The sage Vaisampayana continued his narration. When Dhritarashtra heard of the incomparable valour, chivalric strength, and invincible prowess of Krishna and Arjuna, his heart was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. Troubled by the death of Jayadratha (Saindhava) at the hands of Arjuna, he questioned Sanjaya with deep concern: “After the fall of Saindhava, what did my son Duryodhana and the Kaurava warriors do?” In response, Sanjaya began to recount the events that unfolded on that memorable day of battle.
The Pandava army, invigorated by the fulfillment of Arjuna’s terrible vow and inspired by the death of Jayadratha, surged forward with renewed enthusiasm. Their warriors attacked Dronacharya with extraordinary determination, displaying courage born of confidence and hope. Amidst the fierce conflict, Kripacharya and Ashwatthama directed torrents of arrows toward Arjuna. Yet the son of Pandu remained calm and unshaken. Neither anger nor excitement disturbed his composure. With effortless mastery, he countered every assault, standing in battle like a mountain unmoved by the storm.
The relentless arrows of Arjuna struck Kripacharya with tremendous force. Wounded and bleeding, the venerable warrior fell unconscious in his chariot. His charioteer swiftly removed him from the battlefield. Ashwatthama, unable to withstand Arjuna’s irresistible onslaught, was compelled to withdraw. The assembled warriors watched these events from a distance in stunned silence. Seeing his revered preceptor Kripa struck down by his own arrows, Arjuna himself was filled with sorrow and compassion.
Perceiving the grief that had arisen in Arjuna’s heart, Krishna embraced him affectionately and spoke words of encouragement. “O Partha,” he said, “even if all the hosts of heaven were united, they could scarcely conquer this vast Kaurava army. Yet you have overcome them with remarkable ease. This victory is not the result of fortune alone but also of your unmatched prowess. I praise your valor beyond measure. The aged king Vriddhakshatra, father of Jayadratha, had dedicated the power of his severe penance toward the destruction of the slayer of his son. Such was the force of his devotion. Yet by the grace of the divine Pasupata weapon you overcame that obstacle. Now another great task remains before you. You must confront Karna, who stands armed with the celestial Shakti bestowed by Indra. The thought of your eventual victory over him fills me with immeasurable joy.”
Arjuna listened with humility and replied, “O noble Krishna, whatever I have accomplished today has been achieved solely through your grace. The fulfillment of my vow was not the result of my strength alone. The success of the Pandavas rests entirely upon your compassion and guidance. Those who seek refuge in you can accomplish even the most difficult tasks with ease. We remain obedient to your will, and the burden of our future rests securely in your hands.”
A gentle smile spread across Krishna’s face as he answered, “Arjuna, the sun is now descending in the western sky. It is time for us to go and meet Dharmaraja.” Arjuna bowed his head in gratitude, and together they began their journey. Accompanied by Bhima, Satyaki, Yudhamanyu, and Uttamauja—the vigilant protectors of Arjuna’s chariot wheels—they advanced through the battlefield while exchanging words of reflection and victory.
As they moved forward, they traversed a dreadful landscape strewn with blood, broken limbs, severed heads, shattered chariots, fallen elephants, horses, and countless weapons. The ornaments and banners of the fourfold armies lay scattered across the earth. Gazing upon the scene, Krishna said, “Behold, Arjuna, this field of destruction. Covered with countless weapons, ornaments, and fragments of war, the earth appears adorned with garments of many colors. Your display of archery today has astonished even me.” Thus conversing, they crossed the battlefield as darkness gradually enveloped the horizon and the day’s combat came to an end.
The weary warriors retired from battle, and Krishna and Arjuna hastened toward the camp where Yudhishthira anxiously awaited their return. As they approached, Krishna sounded the sacred Panchajanya, announcing both his arrival and the fulfillment of Arjuna’s vow. Hearing the conch, Yudhishthira’s heart overflowed with joy. Krishna and Arjuna descended from their chariot and respectfully saluted him. Tears of happiness filled the eyes of the righteous king as he embraced them both with deep affection.
Looking upon Arjuna, Yudhishthira said, “To witness these two heroes return unstained by defeat after slaying Jayadratha is indeed my great fortune. Yet I know well that this achievement has been made possible by the grace of this noble soul, Krishna, who is the true source of all our success.” Krishna replied with thoughtful wisdom, “The death of Jayadratha was brought about by the righteous indignation you bear against the Kauravas. When noble men are stirred by a just cause, they become capable of accomplishing even the most difficult undertakings. In such circumstances, not only the destruction of Jayadratha but deeds far beyond imagination can be achieved. There is nothing surprising in this.”
Filled with devotion, Yudhishthira turned to Krishna and offered words of praise. “O eternal and primeval Lord,” he said, “when you become angry, even gods and demons cannot survive, much less ordinary men. When your grace shines upon the world, all beings find comfort and protection. Therefore, what wonder is there if your devotees conquer their enemies? Without your favor, it would have been impossible to overcome mighty warriors such as Bhishma, Drona, and the others. The unrighteous conduct of the Kauravas has provoked your displeasure, and that divine wrath has become the instrument destined to destroy their race.”
Krishna answered, “Any lineage that seeks to harm one who is the living embodiment of Dharma, such as yourself, is inevitably destined for destruction.” His words carried both the authority of divine truth and the certainty of fate.
Soon afterward, Bhima and Satyaki entered the royal tent and bowed before Yudhishthira. The king raised them with affection and embraced them warmly. Their bodies bore the visible marks of battle, and their eyes reflected the intensity of heroic struggle. Yudhishthira praised their courage and steadfastness. Shortly thereafter, Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja also approached with humility. They too were received with honor and commended for their devotion and valor.
Throughout the Pandava camp, an atmosphere of triumph prevailed. Confidence filled every heart, and enthusiasm surged like the swelling tides of the ocean. The soldiers prepared themselves eagerly for the battles that still lay ahead, encouraged by the great victory they had witnessed.
In stark contrast, despair settled heavily upon Duryodhana. Humiliated by defeat and shaken by the unexpected death of Jayadratha, he spoke sorrowfully to his closest allies. “There is no diminution in Arjuna’s prowess,” he admitted. “When Arjuna is consumed by righteous fury, not only Drona but even the hosts of heaven would find it difficult to withstand him in battle. Drona and Karna may be willing to protect the Kauravas, yet it has become evident to the whole world that neither can truly stand against Arjuna. Their strength and energy are no match for the power of the Pandavas.”
These reflections drained Duryodhana of hope and plunged him into deep depression. Overcome by frustration and grief, he hastened to Dronacharya and cried out in anguish, “Our enemies, the Pandavas, have embraced victory, while we have suffered defeat. Many of our greatest warriors have fallen. What is the meaning of this calamity?” Thus, overwhelmed by sorrow and disappointment, Duryodhana poured out his grief before his preceptor, while Sanjaya faithfully narrated these events to the troubled Dhritarashtra.
