Sanjaya, perceiving Dhritarashtra’s keen desire to hear of the events that ultimately led to the fall of Drona, began his narration with measured composure. He declared that lengthy elaboration was unnecessary, for he had witnessed and understood the entire sequence of events as they unfolded amidst the tumult of war. He recounted how, after the fall of Bhishma, Drona was appointed supreme commander of the Kaurava army in the presence of assembled monarchs and renowned warriors. This elevation brought great satisfaction to the allied kings, who regarded his leadership as a source of renewed confidence and strength. Accepting the honour with dignified humility, Drona addressed Duryodhana, praising his judgment and expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him. He then invited the prince to reveal whatever desire he wished to have fulfilled.
Thereupon, Duryodhana, having previously consulted Karna, Dushasana, and his closest companions, approached Drona with feigned humility while concealing his true intentions. He requested that the mighty preceptor use his unrivalled skill not to slay Yudhishthira, but to capture him alive upon the battlefield. At this unexpected request, Drona fixed his gaze upon the prince and observed that Yudhishthira’s title, Ajātaśatru, was indeed justified, since even his enemies hesitated to seek his death. Wondering at the unusual nature of the request, Drona questioned Duryodhana’s purpose and asked whether he intended to conquer the sons of Pandu only to restore their kingdom afterward. He urged him to reveal the true motive hidden behind such an extraordinary desire.
Then Duryodhana, overcome by pride and blinded by ambition, disclosed his design before Drona and the assembled chiefs. He reasoned that if Yudhishthira were slain, Arjuna’s wrath would know no bounds and the Kaurava forces would be destroyed. Likewise, if all the Pandavas were killed, Krishna would surely avenge them, overthrow the Kaurava house, and restore sovereignty to the descendants of Kunti. Therefore, he conceived a scheme rooted in deception. He intended to capture Yudhishthira alive, compel him to participate once more in a game of dice, and thereby send him and his brothers again into exile, securing for himself undisputed dominion over the earth. Hearing this ignoble plan, Drona inwardly recoiled from its baseness. Yet concealing his disapproval, he replied with deliberate restraint, declaring that as long as Arjuna remained beside Yudhishthira, neither he nor even the combined hosts of the gods could capture him. However, if Arjuna could somehow be drawn away from his brother’s side, he would certainly seize Yudhishthira while also destroying countless Panchala warriors.
The Kauravas, blinded by hope and eager for success, misunderstood Drona’s carefully qualified words as an absolute promise. Duryodhana, delighted by what he believed to be a guarantee of victory, proclaimed Drona’s vow throughout the armies of both sides. Hearing this announcement, the warriors raised loud cries of triumph, and the air echoed with the sounds of conches, drums, and martial instruments as anticipation swept through the ranks. Meanwhile, vigilant spies informed Yudhishthira of the enemy’s design. Gathering his brothers in private counsel, he spoke to Arjuna with calm seriousness and urged him to frustrate Drona’s intention through wisdom, vigilance, and strategy. He explained that the purpose behind the vow was clear and required no further interpretation. Therefore, he requested Arjuna to remain constantly at his side so that Duryodhana’s plans might come to nothing.
Arjuna, steadfast in loyalty and radiant with heroic determination, responded with reverence and confidence. He declared that abandoning Yudhishthira in danger would be a grievous sin, just as permitting harm to come to their revered preceptor would be equally reprehensible. He assured his elder brother that while he remained alive, no force in existence could capture him. Not even the formidable hosts of Rudra, he proclaimed, could accomplish such a feat. Arjuna urged Yudhishthira to cast aside every anxiety, affirming that the strength, virtue, and unity of the Pandavas would render the enemy’s schemes futile. He further declared that even if Duryodhana advanced with the power of the three worlds behind him, the very fabric of creation would sooner collapse than allow dishonour to touch Yudhishthira. The wicked designs of their enemies, he said, would ultimately bring ruin only upon those who conceived them. Comforted by these assurances, Yudhishthira’s heart was filled with quiet confidence.
Soon afterward, the battlefield reverberated with the blare of conches, the thunder of kettle-drums, and the clash of countless martial instruments. Their mingled echoes spread excitement among some and dread among others as the hour of battle approached. Under Arjuna’s guidance, the Pandava army arranged itself in the formidable Krauncha formation. Krishna, resplendent as Arjuna’s charioteer, guided the radiant chariot drawn by white steeds, while the banner bearing Hanuman fluttered above it like a living flame. Standing upon that celestial car with the Gandiva in hand, Arjuna appeared like a gathering storm ready to unleash irresistible fury. Beside him stood Dhrishtadyumna, majestic and vigilant, serving as a powerful shield of protection. Bhima, the sons of Draupadi, Drupada, Dhrishtaketu, and the other heroes occupied their appointed positions with careful precision, while Yudhishthira remained securely stationed at the heart of the formation.
Sanjaya then related that the Kaurava forces, equally determined and disciplined, were arranged in the Sakata Vyuha. Every warrior was positioned according to his merit, mobility, experience, and valour, creating a formation of remarkable strength and order. Thus the two mighty armies stood facing one another upon the threshold of a terrible encounter, their destinies bound together in the inexorable movement of time. Awaiting the clash that would determine the fate of kings and test the very foundations of dharma, they prepared to enter one of the most decisive struggles of the great war.
