The fall of Karṇa transformed the atmosphere within both camps. Among the Pāṇḍavas, joy spread like the first light after a storm, for they believed that the greatest obstacle to their victory had at last been removed. The warriors prepared themselves either to embrace a glorious death upon the sacred field of Kurukṣetra or to secure everlasting fame by conquering their enemies. They understood that destiny had reached its decisive turning point, where courage alone would determine the fate of kingdoms and dynasties.
Within the Kaurava camp, however, prudence replaced celebration. Kṛpa, Kṛtavarmā, Śakuni, Śalya, and the other surviving heroes assembled before Duryodhana to deliberate upon their next course of action. They advised him with calm foresight, saying, “It is wise that we remain within the security of our camp this night. The Pāṇḍavas, intoxicated by the triumph of slaying Karṇa, may attempt a sudden attack under the cover of darkness to destroy what remains of our strength. Let us not become victims of such treachery. Instead, we should preserve our forces, gather together the fourfold army of elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry, devise a careful strategy, and strike our enemies unexpectedly at the proper moment. Such thoughtful preparation alone can invite victory.”
Duryodhana, though burdened by grief, recognized the wisdom of their counsel. He accepted their proposal without hesitation and ordered the commanders to inform every division of the army. The exhausted Kaurava host marched to the sacred banks of the revered River Sarasvatī. There the warriors bathed in its holy waters, seeking purification from the fatigue and sorrow of war. Having completed their ablutions, they partook of nourishing food according to their choice and restored their weary bodies. For a brief moment, amid the silence of the riverbank, the hardships of battle seemed distant, though every heart knew that another terrible dawn awaited them.
As they rested together, Kṛpa, Kṛtavarmā, Śalya, Śakuni, Aśvatthāmā, Citrasena, the surviving sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Karṇa’s son Satyasena, and many other loyal chiefs gathered around Duryodhana. They spoke with one voice, declaring that an army, however large, could never prevail without resolute leadership. They urged him to appoint a commander endowed with fearless courage, unwavering determination, profound knowledge of military science, mastery over celestial weapons, immense bodily strength, broad shoulders worthy of bearing responsibility, and an indomitable spirit capable of inspiring confidence throughout the ranks. Such a leader, they affirmed, would become the very soul of the remaining Kaurava army.
Turning respectfully toward Aśvatthāmā, Duryodhana spoke with sincere humility. “O noble son of Droṇa, you are the guardian of our welfare, just as your illustrious father protected us in earlier days. Your wisdom is free from selfish desire, and your judgment seeks only our good. Therefore, it is fitting that you determine who among us should bear the responsibility of supreme command. Whomever you choose shall receive the support and obedience of us all.”
Aśvatthāmā reflected deeply before replying. “O King,” he said, “among all the warriors who remain, King Śalya of Madra possesses every quality required for supreme command. His courage is unequalled, his strength immense, his mastery of warfare complete, and his understanding of both his own strength and the weakness of his enemies is beyond comparison. His heroic spirit has never diminished, and his steadfast resolve remains unshaken. Moreover, for your sake he abandoned even his own nephews, the sons of Pāṇḍu, and chose loyalty to your cause above every personal attachment. Just as the gods once appointed Kumārasvāmi as their commander and, under his leadership, overcame the mighty hosts of demons, so should you install King Śalya as the supreme commander of the Kaurava army. Under his command, victory may yet smile upon us.”
The assembled kings and princes welcomed Aśvatthāmā’s proposal with unanimous approval. They praised the wisdom of his judgment, offered their heartfelt greetings to Śalya, and pledged to follow his command with complete devotion. Their approval rekindled hope within the weary camp, for every warrior longed for a leader capable of restoring confidence after the succession of grievous losses they had endured.
Duryodhana then approached King Śalya with profound respect. Standing before him with folded hands, he spoke words filled with humility rather than royal authority. “O mighty King of Madra, true friendship reveals itself in times of adversity. Without harbouring malice toward anyone, protect those who have placed their trust in you. This is the hour to display your incomparable valour and secure an unexpected victory for our cause. Once your grace falls upon us, despair shall vanish. I beseech you to accept the reins of our army and become its supreme commander. I, together with every warrior who stands beside me, shall faithfully obey your commands as we march once more to confront the sons of Pāṇḍu.”
Śalya accepted the request without hesitation. “O Duryodhana,” he declared, “there is no need for such earnest entreaty. The moment I accepted your hospitality and joined your cause, I dedicated to you my life, my wealth, my kingdom, and my entire army. I shall fulfil every duty entrusted to me without reservation. I shall protect the Kuru army with all the power that resides within me. Neither Kṛṣṇa nor Arjuna surpasses me in physical strength. When righteous anger awakens within me and I advance with my full might, even the gods themselves would hesitate to oppose me. The sons of Kuntī shall be unable to withstand the force of my assault. I shall fill the battlefield with countless arrows, scatter their armies in every direction, strike down warriors who dare confront me, and leave the earth covered with the fallen. The celestial beings who witness the battle from the heavens shall marvel at my prowess. Should the sons of Pāṇḍu refuse to flee, they shall perish beneath my weapons. Those who overlooked the greatness of Bhīṣma, dismissed the brilliance of Droṇa, or belittled the heroism of Karṇa shall soon behold a warrior unlike any they have previously witnessed. They shall proclaim my glory a thousandfold as I display the art of archery with effortless mastery.”
Sañjaya, faithfully narrating every event to the blind King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, described how Duryodhana’s heart was filled with renewed hope upon hearing Śalya’s fearless declaration. Believing that fortune had once again smiled upon him, Duryodhana ordered sacred water to be brought in golden vessels from the holy River Sarasvatī. Following every injunction prescribed in the Vedic tradition, the learned Brāhmaṇas performed the solemn rites and ceremonially anointed Śalya as the supreme commander of the Kaurava army. He was adorned with splendid garments, magnificent ornaments, and all the royal insignia befitting his exalted office. Auspicious music echoed through the camp as priests offered sacred blessings, kings extended their congratulations, and the assembled warriors saluted their newly appointed commander. Satisfied that the leadership of his army had been firmly established, Duryodhana retired to his quarters to prepare for the decisive encounter that awaited the coming dawn.
Meanwhile, in the victorious Pāṇḍava camp, King Yudhiṣṭhira remained vigilant despite the joy that followed Karṇa’s fall. Through trusted spies he received accurate reports concerning every movement within the Kaurava camp, including the installation of Śalya as commander. Turning toward Śrī Kṛṣṇa, he spoke thoughtfully. “O Mādhava, Duryodhana has appointed the mighty King of Madra as the leader of his remaining forces. The enemy has completed its preparations for another terrible battle. What course of action should we now adopt? Your wisdom has guided us safely through every crisis. Whatever decision you consider righteous and beneficial, we shall follow without hesitation.”
Śrī Kṛṣṇa answered with remarkable seriousness, revealing the immense respect he held for Śalya’s martial greatness. “O son of Dharma, I know Śalya well. His courage is extraordinary, his physical power immense, and his mastery of warfare unparalleled. In bodily strength and endurance he surpasses even Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and Karṇa in many respects. He is in no way inferior to any hero who has fought upon this sacred field. Now that Duryodhana has entrusted him with supreme command, he will attack with overwhelming force and relentless determination. Neither Bhīma, nor Arjuna, nor Sātyaki, nor Dhṛṣṭadyumna can safely withstand the full fury of Śalya in direct combat. Should they engage him carelessly, their very lives would be placed in grave danger. His knowledge of weapons, military formations, and battlefield strategy is complete. His courage resembles that of a mighty tiger advancing fearlessly upon its prey. Therefore, O Dharmarāja, among all the warriors in the Pāṇḍava army, you alone possess the inner strength, steadfastness, and divine destiny required to confront Śalya. The coming day shall determine the final course of this great war, and your wisdom, restraint, and righteousness must now shine as brightly upon the battlefield as your brothers’ unmatched heroism.”
