The blind monarch Dhritarashtra grew elated on hearing that the Kauravas had gained the upper hand on the first day of war. In his eagerness, he hastily questioned Sanjaya about the response of the Pandavas. Sanjaya replied that Dharmaraja, who harboured no enmity, was free from pride, and stood beyond sorrow and pleasure, ever clad in the Armor of forgiveness, was nonetheless deeply perturbed by the advantage gained by the Kauravas. Accompanied by his brothers and kinsmen, he approached Sri Krishna and poured forth his troubled heart. Bhishma, like a raging fire in a dry forest, had destroyed countless warriors in a single day, his valour rising to incomparable heights. Faced with such a dark-cloud-like hero, who could withstand him, and who could subdue this formidable force.
Bhishma is a noble soul, a universal hero. I once believed him courageous and bold only in certain portions of the battlefield, but such an opinion was unwise. My brothers are shaken by his precision and prowess, and are distressed by the situation. Even if the eight guardians of the directions—Indra, Agni, Yama, Niruthi, Varuna, Maruta, Kubera, and Isana—were united, they could not overcome him. The son of Ganga can defeat and destroy anyone. I had hoped Arjuna would prevail over Bhishma, yet on the first day he appeared restrained. Bhima alone fought beyond the limits of his strength upon the field; what more can he do. Whom should I blame for this inferior performance. My mind is restless, and I even contemplate withdrawing from the war.
Dharmaraja is by nature a lover of peace and is opposed to war. Arjuna is wise, and his valour and chivalry are governed by wisdom. He knows not to be adventurous at an improper time, for haste would only lead to futility. Upon proper reflection, it is evident that Arjuna did fight and restrain Bhishma, whose archery is of universal excellence. It is Arjuna’s considered view that the son of Ganga must be brought down by timely strategy rather than reckless force. Yet Dharmaraja’s mind had transcended the codes of battle and soared into the realms of humanity and compassion for those crushed by the Kaurava forces under Bhishma’s command.
His delusion rose to illogical heights, and he declared, “Sri Krishna, I cannot abandon all the kings who have come to fight on our side as mere offerings to Bhishma. I shall return to the forests, lead a life of asceticism, and subsist on roots and fruits.” His reflective reasoning was this: just as fish or animals are usually captured by deception through bait, so too men are lured, yet Bhishma cannot be enticed thus. It is better to confront him in open wilderness and restrain him with patience and perseverance. Dharmaraja then said to Sri Krishna, “We abide by your instructions. Whatever and wherever we act, we do so in pursuit of your will. Whether good or adverse comes to us, it is your grace. What, then, is our duty now.”
Sri Krishna replied, “Dharmaraja, why are you so afflicted. Each of your brothers is capable of conquering the world; together they can subdue the universe. No doubt Bhishma shines with heroism and stands as a master of warcraft, yet he shall be overcome by Shikhandi. I shall destroy all who incur your displeasure. Satyaki is a great hero whose unfailing courage is a mighty asset. He shall roam the battlefield unrestrained, endowed with natural strength and mastery of arms, and you shall behold his daring glory and valour. His consecrated arrows and dexterity will astonish many. O Dharmaraja, the strength and skill of Drupada, and the brilliance and martial wisdom of Virata, together with all their resources, stand by you, ready to sacrifice life and wealth. Why then do you retreat in your mind from war. Even a thousand lines and countless words cannot fully describe the universal heroism of Drishtadyumna; he alone can render the enemy’s bold designs futile, for his powers are without limit.”
Dharmaraja, gazing upon Drishtadyumna, said, “The Pandava forces are protected and guided by you. Sri Krishna instructed us to crown you as the commander of the army, and we all agreed, placing our hope in you. Justify your position by instilling faith in your forces and by defeating the enemy.” Drishtadyumna replied, “The whole world knows that I was created by Brahma to slay Dronacharya; this alone need not be cited as proof of my valour. You shall witness my stride of martial spirit against Bhishma and the other warrior hosts. You need only observe the tactical manoeuvres we employ.”
The Pandavas rejoiced at the enthusiasm of their commander, and the kings advanced with renewed confidence, fortified by the assurance of Sri Krishna. Then Yudhishthira said to Drishtadyumna, “In ancient times there was a great war between the gods and the demon hosts. Then the preceptor of the celestial realm, Brihaspati, advised Devendra to adopt the strategic formation known as Krauncha, which struck terror into the enemies and infused confidence into the gods. You should contemplate this formation of the heron and display your brilliance, for its uniqueness will speak for itself.” Drishtadyumna, adept and accomplished in all forms of warfare—celestial, demonic, spectral, and royal—and skilled in every military array, agreed to adopt the heron formation.
Relieved of his anguish, Dharmaraja instructed all to retire to their respective abodes. At dawn, the lotuses bloomed like the eager hearts of the Pandavas, and the sun grew fierce like the courage of their forces. Dharmaraja, having completed his daily rites, set forth toward the task of the day. Drishtadyumna meticulously arranged the Krauncha formation. Arjuna, with his tall and magnificent banner bearing the emblem of Hanuman, stood at the beak. Kuntibhoja and Saibya were placed as the eyes. King Drupada stood at the crest. The kings of Dasarna, Surasena, and Kiratha were stationed at the neck. Bhima occupied the left wing, and Drishtadyumna himself the right. Abhimanyu, Satyaki, the sons of Draupadi, and the Chola and Pandya kings stood behind Bhimasena. Nakula, Sahadeva, Ghatotkacha, and the kings of Sambara and Vatsa stood behind Drishtadyumna. The kings of Virata, Kekaya, and Kashi were positioned at the navel. The king of Huna and other warriors stood around Dharmaraja, who was placed at the head. Sanjaya reported that thus was formed a strong and reliable military array by the strategic minds of Dharmaraja and Drishtadyumna for the second day of battle.
