his support for Bhishma strongly which pleases every kaurava.
But Arjuna continues to route the kauravas & this makes Bhishma take up a celestial weapon & rushed towards Arjuna. However, as planned , Shikandan moves forward further & on seeing this, Bhishma withdrew that weapon resembling fire (in effulgence and energy).
Bhishma continues to torment the pandavas & kills 10000 armymen besides killing Satanika, the brother of Virata.
Now, the entire pandava key armymen, the king of the Panchalas Dhrishtaketu, Bhimasena , Dhrishtadyumna , Nakula and Sahadeva, Chekitana, and the five Kaikaya brothers, Satyaki and Abimanyu, Ghatotkacha, and the sons of Draupadi, and Sikhandin, afflicted by the shafts of Bhishma, seemed to sink in an ocean of grief.
So severe was the intimidation caused by Bhishma at this moment. However Arjuna resuces them all.
The Pandavas, recoup once again & move towards Bhishma singleminded.
Now, Arjuna placed Shikandi before him, pierced Bhishma repeatedly.
Thus afflicted by many, his coat of mail was pierced everywhere.
But though pierced in every vital part, Bhishma felt no pain. On the other hand, he then seemed to his enemies to resemble in appearance the fire that rises at the end of Yuga. His bow and arrows constituted the blazing flames .
Disregarding Shikdandi , he penetrated into the midst of the Pandava army. He then pierced the six Pandava warriors, Satyaki, Bhima, Arjuna, Durupada , Virata & Dhrishtadyumna with many excellent arrows of great sharpness and dreadful whizz
However, the entire pandavas continue to target Bhishma together. Now, Drona, Kritavarma, Jayadratha , Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Salya, and Bhagadatta could not brook that act of Arjuna. Inflamed with rage, they rushed at him.
& the words which were screamed regularly at this moment was TAKE, PIERCE, CUT OFF.
Shikandi, once again pierces the chest of Bhishma with powerful arrows which makes him laugh at him . But Bhishma said the following :
With only a single bow I could slay all the Pandavas, if the mighty Vishnu himself had not been their protector. For two reasons, however, I will not fight with the Pandavas, their unslayableness, and the femininity of Sikhandi. Formerly, when my Father wedded Kali, he gave me two boons, .:
1. that I should be incapable of being slain in battle, and
2. that my death should depend on my own choice.
I should, however, now wish my own death, this being the proper hour.
Now the entire Rishis & other Devas assemble in the sky & watched the defining moment of the war with a tinge of sadness.
Suddenly, fragrant and auspicious breeze charged with particles of water, began to blow along a natural direction. Celestial cymbals of loud sounds began to beat. And a flowery shower fell upon Bhishma.
Bhishma now rushes towards Arjuna & other pandavas but Shikandi with rage , strikes Bhishma with 9 sharp arrows. Now Arjuna himself pierces Bhishma with 20 arrows. In the process , he also hits the vital parts of Bhishma with sharp arrows.r Bhishma pierced those others in return with great speed.
Now Bhishma tells Dushashana :
All these arrows have been shot by Arjuna. These are not Sikhandi's. Cutting me to the quick, piercing through even my hard coat of mail, and striking me with the force of mushalas, these arrows are not Sikhandi's.
Bhishma saying this, hurls a big weapon on Arjuna which he cuts it into pieces.
Bhishma, undettered, takes a sword but even before he could raise it, Arjuna cuts it into fragments.
By now, Bhishma’s body space didn’t have even a two fingers’ bredth that was not pierced with arrows.
FINALLY HE FALLS DOWN FROM HIS CHARIOT WITH HIS HEAD TO THE EAST.
BHISHMA NOW WAS LYING ON A BED OF ARROWS.
To conclude , despite the valiant support offered by the entire Kaurava army, the Pandavas managed to penetrate their fortress & marched towards Bhishma & finally achieved their objective for the day - that of placing Shikandi before Arjuna & Arjuna shooting arrows on Bhishma to make him down.
Day 10 of the war to continue tomorrow…………………………….
Thanks Anbu Kathir :D
Day 10 of the war continues ................
Dushashan showed tremendous skills & resisted for a long while before Arjuna & other approaching pandavas.
Finally, Arjuna manages to penetrate Dushashana’s resistance & moves towards Bhishma.
Shikandi once again stepped forward & started firing arrows which pierced the chest of Bhishma but he didn’t react . He continues to shower arrows on Arjuna only.
Now, supported by Duryodhana, the tired Dushashan once again resumes his support for Bhishma strongly which pleases every kaurava.
But Arjuna continues to route the kauravas & this makes Bhishma take up a celestial weapon & rushed towards Arjuna. However, as planned , Shikandan moves forward further & on seeing this, Bhishma withdrew that weapon resembling fire (in effulgence and energy).
Bhishma continues to torment the pandavas & kills 10000 armymen besides killing Satanika, the brother of Virata.
Now, the entire pandava key armymen, the king of the Panchalas Dhrishtaketu, Bhimasena , Dhrishtadyumna , Nakula and Sahadeva, Chekitana, and the five Kaikaya brothers, Satyaki and Abimanyu, Ghatotkacha, and the sons of Draupadi, and Sikhandin, afflicted by the shafts of Bhishma, seemed to sink in an ocean of grief.
So severe was the intimidation caused by Bhishma at this moment. However Arjuna resuces them all.
The Pandavas, recoup once again & move towards Bhishma singleminded.
Now, Arjuna placed Shikandi before him, pierced Bhishma repeatedly.
Thus afflicted by many, his coat of mail was pierced everywhere.
But though pierced in every vital part, Bhishma felt no pain. On the other hand, he then seemed to his enemies to resemble in appearance the fire that rises at the end of Yuga. His bow and arrows constituted the blazing flames .
Disregarding Shikdandi , he penetrated into the midst of the Pandava army. He then pierced the six Pandava warriors, Satyaki, Bhima, Arjuna, Durupada , Virata & Dhrishtadyumna with many excellent arrows of great sharpness and dreadful whizz
However, the entire pandavas continue to target Bhishma together. Now, Drona, Kritavarma, Jayadratha , Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Salya, and Bhagadatta could not brook that act of Arjuna. Inflamed with rage, they rushed at him.
& the words which were screamed regularly at this moment was TAKE, PIERCE, CUT OFF.
Shikandi, once again pierces the chest of Bhishma with powerful arrows which makes him laugh at him . But Bhishma said the following :
With only a single bow I could slay all the Pandavas, if the mighty Vishnu himself had not been their protector. For two reasons, however, I will not fight with the Pandavas, their unslayableness, and the femininity of Sikhandi. Formerly, when my Father wedded Kali, he gave me two boons, .:
1. that I should be incapable of being slain in battle, and
2. that my death should depend on my own choice.
I should, however, now wish my own death, this being the proper hour.
Now the entire Rishis & other Devas assemble in the sky & watched the defining moment of the war with a tinge of sadness.
Suddenly, fragrant and auspicious breeze charged with particles of water, began to blow along a natural direction. Celestial cymbals of loud sounds began to beat. And a flowery shower fell upon Bhishma.
Bhishma now rushes towards Arjuna & other pandavas but Shikandi with rage , strikes Bhishma with 9 sharp arrows. Now Arjuna himself pierces Bhishma with 20 arrows. In the process , he also hits the vital parts of Bhishma with sharp arrows.r Bhishma pierced those others in return with great speed.
Now Bhishma tells Dushashana :
All these arrows have been shot by Arjuna. These are not Sikhandi's. Cutting me to the quick, piercing through even my hard coat of mail, and striking me with the force of mushalas, these arrows are not Sikhandi's.
Bhishma saying this, hurls a big weapon on Arjuna which he cuts it into pieces.
Bhishma, undettered, takes a sword but even before he could raise it, Arjuna cuts it into fragments.
By now, Bhishma’s body space didn’t have even a two fingers’ bredth that was not pierced with arrows.
FINALLY HE FALLS DOWN FROM HIS CHARIOT WITH HIS HEAD TO THE EAST.
BHISHMA NOW WAS LYING ON A BED OF ARROWS.
To conclude , despite the valiant support offered by the entire Kaurava army, the Pandavas managed to penetrate their fortress & marched towards Bhishma & finally achieved their objective for the day - that of placing Shikandi before Arjuna & Arjuna shooting arrows on Bhishma to make him down.
Day 10 of the war to continue tomorrow…………………………….
Day 10 of the war AFTER THE FALL OF BHISHMA
By the time Bhishma was felled, the day almost reached its end but in some parts, unaware of the major upset, some were fighting but as the news spread amongst the ranks , all stopped their fights instantly .
As soon as Bhishma fell down , the Pandavas gave a huge sound resembling that of a lion . And it was the reflection of a MAJOR VICTORY , A STRATEGIC POINT SCORED OVER THEIR RIVALS.
Seeing the condition of their Supremo Bhishma, the entire Gauravas were shell shocked & were speechless . Kripacharya & Duryodhana wept openly & this grief remained for a long while
Bhima slapped his arms & uttered loud shouts which disturbed the kauravas further.
Dushashana goes & informs to Drona about the fall of Bhishma which makes him fall down from his chariot instantaneously & fells unconscious for a while.
Now all the key warriors, laying down their weapons rushed towards Bhishma
And they all stood in shame , hanging down their heads. Now everyone offered him their salutations. However, on seeing everyone togother, Bhishma smiles & welcomes them & says the following :
Its really nice to see you all coming together
As his head was hanging down , some tried to arrange for pillow but Bhishma refused all of them & just asked Arjuna to get the most befitting pillow. Arjuna with tears in his eyes , said -
U are the foremost amongst the Kurus. I am ur slave
Arjuna now shoots 3 strong arrows & creates a triangle shaped pillow of arrows which aptly fitted to Bhishma’s need.
Extremely pleased with this, Bhishma tells all present :
I will sleep on this bed till the Sun turns the northern direction. When the Sun will proceed towards the direction occupied by Vaisravana, I will yield my life
Duryodhana now summons all the skilled medical personnel with necessary appliances. But Bhishma refuses gently to them & requests him to be paid for their services for which Duryodhana immediately obliges .
Now the Pandavas & Kauravas, once again united together for once, saluted the Grandsire & retired for rest towards their own tents in the evening, their hearts plunged into grief and thinking of what they had seen.
Krishna now assembling the Pandavas appreciated Yudhishtira for the day.
As the night approached , maidens & assistants gently showered over Bhishma powdered sandal wood and fried paddy, and garlands of flowers. Women and old men and children, and ordinary spectators, all approached him.
Once again, after refreshing themselves, the key characters of both sides paid a visit to Bhishma together.
Bhishma cast his eyes on those kings and asked for water. Then those Kshatriyas, brought several vessels of cold water. Ignoring that water , Bhishma said,
I cannot use any article of human enjoyment! I am removed from the pale of humanity. I am lying on a bed of arrows. I am staying here, expecting only the return of the Moon and the Sun!
Having spoken these words and thereby rebuked those kings, he said,
I wish to see Arjuna!
Arjuna reverentially saluting the grandsire stood with joined hands, and said,--What shall I do?
Bhishma asks Arjuna to provide him that water which will please him forever.
Now Arjuna takes up his Kandiba & with mantras shot a weapon & pierced the earth & immediately arose, a water resembling nectar which gratified Bhishma. Now Bhishma’s thirst also got quenched.
Now Bhishma advises Duryodhana to give up the war & draw peace pact with Pandavas. Immediately, Duryodhana becomes cheerless & gets more upset.
Now the entire group return back to their quarters.
NOW U ALL MUST BE WONDERING ABOUT ONE SPECIAL CHARACTER – KARNA
THE EMOTIONAL MEETING BETWEEN BHISHMA & KARNA WILL BE NARRATED TOMORROW
The night of Day 10 - KARNA MEETING BHISHMA
On hearing the news, Karna paid a visit to Bhishma.
With voice choked in tears, fell at his feet & said :
Chief of Kurus, I am Radha’s son , who was everywhere looked upon by you with hate
Hearing the words, Bhisma slowly opened his eyes & embraced him with one hand with great affection & said :
Come, come! U are Kunti’s son & not Radha’s & your father is not Adhiratha . I am already been informed through Narada earlier & also through Krishna.
My son, pl understand that I never had any malice towards U. It was only for abating all Ur energy that U applied by speaking ill of the Pandavas.
I know your prowess as regards warfare & also your regard for charity & alms giving.
In the art of bowmanship, in aiming weapon, in lightness of hand and in strength of weapons, U are EQUAL TO ARJUNA HIMSELF.
You have already proved your worth to Duryodhana by singlehandedly beating the king of Kasi for getting a bride for your king
Even the mighty Jarasandha could not match with you in fight.
Above all, you are a student of Parasurama & you are totally conversant with the art of warfare & only Arjuna can match with you.
The wrath I cherished against U is gone now.
As the Pandavas are your blood brothers, unite them with Duryodhana & let these hostilities end with me. Let all the kings of Earth be today freed from destruction
Now Karna speaks :
Without doubt , I know all the facts that I am Kunti’s son & not the son of a Suta. However, I was abandoned by Kunti & I have been brought up by a Suta.
All these years, having enjoyed the wealth of Duryodhana, I dare not falsify it now. Like Krishna who is firmly resolved for the sake of the Pandavas, I also, am prepared to cast away my possessions, my body itself, my children, and my wife, for Duryodhana's sake.
I have always offended the Pandavas. This affairs is destined to take its course. It is incapable of being prevented. Who was there that would venture to overcome Destiny by exertion? Various omens indicating the destruction of the Earth, were noticed by U and declared in the assembly.
It is well known to me , Arjuna & Krishna are strong in warfare.
I will vanquish Arjuna in battle. This is my firm resolve.I am not capable, of casting off this fierce animosity that I cherish against the Pandavas
With a cheerful heart, and keeping the duties of my order before my eye, I will contend against Arjuna , my main rival. I am firmy resolved on this . Hence, pls grant permission to battle.
forgive me also any harsh words that I may have at any time uttered against U or any act that I may have done against U from anger
Please turn your gracious eyes towards me & bless me
Now Bhishma responds :
If U are unable to cast off this fierce animosity, I permit U to fight .
You have brought so many victories & pride to Duryodhana all these years.
Take charge of the army now as if its your own possession & guard them well. May you lead the Kauravas to victory.
Having taken the blessings of Bhishma, Karna forges towards the camp of Duryodhana, with a peace of mind , for further discussion on the plans to conduct the next day war
excellent, I still Recall the scene when Karna enters Bhisma's resting place, if I am correct, he goes alone, without any one some 1 pls clarify this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nakeeran
Ragu Anne,
Unmai :D
Karna meets Bhishma alone only .
U know, the reason could be that he didnt want his original identity to be disclosed probably ( that he is Kunti's son & another Pandava ! )
But if anyone of the Pandavas would have got to hear that fact that Karna was their first brother, I think , the war would have taken a different direction
Kunti & Krishna ( ofcourse Bhishma ) maintained that secret within themselves :cry:
We all know the greatness of Arjuna & his Kandiba & his skills. Whenever, we talk of Arjuna, we also think of Karna & wonder what did he achieve ? Anything noteworthy ??
Before I could describe what transpires after Karna leaves from Bhishma , I wish to give some highlights on Karna’s prowess:
Karna earlier during those 14 years of exile by the Pandavas, vanquished the following kingdom :
Kambojas
Girivraja
Amvashthas
Videhas
Kiratas
Utpalas
Mekalas
Paundras
Kalingas
Andhras
Nishadas
Trigartas
Valhikas
were all defeated by Karna during those years & brought glory & extended Duryodhana’s boundaries .
Only twice Karna was defeated – 1 by Arjuna in disguise as a woman when the Kaurava army fight against Virata &
2 – When the Yakshas & Gandharvas defeat the Kauravas in a mini exchange
Technically, the 2 above cannot be classified as real war .
Overall, Karna’s contribution to Duryodhana’s fame was immense & he richly repaid the trust & faith imposed on him by Duryodhana when he was made the king of Anga instantly during the show of strength by the Pandavas & Kauravas, after they took training from Drona.
Again, it was the same Karna, who along with Shakuni, poisoned Duryodhana time & again developing more & more hatred towards Pandavas.
Over a period of time, both Karna & Duryodhana became more close in terms of friendship , nurturing mutual ambitions & aspirations.
Ok. Lets get back to our war details now
Karna now meets the Kaurava army who were filled with grief on the fall of Bhishma , having lost their morale . Karna consoles them with cheerful words.
I shall now protect you all . Pl do not worry. I shall dispatch the Pandavas to Yama’s abode .
Now Karna, riding on a wonderful chariot , cheerfully meets Duryodhana.
Day 11 of the war stars tomorrow ............................
Now Karna, riding on a wonderful chariot , cheerfully meets Duryodhana.
On seeing Karna back, the entire Kauravas headed by Duryodhana were filled with joy . They all received him with loud shouts.
Duryodhana , filled with immense happiness now says:
I think we have got a proper leader now . However, let us all discuss & decide who should lead . After the fall of Bhishma, our army looks for motivation .
Its Karna’s turn now :
All our army men are highly skilled & each one deserve to be the Commander. And all of them are equal in traits. Hence, making one as a leader may make others dissatisfied. However, Drona, venerable in years, warrior amongst the warriors deserve this & worthy of respect. Therefore, Drona should be made the leader.
Hearing the words of Karna, Duryodhana steps in & addresses to Drona :
For the superiority of the order of Ur birth, for the nobility of Ur parentage, for Ur learning, years and intelligence, for also Ur prowess, skill, invincibility, knowledge of worldly matters, policy, and self-conquest, there is none who can make so good a leader as U. Protect us from now. On seeing you, Arjuna will shiver. I will vanquish Yudishtira with all his followers.
Then, Drona addressed Duryodhana :
I will fight with the Pandavas. As regards the Pandavas, they will not fight with me with cheerful hearts. Definitely, I will give my heart & soul .
Now the entire Kaurava army got inspired by this & there was loud shouts with all the cheer back . The entire army looked motivated & charged up. Many said to one another:
With the command of Drona & the presence of Karna banded together, the Pandavas will never be able to stand in battle. The difference with Bhishma was that he never wished to kill them but Karna will not spare them.
Drona arranges the troups in the form of a Sakata ( Vehicle ) while the Pandavas arranged a vyuha called Krauncha ( resembling a crane )
Now Karna & Arjuna looked at each other in the battle for the first time.
Day 11 of the war takes off now
DAY 11 OF THE WAR
Now Duryodhana comes up with an interesting / strategic plan now & requests Drona to catch Yudhishtira alive.
Drona’s happiness was immeasurable now as in his thoughts also , it was never his intention to kill any of the Pandavas but only to defeat them comprehensively to fulfill the honour bestowed upon him by Dirudhirashtra.
Drona innocently appreciates Duryodhana saying
This precisely is the reason why Yudhishtira is called AJATASHATRU
The meaning is FOELESS.
Now Duryodhana reveals his intentions :
Acharya, if we kill Yudishtira in battle, the other Pandavas’ anger will compound & this will be counter productive only for us. Besides, if we catch Yudhishtira alive , the war will be declared as good as over & knowing Dharmaputhra’s goodness & his unflinching loyalty towards the established Kshatriya traditional code of conduct, HE WILL BE INVITED TO PLAY THE GAME OF DICE ONCE AGAIN. WE SHALL PIT OUR UNCLE SHAKUNI AS USUAL AND THE RESULTANT LOSS TO THEM ONCE AGAIN WILL MAKE THEM GO TO THE FORESTS FOR A LONGER TENURE.
Probably the effects of the first 10 days might have made Duryodhana to rethink his plans as both sides had suffered heavy losses in terms of man power & the way the war is shaping up, it is going to be no win situation for both armies. Even if one manages to win, they will be left high & dry & nothing to cherish !
Drona now realizes that he had been deceived smartly by Duryodhana & gets upset with him but comes up with a plan for achieving the objective.
He says :
So long as Arjuna is around him, Yudhishtira cannot be captured alive .Though Arjuna is my student , his capabilities are immeasurable & even I cannot hold on to him for long. Let Arjuna be diverted by whatever means , YOUR VICTORY IS ASSURED .
Duryodhana is joyful now as his plans have been taken care & addresses the troops accordingly .
Day 11 continues-----------------------