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The Pāṇḍava king, his anger abated, then called for Dṛṣṭadyumna and said, “The time for which you were Go and check the mighty Droṇa in battle. For this express purpose did you spring from fire, armed with a bow and sword, and encased in shining Let Śikhaṇḍī, the twins, your father Drupada, Virata, Sātyaki, and all the Pañchālas and Kekayas go with Throw down the preceptor and end this ghastly war.”

Gradually the sky glowed red and the sun rose from the eastern hills. As the sun illuminated the field, the troops stirred and again rose for battle. Stretching their bodies and rubbing their eyes, they bowed toward the east and offered prayers to the Then, mounting their chariots and taking up their weapons, they regrouped into their respective divisions and waited for the order to recommence the fight.

Suspicious of everyone, you are cruel and rebuke even those who work for your cause. Go and fight, then, and prove your boastful words in battle. Take your uncle, who prefers to fight with dice, and the vain Karṇa, and stand before Arjuna and his Go and do what should be done by a brave kṣatriya. You have enjoyed this life to the full. Go and fight without fear.”

As Bhīma and Dṛṣṭadyumna beat a path through the Kauravas toward the preceptor, Arjuna came up behind While Bhīma was engaged with Duryodhana and his brothers and Dṛṣṭadyumna was held by Aśvatthāmā, Arjuna A mighty battle ensued between teacher and pupil that astonished the onlookers. Meeting in the heavens, the shafts exploded in showers of sparks and fire.

The Kauravas were struck by grief and fear. Their all-conquering general was dead. Duryodhana, Karṇa, Śakuni, and the Kuru chiefs were overwhelmed by sorrow, and they ran along with their Surprised to see the Kauravas retreating, he stopped Duryodhana and asked, “Why do I see our army flying Why are you and all of our other heroes running away?

He looked down and said nothing. Kṛpa came up to his side and Duryodhana said, “O son of Saradwata, tell Aśvatthāmā why we are fleeing

Praising Arjuna for his compassion, the troops stopped fighting and rested. became silent as the men lay down to sleep on the ground or on the backs of their slumbering elephants and Others lay on the terraces of their cars, their bows and swords lying next to them. Stilled by sleep, the powerful warriors and their animals lay with their many ornaments gleaming in the

He came up to Dṛṣṭadyumna and spoke harshly. “What man regarding himself a kṣatriya would stand by and watch his sons and father being slain? There stands your sworn enemy, like a sacred fire with arrows and darts for its fuel and the bodies of

Whirling his iron mace, the Pāṇḍava smashed the beast and slew it and its rider together. He then rushed over to Droṇa and bellowed out, “Aśvatthāmā is slain! Aśvatthāmā is slain!” As he deceived Droṇa, his voice was tremulous and his heart wavered, but he knew it was Kṛṣṇa’s instruction , so he called out again and again, telling Droṇa that Aśvatthāmā was dead.

While Arjuna and Droṇa fought, Dṛṣṭadyumna advanced steadily toward them, intent on killing Droṇa. He was followed by the twins, who were met by Kṛtavarmā and Kṛpa.

They cheered him and rallied the retreating troops. To the beating of drums and the blasts of thousands of conchshells, the Kaurava army turned back toward

Bhīma broke away from Dṛṣṭadyumna and rushed into the Kauravas’ midst. The Pāṇḍava forces came up behind him and the two armies merged in a frenzied melee. As the two armies clashed, the sky was screened with dust and everyone thought night had again set in The warriors climbed over dead bodies to reach their foes, swinging their swords and thrusting forward Men screamed in pain and then fell, dying, calling out to their loved ones.

Taking up a razor-edged saber he jumped down from his chariot and ran toward the Kuru preceptor. and “Fie!” he jumped onto Droṇa’s chariot with the sword held high. Grabbing hold of Droṇa’s knotted hair, he dragged him and, with a great sweep of his saber, severed his He then threw the head toward the Kauravas and roared in joy, whirling his blood-soaked sword in the

Droṇa sat down in his chariot and assumed a meditative posture. With his eyes half-closed and arms outstretched, he fixed his mind on Viṣṇu. The celestial sages, still stationed in the heavens, saw Droṇa leave his mortal frame and ascend toward

Seeing the soldiers’ condition, Arjuna rode out into their midst and called out, “You men are all oppressed Lay down your weapons and your bodies. When the sun rises we may resume the battle.”

He sat down on the terrace of his chariot and wept. Kṛṣṇa went over to Yudhiṣṭhira and said, “O son of Kuntī, do not give way to grief at such a critical In this dread hour of night, our roaring foes are cheering and rushing at us again.

Drupada and Virata charged at Droṇa from both sides. Droṇa cut down all the missiles and struck Drupada on the chest with three arrows. Drupada angrily threw a dart, decked with gold and gems, at his foe, but Droṇa cut it to pieces with

Droṇa smiled and applauded his prowess. In the sky Siddhas and Gandharvas watched in wonder and praised both warriors. The gods considered the fight to be as if Rudra had divided himself in two and waged war against himself

He knew the days of friendship he had enjoyed with the Pāṇḍavas and Kauravas were gone. The two men pierced one another repeatedly and roared in anger. A battle resembling that between Arjuna and Droṇa developed. Gradually, Sātyaki prevailed over the Kaurava and Karṇa came to Duryodhana’s rescue.

“Turn, O heroes, and fight our enemies. I will charge at your head and annihilate any who come before me. I have in my possession the Nārāyaṇa weapon, which my father gave me, and which was given to him by Śiva It can only be discharged once, and I have saved it for such a moment of desperation.