1 Dronabhisheka 30 147.7 2:03:05

1 Janamejaya asked Vaisampayana about what Dhritarashtra did after learning of Bhishma's death. Vaisampayana replied that Dhritarashtra was filled with anxiety and grief, and Sanjaya came to him with news from the camp. Dhritarashtra lamented the loss of Bhishma, who had been slain by Sikhandin, and asked Sanjaya what the Kauravas did next. Sanjaya described how the warriors reflected on Bhishma's duties and bowed to him, then prepared for battle. They made a bed of arrows for Bhishma and bid him farewell. The Kauravas, urged by fate, went out to battle, and their army was like a herd without a herdsman, lost and frightened. They remembered Karna, who was equal to Bhishma, and cried out for him to save them. Karna had promised not to fight until Bhishma was slain, and now the Kauravas turned to him for relief. They praised Karna, saying he was the only one who could fill the gap left by Bhishma. Dhritarashtra hoped that Karna would indeed fill that gap and crown their hopes with victory. He wondered if Karna's prowess would be enough to save them from the Pandavas. Vaisampayana continued, describing how the Kauravas had always relied on Bhishma, but now he was gone, and they turned to Karna as their last hope. They remembered Karna's words, that he would not fight until Bhishma was slain, and now they begged him to take up arms and lead them to victory. Dhritarashtra's heart was filled with anxiety and fear, and he hoped that Karna would be their savior. 2 Sanjaya said, "When Bhishma fell, Karna, with a cheerless heart and tearful eyes, consoled the Dhartarashtras. He remembered Bhishma's attributes and prowess, and how he had been slain. Karna declared that he would now protect the Kuru host and slay the Pandavas. He regarded everything as ephemeral and was determined to fight bravely. He knew the Pandava force was strong, but he was willing to face them. "He asked his charioteer to bring his armor, bows, arrows, and other weapons, and to prepare his car for battle. He wanted to conquer the foe and bestow sovereignty on Duryodhana. He was determined to either achieve victory or follow Bhishma in death. "Karna rode into battle on a costly car with an excellent standard, accompanied by a large force, to avenge Bhishma's death. His car was decked with gold and jewels, and his standard bore the device of the elephant's girth. His steeds were fleet as the wind, and his rattle resembled the roll of the clouds. "The Kuru car-warriors worshipped him like Indra, and he shone like the lord of the celestials himself riding on his celestial car. With his immeasurable energy and prowess, he was a formidable force on the battlefield. He was determined to fight bravely and emerge victorious, or to die trying."	3 Sanjaya said, "Beholding Bhishma fallen, the hope of victory for the Kauravas disappeared. Bhishma, the destroyer of Kshatriyas, lay on a bed of arrows, looking like the vast ocean dried up by mighty winds. Karna alighted from his car, filled with grief and affliction, and approached Bhishma on foot. He saluted Bhishma with joined palms and said, 'I am Karna! Speak to me, O Bharata, and look at me, opening thy eyes.' Karna lamented that Bhishma, the foremost of all combatants, lay slain on the ground. He praised Bhishma's virtues and said that without him, the Kauravas would be unable to bear the might of Arjuna. Karna declared that he was competent to slay Arjuna, who was protected by Madhava, and requested Bhishma's permission to do so. He described Arjuna as a fierce warrior who resembled a snake of virulent poison and slew his foes with his glances alone." 4 Sanjaya said, "The aged Kuru grandsire, Bhishma, spoke to Karna with a cheerful heart, 'Be the refuge of thy relatives and friends, like the ocean to rivers. Humiliate thy foes and enhance the joys of thy friends. Be the enhancer of the Kauravas' joys, like Vishnu to the dwellers of heaven.' Bhishma praised Karna's prowess, recalling how he had vanquished many kings and races, and implored him to lead the Kurus to victory. Bhishma said, 'Protect the Kaurava host like Duryodhana, regarding it as thy own. Thou art our grandson, and thy relationship with the Kurus is superior to that of blood.' Karna, reverentially saluting Bhishma's feet, came to the Kaurava encampment and began to encourage the warriors. The Kauravas, headed by Duryodhana, were filled with joy, and beholding Karna, they received him with loud shouts and roars, slapping their arm-pits and twanging their bows."	5 Sanjaya said, "Duryodhana, filled with joy, said to Karna, 'Now that Bhishma is about to ascend to heaven, whom do you think fit to be our commander after him?' Karna replied, 'You are the wisest of kings, tell us yourself.' Duryodhana said, 'We need a leader who can protect us in battle. Without a leader, an army cannot stay in battle for even a short while.' Karna suggested, 'Let us make Drona our leader. He is the preceptor of all these warriors, venerable in years, and worthy of respect. He is invincible and equal to Sukra or Vrihaspati himself. All the kings in your army will follow him.' Duryodhana was convinced, and Karna continued, 'Make Drona the leader of your forces without delay, as the celestials made Kartikeya their leader in battle for vanquishing the Asuras.'" 6 Sanjaya said, "Duryodhana spoke to Drona, praising his virtues and suitability to be their leader. He said, 'Protect us like Vasava protects the celestials. With you as our leader, we desire to vanquish our foes. You are the foremost of all leaders, like Kapali among the Rudras, Pavaka among the Vasus, and Vasava among the Maruts. Your nobility, learning, years, intelligence, prowess, skill, invincibility, knowledge of worldly matters, policy, and self-conquest make you superior to all others. Dispose our troops in battle array and slay our foes like Indra slaying the Danavas. Proceed at our head, like Kartikeya leading the celestial forces. We will follow you to battle, like bulls following a bovine leader. With you stretching your bow at our head, Arjuna will not strike. Without doubt, if you become our leader, I will vanquish Yudhishthira and his followers.' The kings cried victory to Drona, and the troops, filled with joy, glorified him. Drona's acceptance of the leadership was imminent, and the stage was set for the next phase of the battle."	7 Drona accepts the command of the Kaurava army and vows to fight valiantly, but refuses to slay Dhrishtadyumna, who is destined to kill him. The Kauravas rejoice at Drona's appointment and perform rituals to mark the occasion. Drona arrays the troops in a Sakata formation, while the Pandavas form a Krauncha shape. Karna leads the Kaurava army, while Arjuna heads the Pandava forces. The two armies clash, and the earth trembles with the sound of wailing. Omens appear, including falling meteors and birds wheeling to the left. The battle rages on, with Drona scattering arrows and breaking through the Pandava lines. The Pandavas and Srinjayas fight back, but Drona's celestial weapons afflict them. Dhrishtadyumna, however, baffles Drona's arrows and causes a slaughter among the Kurus. The battle intensifies, with Drona coursing through the Pandava force like a circle of fire. 8 Sanjaya describes the intense battle between Drona and the Pandavas. Drona, filled with rage, single-handedly attacks the Pandava army, felling many warriors and causing chaos. His red steeds, fleet as the wind, are covered in blood. The Pandava warriors , including Arjuna, Bhima, and Satyaki, rally against Drona, but he continues to career through the field like Death itself. Drona's arrows envelop the enemy, and his standard is all that can be seen moving like flashes of lightning. The Pandavas and Panchalas try to counterattack, but Drona's weapons are too powerful. He crushes many divisions and grinds down numerous heroes before finally being slain by Dhrishtadyumna. The heavens and earth resound with a loud uproar, and the gods and Pitris behold Drona's fall. The Pandavas utter leonine shouts, and the earth trembles with their victory.	9 Dhritarashtra laments the death of Drona, wondering how the Pandavas could have defeated him. He describes Drona's prowess in battle, his skill with weapons, and his ability to scatter showers of shafts. He questions how Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas, could have slain Drona, who was like a tiger among men. Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to explain how Drona was killed, wondering if his chariot broke or his bow failed him. He asks if Drona was careless or if destiny played a role in his death. He describes Drona's steeds as fleet as the wind and covered in gold, and wonders how they could have been overpowered. He asks Sanjaya to tell him more about Drona's final battle and how he was slain. 10 Dhritarashtra lamented, "Arjuna, that mighty warrior, came upon Drona, shooting showers of arrows. Who resisted him? When Bhimasena, that tiger among men, rushed upon my host, what became of your minds? When Arjuna, with his Gandiva and white steeds, came, pouring showers of arrows, what was the state of your mind? Who resisted Satyaki, that foremost of the Vrishnis, equal to Vasudeva in energy? Who opposed Dhrishtaketu, that brave warrior amongst the Chedis? Who resisted Abhimanyu, that youth of vigorous understanding, resembling Death himself? Who surrounded the sons of Draupadi, those tigers among men? Who resisted Chekitana, that great bowman? Who opposed the five Kekaya brothers, virtuous and possessed of prowess? Who resisted Yuyutsu, that lord of battle, that foremost of bowmen? Who surrounded Dhrishtadyumna, that mighty bowman, created for Drona's destruction? How can the sons of Pritha meet with defeat, they who have Vasudeva, the great Master of all the worlds, for their refuge and benefactor?"
11 Dhritarashtra said, "Hear, O Sanjaya, the celestial feats of Vasudeva, which no other person has ever achieved. Even as a boy, Krishna slew Hayaraja and other powerful Asuras. He vanquished kings at a self-choice and bore away the daughter of the king of the Gandharas. He slew Jarasandha and the king of Chedis, and hurled the Daitya city Saubha into the sea. He vanquished various kings and obtained the celestial conch Panchajanya. He gratified Agni and obtained his invincible weapon of fire, the discus Sudarsana. He brought the celestial flower Parijata from Mahendra himself. I have never heard of anyone who has not been vanquished by Krishna. His prowess is infinite, and with him are the mighty Vrishni heroes. If he fights for the Pandavas, none of us can be his antagonist. Tell me, how did the battle take place? Arjuna is Kesava's life, and Krishna is always victory. The Kurus cannot gain victory against them." 12 Sanjaya said, "I will describe how Drona fell, slain by the Pandavas. Drona, given command of the troops, asked Duryodhana what boon he desired. Duryodhana asked for Yudhishthira to be taken alive, sparking wonder from Drona, who noted Yudhishthira's foeless state. Drona deduced Duryodhana's plan to vanquish the Pandavas and re-establish brotherly relations. Drona agreed to seize Yudhishthira but only if Arjuna was absent, citing Arjuna's invincibility and his own prior teaching of Arjuna. Drona promised to seize Yudhishthira if Arjuna was withdrawn, and Duryodhana proclaimed this to his troops, aware of Drona's partiality for the Pandavas. Drona's promise was conditional, requiring Arjuna's absence, which Duryodhana sought to ensure. Drona's words revealed his knowledge of the Pandavas' strength and his own limitations. He acknowledged Arjuna's prowess and the difficulty of defeating him. Drona's promise, though conditional, boosted Duryodhana's confidence and revealed the complexities of the war, where alliances and strategies shifted amidst the pursuit of victory."	13 Sanjaya said, "After Drona vowed to capture Yudhishthira, our troops cheered, but Yudhishthira learned of Drona's plan through spies. He gathered his brothers and allies, telling Arjuna, 'Drona intends to capture me. Let us prevent it.' Arjuna replied, 'I cannot fight my preceptor, but I won't let him capture you either. I'd rather die than fight Drona.' Arjuna vowed to protect Yudhishthira, saying, 'As long as I live, Drona won't capture you. The firmament may fall, the Earth may split, but Drona won't succeed.' Arjuna recalled his past promises and victories, saying, 'My promises never go unfulfilled, and I've never been defeated.' The Pandavas and Kurus arrayed for battle, and a fierce fight ensued. Drona and Arjuna protected their respective sides, and the battle raged on. Drona's prowess was like the Sun, and his shafts coursed through the Pandava ranks, striking fear into their hearts. The Pandavas couldn't look at the angry Drona, who was consuming their division. Drona's shafts covered all directions, crushing the Pandava force. The Srinjayas struggled, but Drona's host was too strong. The Pandavas sounded their conchs and drums, and the battle grew more intense. Drona's car moved swiftly, and his bow sang a deadly song. The Pandavas were in a difficult position, but Arjuna stood firm, determined to protect Yudhishthira." 14 Sanjaya said, "Drona caused chaos in the Pandava army, careereding through it like a raging conflagration. The Srinjayas trembled in fear. Drona's bow twanged like thunder, and his shafts crushed car-warriors, horsemen, and foot soldiers. He showered arrows like hailstones, inspiring fear in the hearts of the foe. The Pandavas and Kurus arrayed for battle, and Drona's gold-decked bow flashed like lightning. He caused an awful river of death to flow, with blood as its waters and cars as its eddies. The battle raged on, with Drona's shafts constituting the river's current. The Pandava warriors rushed at Drona from all sides, and the battle intensified. Sakuni pierced Sahadeva's charioteer and car, while Bhimasena fought Vivinsati. Nakula fought Salya, and Satyaki fought Kritavarman. The battle was fierce, with warriors on both sides exhibiting great prowess. Abhimanyu fought Paurava and Jayadratha, displaying his skill and strength. The Kaurava army surrounded him, but he scorching them like the sun. Salya hurled a dart at Abhimanyu, who caught it and unsheathed his sword, earning a leonine shout from the kings."	15 Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya to describe the combat between Salya and Abhimanyu. Sanjaya described the fierce battle between Salya and Bhima, who wielded massive maces. The two warriors roared like bulls and circled each other, their maces flashing like lightning. The combat was intense, with both warriors striking each other with their maces, causing sparks of fire to fly around. They fought like tigers or elephants, their maces crashing against each other. Despite being struck, neither warrior moved, standing firm like hills. They fell to the ground simultaneously, but quickly rose up again. Kritavarman rescued the unconscious Salya and bore him away from the field. Bhima stood up, mace in hand, and the Pandavas triumphed, causing the Kaurava army to flee in fear. The Pandavas blew their conchs, beat their drums, and uttered leonine roars, elated with joy. The battle was a display of incredible strength and valor, with both warriors exhibiting their skills and prowess. Salya and Bhima were evenly matched, and their combat was a wonder to behold. The sound of their maces crashing against each other echoed through the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of the Kaurava warriors. In the end, the Pandavas emerged victorious, their triumph a testament to their bravery and skill. 16 Sanjaya describes the intense battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Vrishasena, son of Karna, single-handedly protects the Kaurava army, displaying his skill and prowess. The Pandavas unite to counter him, and a fierce battle ensues. Drona's son, Aswatthama, and other Kaurava warriors join the fight, and the Pandavas respond with vigor. The battle rages on, with many heroes displaying their strength and valor. Drona, excited with rage, penetrates the Pandava host and rushes towards Yudhishthira. However, he is checked by Kumara, who pierces him with an arrow. Drona slays Kumara and continues to fight, piercing many Pandava warriors. The Pandavas surround him, but he stands firm, like the all-destructive sun. Arjuna eventually arrives, routing the Kauravas and crossing a river of blood to reach Drona. He covers Drona's division with a net of arrows, confounding his senses. The battle ends with the withdrawal of troops, and the Pandavas praise Arjuna for his victory.	17 Sanjaya recounts the events of the day to Dhritarashtra, describing the intense battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Drona, filled with shame and frustration, advises Duryodhana to draw Arjuna away from Yudhishthira's side, knowing that the Pandava king is vulnerable without his protector. The Trigarta brothers, seeking revenge against Arjuna for past humiliations, take a solemn vow to either slay him or die in the attempt. With fiery passion, they march towards Arjuna, summoning him to battle. Arjuna, determined to fulfill his vow to never turn back from a challenge, asks Yudhishthira for permission to go and fight them. Yudhishthira, aware of the danger, grants his leave, entrusting Satyajit with his protection. Arjuna departs, his chariot wheels rumbling as he charges into battle. The two armies clash, their weapons and armor glinting in the sunlight. Duryodhana's troops, emboldened by Arjuna's absence, seek to capture Yudhishthira, but Satyajit stands firm, ready to defend his king. 18 Sanjaya vividly describes the intense battle between Arjuna and the Trigarta brothers, who are filled with delight and anticipation at the prospect of fighting the legendary warrior. As Arjuna approaches, the Trigartas form an array in the shape of a half-moon, their cars and weapons at the ready. With a hint of a smile, Arjuna remarks to Krishna that the Trigartas are rejoicing at a time when they should be mourning their impending defeat. As the battle commences, Arjuna blows his conch, Devadatta, with great force, shattering the air and sending a wave of fear through the Trigarta ranks. Their animals are paralyzed with terror, unable to move or escape. Regaining their composure, the Trigartas launch a fierce attack, shooting arrows at Arjuna with all their might. But the mighty Pandava warrior is unfazed, cutting down their arrows with ease and precision. The Trigartas continue to press the attack, but Arjuna's prowess is unmatched. He pierces their ranks with his arrows, his diadem shining with golden shafts that seem to dance in the sunlight. With a swift stroke, he kills Sudhanwan and his steeds, sending the Trigarta king and his followers into a panic. As they flee in disarray, Arjuna pursues them relentlessly, filling the air with incessant showers of arrows that seem to fall like rain from the heavens. Despite their valiant efforts, the Trigartas are no match for Arjuna's skill and strength. Their king, however, refuses to yield, rallying his troops with a stirring speech and urging them to stand and fight to the death. With renewed determination, the Samsaptakas return to the field, resolved to face their fate with courage and honor.	19 Sanjaya describes the intense battle between Arjuna and the Samsaptakas. Arjuna tells Krishna to drive the chariot towards the enemy, vowing to slay them all. Krishna smiles and urges on the steeds. The chariot moves swiftly, displaying circular and diverse motions. The Narayanas surround Arjuna, covering him with arrows, but he doubles his energy and shoots the Tvashtra weapon, creating multiple images of himself and Krishna. The enemy troops become confused and start striking each other. Arjuna crushes the Lalithya, Malava, and Trigarta warriors, and the Kshatriyas are slaughtered by his arrows. The Samsaptakas shoot arrows at Arjuna, but he dispels them with the Vayavya weapon, and the wind bears away the enemy troops like dry leaves. Arjuna strikes them with sharp shafts, cutting off heads, hands, and thighs. The battlefield becomes impassable, and the earth is purified of dust by the showers of blood. The car of Vibhatsu shines fiercely like Rudra's car, and the field of battle looks dreadful like Yama's domains. 20 Sanjaya describes the epic battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Drona, at the head of his troops, advances to seize Yudhishthira, while Arjuna is engaged with the Samsaptakas. Yudhishthira disposes his troops in a semi-circular array to counter Drona's Garuda formation, with Dhrishtadyumna leading the charge. The battle rages on, with warriors on both sides displaying their prowess. Dhrishtadyumna engages Drona and his son Durmukha, while Yudhishthira's host is scattered by Drona's arrows. The clash of elephants and steeds shakes the earth, and the sounds of roaring elephants and clashing weapons fill the air. The battle becomes fierce and intense, with warriors losing their distinction between friend and foe. The earth is strewn with bodies, and the sounds of wailing and crying echo through the field. Drona confounds the senses of his foes and rushes at Yudhishthira, determined to capture him. The Pandavas and Kauravas fight with all their might, their weapons and armor flashing in the sunlight. The outcome of the battle hangs in the balance, as the two armies clash in a frenzy of steel and bloodlust. The scene is one of utter chaos and carnage, with warriors and animals alike falling to the ground. The earth is drenched in blood, and the air is thick with the smell of death. Yet, despite the intensity of the battle, the warriors fight on, driven by their duty and their desire for victory. The battle is a testament to the bravery and skill of the warriors, and a reminder of the devastating consequences of war.
21 Sanjaya describes the intense battle between Drona and the Pandavas, with Drona determined to capture Yudhishthira. Satyajit and Vrika resist him valiantly, but Drona's skill and prowess prove too great. He slays Vrika and Satyajit, but the Pandavas continue to attack him, undeterred by their fallen comrades. Drona's chariot is surrounded by the Pandavas, but he fights on, his bow and arrows flashing like lightning as he seeks to seize Yudhishthira. The battle rages on, with Drona consuming the Pandava divisions like a fire consuming cotton. The Pandavas and their allies flee in fear, but Drona pursues them relentlessly, slaughtering many and sending others running for their lives. The battlefield is a scene of utter carnage, with bodies strewn about and the sound of wailing and crying filling the air. The battle is fierce and intense, with Drona's bow and arrows flashing like lightning as he cuts down his foes. The Pandavas are unable to withstand Drona's onslaught, and many are slain or wounded. The battle is described as a river of blood, with Drona as the mighty current that bears away the Pandava warriors. Despite their bravery, the Pandavas are unable to defeat Drona, who is supported by the Kurus and fights with all his might. 22 Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya if anyone approached Drona for battle when the Pandavas were broken. Sanjaya describes the scene where the Pandavas and their allies are fleeing in fear, while Drona is stationed like a tiger, ready to fight. Duryodhana, filled with joy, says to Karna that the Pandavas will not return to battle, but Karna disagrees, saying that Bhima will not abandon the fight. Karna predicts that the Pandavas will slay many of their car-warriors and that Drona will be afflicted by them. Karna urges Duryodhana to go to Drona's aid quickly, lest he be slain like a mighty elephant by wolves. Duryodhana, accompanied by his brothers, proceeds towards Drona's car, where the noise of the battle is deafening. The Pandava warriors, determined to slay Drona, return to the fight on their cars, drawn by excellent steeds of diverse hue. The scene is set for a fierce and intense battle, with Drona at its center.	23 Duryodhana and Karna discuss the intense battle between Drona and the Pandavas. Duryodhana, filled with joy, says that the Pandavas will not return to battle, but Karna disagrees. Karna predicts that Bhima, determined to slay Drona, will fight on, despite the odds. He warns Duryodhana that the Pandavas will not be easily defeated and that Drona will be afflicted by them. Karna urges Duryodhana to go to Drona's aid quickly, lest he be slain like a mighty elephant by wolves. Duryodhana, accompanied by his brothers, proceeds towards Drona's car, where the noise of the battle is deafening. The Pandava warriors, determined to slay Drona, return to the fight on their cars, drawn by excellent steeds of diverse hue. The scene is set for a fierce and intense battle, with Drona at its center. Karna's words prove prophetic as the Pandavas, led by Bhima, launch a fierce attack on Drona. The battle rages on, with Drona fighting valiantly, but the Pandavas refusing to back down. The outcome of the battle is far from certain, as the two sides clash in a frenzy of arrows and swords. 24 Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to describe the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Sanjaya describes how Bhima fought against Duryodhana's elephant division, breaking through the ranks and causing chaos. Duryodhana himself rushed at Bhima, but was struck by Bhima's arrows. The ruler of the Angas then attacked Bhima, but was killed by him. The ruler of the Pragjyotishas, Bhagadatta, then advanced on his elephant, Supratika, and attacked Bhima. Bhima got under the elephant's body and struck it, causing it to turn round like a potter's wheel. Bhima then ran away, and the Pandava host fled in fear. King Yudhishthira surrounded Bhagadatta with numerous cars and covered him with arrows, but Bhagadatta's elephant consumed both the Pandavas and the Panchalas. The battle between the two elephants was fierce, and Bhagadatta's elephant emerged victorious. Bhima then rushed against Bhagadatta again, but was repelled by the elephant's water spouted from its trunk. Other Pandava warriors then attacked the elephant, but were unable to defeat it. Bhagadatta's elephant continued to wreak havoc on the Pandava host, causing them to flee in fear.	25 Sanjaya describes Arjuna's feats in battle to Dhritarashtra, saying that Arjuna saw the dust rising and heard the wail of the troops as Bhagadatta fought on his elephant. Arjuna tells Krishna that he thinks Bhagadatta is the foremost elephant-warrior and that his elephant is impervious to weapons. He notes that the elephant is capable of bearing every weapon and even the touch of fire, and that it will alone destroy the Pandava force that day. Arjuna decides to go to where Bhagadatta is, but is summoned by the Samsaptaka car-warriors, who number fourteen thousand. He is torn between returning to battle them or going to Yudhishthira's aid. After reflection, he decides to slaughter the Samsaptakas, thinking that it would be better to fight them first and then go to Bhagadatta. The Samsaptakas shoot thousands of arrows at Arjuna, covering him, Krishna, and the steeds. But Arjuna uses the Brahma weapon and nearly exterminates them, striking down hundreds of arms, standards, steeds, and charioteers. Elephants and riders are also struck down by Arjuna's shafts, and the ground is covered with the bodies of the fallen warriors. Krishna is amazed by Arjuna's feat and says that even Indra, Yama, or the Lord of treasures could not have performed it. He praises Arjuna, saying that he has achieved something that even the gods could not do. After slaying the Samsaptakas, Arjuna tells Krishna to go towards Bhagadatta, indicating that he is now ready to face the ruler of the Pragjyotishas. 26 Sanjaya describes Arjuna's battle with Susarman and his brothers, and how he then advances towards Drona's division. Arjuna scatters showers of arrows, scorching the Kaurava warriors and overwhelming them. He comes upon the king of the Pragjyotishas, Bhagadatta, who rushes towards him on his elephant. The encounter between Arjuna's car and Bhagadatta's elephant is fierce, with both heroes coursing on the field, equipped according to the rules of science. Bhagadatta pours showers of arrows on Dhananjaya, but the latter cuts them off with his arrows. Bhagadatta then strikes Partha and Krishna with many shafts, and urges his elephant for their destruction. Janardana moves the car to keep the elephant on their left, and Dhananjaya refrains from slaying the elephant from the back, remembering the rules of fair fight. However, the elephant destroys other elephants, cars, and steeds, filling Dhananjaya with rage. Arjuna advances towards Bhagadatta, who rushes towards him on his elephant. The encounter is fierce, with both heroes coursing on the field, equipped according to the rules of science. Bhagadatta pours showers of arrows on Dhananjaya, but the latter cuts them off with his arrows. Bhagadatta then strikes Partha and Krishna with many shafts, and urges his elephant for their destruction. Janardana moves the car to keep the elephant on their left, and Dhananjaya refrains from slaying the elephant from the back, remembering the rules of fair fight. The elephant destroys other elephants, cars, and steeds, filling Dhananjaya with rage. The battle between Arjuna and Bhagadatta is intense, with both sides exchanging arrows and showing their prowess.	27 Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to describe the battle between Arjuna and Bhagadatta, and Sanjaya begins to recount the details. Bhagadatta, filled with rage, showered arrows on Arjuna and Krishna from the neck of his elephant. The arrows, made of black iron and equipped with golden wings, whetted on stone and shot from his bow, drew blood from Devaki's son. However, Arjuna was not deterred and cut off Bhagadatta's bow and quivers, then struck him with many arrows. Bhagadatta retaliated by hurling a dart made of iron and decked with gold at Vasudeva, but it became a triumphal garland on his breast. Arjuna rebuked Vasudeva for intervening, reminding him of his promise to only guide his steed and not fight himself. However, Vasudeva explained that he had given the Vaishnava weapon to the Earth's son Naraka, who had passed it to Bhagadatta. Vasudeva told Arjuna that he had divided himself into four forms to protect the worlds and that he had given the Vaishnava weapon to Naraka to make him invincible. However, he had also told Naraka that the weapon would be infallible for his protection, but not for his offense. Vasudeva encouraged Arjuna to slay Bhagadatta, and Arjuna overwhelmed him with arrows. Arjuna then struck Bhagadatta's elephant between the frontal globes with a long arrow, splitting it like thunder splitting a mountain. The elephant fell to the ground, striking it with its tusks, and died. Arjuna then pierced Bhagadatta's bosom with an arrow, and he fell from his elephant, dead. His valuable cloth turban fell from his head, and his golden garlands were torn apart. The son of Indra had slain the monarch who resembled Indra himself in prowess. 28 Sanjaya describes the battle between Arjuna and the sons of the king of Gandhara, Vrishaka and Achala. Arjuna slew the two brothers with a single arrow, and their bodies fell to the ground, spreading sacred fame. Enraged, Sakuni created illusions to confound the two Krishnas, but Arjuna dispelled them with his weapons. A thick darkness appeared, but Arjuna used the Jyotishka weapon to dispel it. Frightful waves of water then appeared, but Arjuna used the Aditya weapon to dry them up. Sakuni fled, and Arjuna showered arrows upon the Kaurava host, dividing it into two streams. A thick dust arose, and only the twang of Gandiva could be heard. A fierce battle took place on the southern part of the field, and Arjuna smote the foe on every part of the field, like the wind destroying clouds in the summer season. Struck by Partha, the warriors fled, killing many of their own number. The arrows shot by Arjuna fell like flights of locusts, piercing steeds, car-warriors, elephants, and foot-soldiers. The field of battle presented a variegated and awful sight, with slain men and animals lying all about.	29 Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to describe the state of mind of the Kuru warriors when their divisions were broken and routed. Sanjaya replies that despite the chaos, many heroes remained steadfast and followed Drona, achieving great feats against the Pandava army. The battle became fierce, with both sides shouting and clashing in a desperate struggle. Dhrishtadyumna, the Pandava general, checked Drona's advance, and a wonderful encounter ensued. The Pandava warriors, filled with rage and vindictiveness, approached the battle recklessly, making life itself the stake. The earth trembled beneath their feet, and the noise of the clashing armies paralyzed the welkin. Drona, careening over the field, broke through the Pandava divisions with his whetted shafts. Dhrishtadyumna, filled with rage, checked Drona's advance, and the two engaged in a fierce duel. Meanwhile, Nila, a Pandava warrior, consumed the Kuru ranks with his arrows, but was confronted by Drona's son, Aswatthaman. The two engaged in a fierce duel, with Nila ultimately being slain by Aswatthaman. The Pandava host trembled with grief at Nila's fall, and wondered how Arjuna, who was engaged on another part of the field, would rescue them from the foe. The battle raged on, with heroes on both sides achieving great feats. The clash of arms and the cries of the warriors filled the air, as the two armies struggled for supremacy. The outcome of the battle was far from certain, as the brave warriors of both sides fought on, undaunted by the carnage around them. 30 Sanjaya describes the intense battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Bhima, filled with rage, strikes Valhika and Karna with many arrows. Drona, desiring to slay Bhima, pierces him with many whetted shafts. Karna, Aswatthaman, and Duryodhana also strike Bhima, but he fights back fiercely. The Pandava warriors, including Yuyudhana and the sons of Madri, rush to Bhima's side and attack Drona's host. The battle rages on, with warriors on both sides fighting recklessly and falling to the ground. Elephants and steeds are slain, and cars are broken. The earth is covered with the bodies of the dead, and the dust raised by the troops makes it difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Arjuna, meanwhile, has been fighting the Samsaptakas and now approaches Drona's car. He is met by Karna, who invokes the Agneya weapon, but Arjuna baffles it with his own arrowy downpours. The two warriors engage in a fierce duel, with Karna's brothers being slain by Arjuna. Bhima and Satyaki also attack Karna, who is eventually rescued by Duryodhana and others. The battle continues, with both sides suffering heavy losses, until the sun sets and the warriors retire to their tents.