Drupada talks to Yudhistira

In the camp, Yudhistira said to Krishna - Bhishma is making a massacre of our soldiers.
Hearing this Drupada said - You are forgetting the past. When you were in Varnavrata in the house of Lac, you had been visited by a hunter woman and her five sons. Her husband had tried to kill a pregnant deer, but the deer had called out to Krishna for help, and the hunter had perished. Not knowing where to go, his wife and five sons had come to your house. When the house was set on fire by you, the hunter woman and her sons died. When you had escaped, Bhima had realized he had left his mace behind. He came to collect it and the flames of fire tried to make a meal of Bhima. Bhima had said he would give 100 princes as sacrifice and the fire had left Bhima. Krishna had taken the heat of the fire on him so that you could be saved. When Rukmini asked Krishna, the cause of the burn, Krishna had said this was for the welfare of mankind.
With Krishna with you, you cannot loose this battle. 

Day Four

Every one accumulated in their camps and began discussing. The night thus ended and the new day began.
Krishna took the chariot in front of Bhishma.
Bhima was fighting Susharma. Bhima killed many Kaurava soldiers. Susharma showered arrows at Bhima which Bhima dodged using his mace. Susharma started fleeing. Seeing this Duryodhana attacked Bhima. Duryodhana showered arrows which Bhima cut off. Bhima then shot arrows at Duryodhana. Duryodhana cut off Bhima's bow. Bhima took another bow and cut off Duryodhana's bow. Bhima cut that off. This happened many times with bows getting cut off. Bhishma seeing this asked some of the kings to go and help Duryodhana.
Bhima was attacked but he managed to cut off the weapons coming towards him. Bhagdatta attacked Bhima and managed to control him for sometime, till Bhima cut off his bow. Ghatotkacha saw this and came to Bhima's side. Bhagdatta's elephant was killed. Alambish came to fight. Both Ghatokacha and Ambalush used magic on each other.
Arjuna and Bhishma kept fighting.
The day ended.

Day Three

Having bathed and changed, Yudhistira sat in his camp. He was trying to console Virata who had lost 2 sons in a day.
The next day the Kaurava army created a Garuda formation with Bhishma at the tip. Drona and Kritavarma were the eyes.
The Pandavas formed a crescent formation.
When the two armies clashed, the noise was so great that it was very difficult to hear any other sound. Like rain, the sky was overcast with arrows flying around.
Arjuna along with Ghatotkacha and Abhimanyu killed many Kaurava warriors.
Bhima and Duryodhana fought with bow and arrows and at one time Duryodhana fainted.
Coming to his sense he asked Drona and Bhishma to concentrate on the battle. This angered them and they said - When we tried to talk to sense to you, you refused to listen. Now, let us handle things ourselves.As a king you need to be responsible for your people.
Bhishma started fighting again. It was difficult to stand his might.
Arjuna got showered by arrows from Bhishma. Using divine weapons, Arjuna cut off Bhishma's weapons. Arjuna cut off the flag staff on Bhishma's chariot and cut off his bow. Arjuna then killed Bhishma's charioteer. Bhishma took another bow. The sun was hidden with the arrows flying around.
The day's fight ended.

Day Two

In the camp, all changed from their armor into their regular clothes. All were talking about Bhishma having killed ten thousand soldiers. Yudhistira asked how Bhishma could be controlled. Krishna said make the son of Virata the commander. Arjuna will kill the Kaurava soldiers.
Krishna called Virata and said Make your son Sankha the commander of the Pandava army.
Virata was happy to hear this. He called Sankha and gave him the news. Sankha said he would gladly perform the duties but he did not have an able charioteer. Krishna asked Satyaki to become the charioteer of Sankha.

When dawn broke, armies marched forward. Seeing Sankha, Bhishma blew his conch shell. Sankha showered arrows on Bhishma who cut off the arrows and wounded Sankha. Sankha fainted and Satyaki carried the chariot away.
Arjuna killed many Kaurava soldiers. Seeing this, Duryodhana decided to face Arjuna but could not stand for long and had to flee. Seeing Arjuna kill the soldiers, Bhishma came to attack Arjuna. The two, equal in might, began showering arrows at each other.
Bhima also began attacking and killing the Kaurava soldiers. Seeing this, Karna decided to attack Bhima.
Seeing Salya, Uttar attacked him. Salya was furious seeing Uttar's skills, and with a weapon killed Uttar. Seeing his son fall, Virata attacked Salya.
Ghatotkacha and Ambulish were fighting.
Sankha attacked the Kaurava soldiers. Drona seeing him came to face Sankha. Drona showered ten arrows at Sankha, who cut those off. Sankha then cut off Drona's bow. When Drona tried to take another bow, Sankha cut that off too. Drona furious picked up a weapon of Brahma.
Satyaki asked Sankha to take refuge under Arjuna. Sankha decided to face Drona and not flee.
Satyaki decided to turn the chariot and seeing that Sankha decided to jump off and face the weapon. He tried cutting that off but was unable to. The weapon came and killed Sankha.

The second day of the battle came to an end. 

Day One

A great noise was created with the conch shells blowing. Krishna told Arjuna -Bhishma should be our target.
Arjuna approached Bhishma and took his blessings.
Arjuna said to Bhishma - Why are you decked up as a warrior at this age?
Bhishma said That was his duty.
Bhishma said Glory to Kunti and Pandu whose son has managed to get the Lord as his charioteer.

Bhishma then began showering arrows at Arjuna who cut those off.
Bhima was fighting Duryodhana and Satyaki was fighting Kritavarma. Somdutta fought Uttar and Dhristadyumna was fighting Drona. Abhimanyu was fighting Karna. Yudhistira was fighting Salya. Salya cut off his bow. Yudhistira took another bow and cut off Salya's bow.
Abhimanyu and Ghatotkacha together were killing off the Kaurava army. This angered Bhishma.

Abhimanyu stood like a wall. He cut off the flag post on Salya's chariot and then cut off the arrows of Kripa. Attacking Kritavarma, he cut off his chariot, killing the horses and the charioteer. He then cut off the flag post on Bhishma's chariot. Bhishma, angry started showering arrows, wounding Abhimanyu. Seeing this, some of the Pandava warriors rushed to his rescue. They started showering arrows on Bhishma who cut them off. Arjuna seeing this attacked Bhishma. Bhishma picked a weapon given by Parashurama and hurled that. Seeing that Krishna said, Use a powerful weapon. Arjuna used a weapon given by Indra, which cut off Bhishma's weapon.

Bhima on the meanwhile killed many Kaurava soldiers.

The first day's battle got over.

Gita

Bhishma said I will fight for ten days. In those ten days I will not leave anyone, even if Krishna and Arjuna come.
Duryodhana was happy.

At the start, Krishna, holding his conch shell, Panchajanya, in both hands, blew it loudly. Pandavas blew their own conch shells.
Arjuna asked Krishna, Whom should we attack first?
Krishna took the chariot in the middle of the ground. Arjuna saw all his relatives there. He was not sure how he would be able to kill them. Gandiva fell from his hands. He said to Krishna I see all my dear ones here. How will I fight them?  Saying this, Arjuna sat down.
Krishna said This is your duty to fight. Who can kill whom? All is my doing? I am the One who is doing this. You talk of death. What is death apart from the soul leaving an old vessel and taking a new one. Soul is invincible, body gets destroyed.
I am the principal among all. All are in Me and I am in all.

Krishna and Arjuna spoke a lot which became known as Bhagwad Gita. Krishna explained the different yogas and about the philosophy of life.

Arjuna said I want to see your true form.
Arjuna saw the Great form of Krishna with the entire Universe in Him.

Arjuna picked up his bow.

Yudhistira seeks blessings

Janmajeya asked the sage - Hearing Uluka's message, what did Duryodhana do? What did the Pandavas do?
Vaishampayana said -
Seeing a good date, the armies began marching towards the battle field, with Krishna leading. They were joined by Sahadeva, son of Jarasandha and other great warriors.
Duryodhana then asked Dushshana to also march forth. A strong wind started blowing and it started raining. Owls started hooting in the daylight.
Vidura told Dhritarashtra about this. The blind King said the days for the end of the clan had come.
Vyasa came there. Dhritarashtra said to the sage - My son did not listen to anyone and now the war is going to start.
Vyasa said Know for sure that Kurus will be destroyed. Your hundred sons will die.
Dhritarashtra said How will I know what is happening in the battle field.
Vyasa said Sanajaya will get the  vision. He will narrate to you what is happening in the battlefield. You will hear what is happening in the field. Comets are appearing in the day. Mountains are crashing down. The clan is doomed.
Saying this, Vyasa left.
Bhishma became the commander of the Kaurava army. He said he would not use unfair means. He would also not kill anyone who took his refuge.
When Yudhistira saw Bhishma as the commander, he was scared. He said to Krishna - Even Parashurama had to face defeat in front of Bhishma. Also warriors like Drona cannot be defeated. Who will defeat them?
Arjuna said Why do you fear? The lord of the world is my charioteer.
Yudhistira hearing this, calming down, went towards the Kaurava army.
Bhima and Arjuna wondered what was happening.
Krishna said Yudhistira is noble. He considers all his own. Do not worry.

Yudhistira went and bowed down before Bhishma, Drona and Kripa. They blessed him. They said Yudhistira had nothing to fear. With Krishna on his side, he would achieve victory.
Yudhistira then said If there is anyone in the Kaurava army who wants to join the Pandavas, he is most welcome.

Yuyutsu decided to join the Pandavas.

Duryodhana wanted to know, what was happening. Why was Yuyutsu joining the Pandavas?
Bhishma said Yudhistira asked for my blessings and asked if anyone wanted to join the Pandavas, hearing which Yuyutsu went there.
Duryodhana asked Please tell me about the great archers and their skills.
Bhishma said I can alone finish off the army in one day. Drona can do it three days, Karna can do it in five days and Arjuna can do this task in a moment.

Duryodhana then said How will we defeat Arjuna then?

Kunti meets Karna

Janmajeya asked the sage - Please tell me what was Kunti's reaction when she learnt that Karna was with Kaurava army?
The sage said -
Kunti heard that Karna was with Duryodhana. She decided to go and meet Karna. Kunti knew that Karna went for the banks of Yamuna. He went there alone and never took anyone with him. Kunti went there early morning.
Karna, when he came out of the river after praying to the Sun saw Kunti.
Kunti said Know that you are my son, born off the Sun when I was unmarried. I had a boon from Durvasa and when you were born, I had put you in the waters of Yamuna. You are not the son of Radha. Pandavas are your brothers. Join them.
Karna said I know what you told me, Duryodhana gave an identity and I cannot leave him  for that. My fight will be with Arjuna and either Arjuna will die in my hands or I will die in Arjuna's hands. I can promise you that you will have five sons after the war. I cannot give you anything else, Mother.

Kunti left after this. She went and told Vidura this.

Uluka goes to the Pandavas

Uluka went to the Pandava camp and gave his message. This angered the Pandavas. They said - Tell Duryodhana that he is like the wicked bird. There was a bird who was wicked. The other birds realizing that killed him. Duryodhana will meet a similar fate.
Bhima said I will break Duryodhana's thigh.
Arjuna twang his bow. The noise scared Uluka.
Krishna said Think what Arjuna can do with his bow.

Uluka went and told Duryodhana about the might of the Pandavas. Duryodhana told his army not to worry.

The False Ascetic

Duryodhana got the news of the Pandavas being in Kurukshetra. He too started for the battle field. Dhritarashtra was angry hearing this. He knew what would happen. Not knowing what to do, he blessed his son and let him go. Duryodhana took leave of Gandhari who told him to reconsider his decision.

When he started, the sky became red. Comets were seen. Ignoring these signs of ill omen he proceeded.

He then called Uluka and asked him to go to the Pandava camp and convey the details of theKaurava army to them. He said Tell them not to act like the holy cat.

Uluka asked about the holy cat.

Duryodhana said
There was a brahamana who had no children. When he became old, he and his wife retired to the Himalayas. One day when the brahamana had gone to look for food, he saw a kitten on the road. The kitten was weak and unable to move. Taking pity, the brahamana took the kitten with him. Having someone to look after, the brahamana and his wife returned back to the city.
The kitten, having grown up, began robbing houses for food. The people in the city were angry and started cursing the brahamana.
Angry the brahmana tied up the cat. The cat thought if he could free himself, he will become an ascetic. He cut off the bonds with his teeth. He ran off to the forest and began praying there. Soon he became famous as the ascetic cat.
The mice, seeing the cat, started fleeing but the cat said he had given up violence. The mice believed him and started going near him. Soon they began leaving their children with the cat when they went for food.
The cat unable to control his greed, soon began eating up the small mice.
The mice realized their children were vanishing. One old mouse, who was wise, said the cat was a false mendicant.  They dug a deep pit and pushed the cat there, where it died.

Finishing his tale, Duryodhana said Yudhistira is like the cat. He will soon loose his life in my hands. 

Nahusha cursed

Brihaspati said Let Sachi ask for sometime from Nahusha within which something could be done. Sachi, as per plan, went to Nahusha and said she would come to him later. Nahusha was smitten by lust seeing Sachi. He wanted her to accept him then, but Sachi asked for time again. She said she wanted to know where Indra was and wanted to find him. Once she was convinced that she would never find Indra, she would come to him.

Nahusha agreed to this. Sachi returned to Brihaspati. The Gods went to Vishnu. They said Indra was hiding because of the sin. Vishnu said - Let Indra offer me a sacrifice. I will liberate him from the sin. Indra will have to perform the horse sacrifice and this will also mark of end of Nahusha's rule. Be patient till then.

The Gods went and gave the message to Indra. Indra performed the sacrifice and was liberated. He then went to face Nahusha. Indra trembling the moment he saw Nahusha. He fled again and hid somewhere.

Sachi appealed to the Goddess of the night, Ratri, to help her. When Ratri appeared before her, Sachi said she wanted to know where Indra was hiding. Ratri agreed to help her. Ratri asked Sachi to follow her. They crossed many fields, many mountains and when they came to the sea, they stopped at an island in the middle of the sea. It was a beautiful island, where birds were nesting. Colorful lotus flowers blommed there. In the middle was a large white lotus with a thick stem. Ratri pierced the stem of the flower, and Sachi saw Indra there.

Seeing Indra in a minute form, Sachi too reduced her size and went to Indra. She told Indra all about Nahusha. Sachi asked Indra to come and fight Nahusha. Indra said at this moment, the battle had to fought with the mind and not weapons. He said he had a plan and told Sachi what to do.

Sachi returned. She then asked to meet Nahusha. When Nahusha came,  Sachi said - I had asked for time. Now my time is over. I want to you to come to me in an unique vehicle. Indra had horses and elephants. I want you to come in a palanquin borne by the great sages.

Nahusha was pleased. He agreed to this. He said would come to her in a palanquin borne by the seven great sages.

Brihaspati, in the meantime , started a fire and started chanting mantras to find out where Indra was. Agni appeared before Brihaspati and the priest said he wanted to know where Indra was.

Agni assumed the form of a maiden and went around and soon came back to Brihaspati. He said he had searched everywhere except in the waters and Indra was not found. Brihaspati gave Agni the power to travel in water. Agni went again and this time Indra was found in the lotus stem. Agni came and informed Brihaspati.

The Gods and Brihaspati then went to Indra and asked him to return.

While Indra was thinking what to do, Agastya appeared there. He said he had helped in getting rid of Nahusha. All asked him what he had done. Agastya said -

Nahusha had become proud and haughty. He argued with the sages bearing the palanquin and had in the process, kicked Agastya. Angry, Agastya had cursed Nahusha to be turned into a snake.

Indra then returned back to his kingdom and regained his throne.

End his tale, Shalya said - Even Indra had to suffer. Your enemies will soon be gone.

Yudhistira repeated his request of asking Shalya to become the charioteer of Karna. Shalya agreed to that.

Saying this, Shalya returned back.

Nahusha

Indra was happy having killed Vritra but was still sad as he had killed a brahman, the three headed son of Twasta. Full of guilt, he went into hiding.

As soon as Indra vanished, the earth went into turmoil. Trees began falling, rivers became dry and animals and people were in distress. The Gods and sages were afraid. The universe had no ruler. The great sages suggested that Nahusha be invited from earth and he be made king.


Nahusha, in all humility said he was not the right person for this. The sages and the Gods said they felt he was the best choice. They said they would guide Nahusha.  They said fear would be there when doing something different, but that would have to be overcome.

Nahusha became the king, but the heavenly pleasures took over him. He began enjoying the company of the apsaras. He enjoyed the beautiful breeze that blew and the songs that the bards sang.

One day Nahusha saw, Sachi, queen of Indra and wanted her for himself. He asked her to come and visit him. Sachi went the priest, Brihaspati, for advise. The priest asked her to stay with him, promising her that she would would soon be united with Indra.

When Nahusha heard that Sachi was with Brihaspati, he was enraged. How could Sachi refuse the king of heaven? Seeing him angry, the Gods and sages asked Nahusha to control his anger and be happy with what he had. Taking another's wife was a sin.
Nahusha said - If this is a sin, then why was Indra not prevented when he tried to rape Ahalya?

The Gods said they would bring Sachi to him.

They went to Brihaspati and asked him to help. Brihaspati said he would help the one who had sought his protection. The Gods then sat with Brihaspati and decided on the course of action.

Indra kills Vritra

Once Twasta, a great celestial, was engaged in austerities. He always hated Indra and wanted a son who was greater than Indra. He created a person with three heads. The heads were like the sun, moon and fire. From one head he recited the Vedas, from the second he drank nectar and the third he used to gain knowledge. He began performing austerities.

Indra was scared seeing this. He sent apsaras to entice the being. The person was unmoved. The apsaras went back to Indra. Indra then hurled his thunderbolt and killed the person.

On the other end, Indra saw that the dead person's head was like it had life. The eyes seems to follow Indra wherever he went. Indra saw a carpenter passing by. He asked the carpenter to cut off the heads from the body. The carpenter said his axe would break. Indra gave power to the axe. The carpentyer felt suspicios. Who are you, he asked, and why do you want me to do this?
Indra said - I am Indra. I have killed my enemy and I want you to cut off his head. Help me, and I will help you in return.
The carpenter said - You have killed a brahmana. You should be ashamed.
Indra said - I will perform some rites to wash off my sins.

The carpenter cut off the heads of the three headed person. From the cut heads, birds emerged and began flying.

Twasta was furious. How could his son, who had not committed any crime, be killed? He decided to create Vritra. Let Indra face Vritra. Saying this, he created a terrible asura called Vritra. Vritra was commanded to put an end to Indra.

Vritra went, picked up Indra and swallowed him whole. The Gods saw this. They made Vritra yawn. The moment Vritra opened his mouth, Indra escaped.

Fight began between Indra and Vritra. When Vritra got an upper hand in the fight, Indra left the battle and fled. The Gods went to Vishnu for help.

Indra joined the Gods. The Gods said to Vishnu - You have helped us previously in the time of need. We need your help now. Vritra is troubling us and qwe need your help to defeat him.
Vishnu said he would enter Indra's thunderbolt and with Vritra would be killed. Before that, a truce needed to be formed between Indra and Vritra. Then seeing a right time, he could be killed.
started talking.
The help of the sages was sought. They mediated and Indra and Vritra. Indra asked Vritra how he could be killed. Vritra said he could be killed by something that was not dry or wet; that was not a weapon for fighting; nor in the day nor night.
Indra kepting thinking of a loophole- how could he kill Vritra. Once evening, Indra saw Vritra standing on the sea coast. He took the name of Vishnu and hurled that at Vritra. The foam was neither dry nor wet, nor was it a conventional weapon and neither was it day or night. Vishnu entered the froth. Vritra was killed.

Armies march to Kurukshetra

The Pandavas were sitting and talking when Krishna arrived. The Pandavas asked him what had happened?
Krishna said You have a stubborn enemy. He refuses to part off any land. He refused even five villages. He said he would give even that land that lies at the tip of a needle.

This angered Yudhistira. Calming himself, he said The war will happen.
Saying this, he asked for the allies to be sent messages for the war. He asked Sahadeva when was the right time to start for Kurukshetra. Sahadeva looked at the almanac and said Today is the fifth day of the moon and is the best day for one to start.

People started arriving. Camp was set up in Kurukshetra.

Shalya, uncle of Pandavas and brother of Madri came with an intention of fighting for the Pandavas.  Duryodhana knew that Shalya was fond of entertainment and setup entertainment houses on the way. Shalya was happy but later realized this was a ruse of Duryodhana. He agreed reluctantly but said he wanted to meet Yudhistira once, before he moved to the Kaurava camp.

Duryodhana agreed. Shalya went and informed the Pandavas about what had happened.

Yudhistira said to Shalya - I am fine that you are sticking to your word. I need your help. When Arjuna and Karna fight, I need you to become the charioteer for Karna. Demotivate Karna as much as you can.

Shalya said he would what he could for the Pandavas. He said - For the good of you and Draupadi, I will take revenge for the words spoken by Karna during the game of dice. Suffering is there and even the great Indra had to suffer.

Yudhistira wanted to know about this. Shalya said - Let me tell you about the miseries that Indra had to face.

SanatSujat comes to Dhritarashtra

After Krishna left, everyone left the court. Only Vidura and Dhrtrarashtra were left in the court. Soon the sage SanatSujat came there. Vidura told Dhritarashtra, who bowed down to the sage.
Dhritarashtra said My son has become evil. He is trying to harm the Pandavas who had never harmed him. All tried to talk sense to him, but he does not listen.
The sage said Your son will not listen. Listen to me.
Long ago when the asuras ruled the world, all they did was kill and loot. The earth, scared went to Brahma and said I cannot bear the asuras anymore.
Brahma decided to approach Vishnu.
Vishnu said He would take incarnations to kill the asuras. Brahma told his to Earth.
First Vishnu was born as the Fish. He killed Hayagriva and rescued the Vedas.
As the Boar he rescued the Earth and killed Hiranyaksha.
As the half Man half Lion, he killed Hiranyakashipu.
As the tortoise, he held the mountain on his back and helped the churning of the ocean. Taking the form of Mohini, he helped the Gods get nectar.
He then took care of Bali.
These form were in the Satya Yuga.
In the next cycle, Treta Yuga, Vishnu as Parashurama, killed the vain Kshatriyas. As Rama, he killed Ravana.
As Krishna, he has killed Kamsa, Putana and Bakasura.
He will take care of the rest. Soon the Yadava clan will also be destroyed.
In the next Yuga of Kli, he will be born again.

Saying this, the sage left and Vidura also went back to his house.

Krishna

Krishna and Satyaki along with Vidura entered the court. Wanting to see Krishna, the celestial sages also came there.
Krishna said Listen all. I have come here as a messenger for the king Yudhistira. He wants to remind all that as per the previous condition, they have lived in the forests and spent a year in hiding. The pandavas are willing to forget all the insults.

Dhritarashtra said Duryodhana, did you hear what Krishna said? What they have asked for is justified. Give back what is theirs.

Duryodhana said I will return anything and if needed, there will be a war. If they have the strength, let them take it away.

All tried to talk to Duryodhana but he would not listen.

Krishna said Leave five villages. Forget the war. Nothing good will come from there. I am a well wisher of all.

Duryodhana said Even if the sun rises from west, I will not give anything to the Pandavas. Not even the land that is at the tip of a needle will be given to them. On the contrary, I am making you prisoner.

Krishna said I came as a messenger, Dhritarashtra, and your son wants to bind me. I can finish you all instantly. I will not do that.

Saying this Krishna started laughing. In his body was visible the three worlds. On his back one could all the Gods and the eleven Rudras. On his navel was Brahma. On his arm was Narada.

Afraid of this, all said Please forgive us. Please show us the form we are used to.

Krishna resumed his form. He tried to talk but Duryodhana walked out.

Krishna then came out. He went to Kunti. he told her what had happened. He then saw Karna. He went to him. He said I know who you are. You were born off Kunti, before she was married. You are well versed and known for your deeds of giving away whatever is asked from you. The Pandavas are your brothers. They will respect you and love you. You will become king instead of Yudhistira.

Karna said I respect you and your words. I was discarded at birth by Kunti. It was Radha who took care of me, fed her breast milk and brought me up. Do not tell the Pandavas what you said. If I win, I will give the kingdom to Duryodhana. He helped me get a position. While I know that the Pandavas will win, I will still fight. My fight will be with Arjuna only. I will spare the others. I know that Arjuna will kill me and the sons of Drupada will kill Bhishma and Drona. Victory will be theirs who have your blessings. I see comets in the sky which is not a good sign. Kauravas will not win. I dreamt of the victory of the Pandavas.

Karna left and with that Krishna also left Hastinapura. 

Krishna stays at Vidura's house

While Krishna was with Kunti, Vidura arrived. He said he was sorry he was not there to greet Krishna.
Krishna said You are a wise one, known all over the world. I am pleased with what little a devotee can offer.
Vidura said What can I do you for you Krishna.
Krishna said I am very hungry. Please feed me.
Vidura saw a few lotus stems and rice at home. He asked his wife to cook those. Krishna and Satyaki ate that with relish. Vidura was feeling ashamed. He said He was unable to feed the guest at his house.
Vidura said I know you have come as a messenger to talk sense to the sons of Gandhari. Be careful though. They are planning to make you prisoner.
Krishna said I hate the pride that the sons of Dhritarashtra have. I can finish them in an instant.
Vidura said Who can bind you? If a devotee comes, you yourself go and get bound.

Spending the night at Vidura's hut. Krishna then started for the court the next day. 

Kunti talks to Krishna

Krishna went to Vidura's house and called out to him. Vidura was not there. Kunti heard him and came running. Krishna, seeing his aunt, bowed down and touched her feet.
Kunti said I am not sure I know anyone more unfortunate than me. My husband left leaving small children. I brought them up and am unable to bear their hardships. Duryodhana is a sinner who has troubled my sons many times. With the help of Vidura, we were able to escape from the house of lac. My sons begged for food till we went to Panchala. For some days we had peace when Draupadi was won and Drupada accepted us. We got Indraprastha and that too went. Now I am not sure what will happen when the war starts.

Krishna said Do not grieve. In time, your sons will rule again soon. I have come as a messenger to talk to the Kururs. I will see what I can do. If they do not listen, it will be victory for your sons. Do not worry.

This consoled Kunti.

Krishna arrives

When Krishna entered Hastinapura, he was amazed to see the city decorated. He said to Satyaki who was with him - It seems to a city of Indra. It seems Dhritarashtra has come to his senses.
Krishna realized that all this was for show. He just smiled.
Dushshasana came and welcomed Krishna and Satyaki. He asked them to come with him, but Krishna said he wanted to stay the night with Vidura.
Duryodhana thought - Krishna has come for the Pandavas. He needs to be captured and bound.
He shared his thoughts with the people with him. Dushshana and Shakuni agreed to this.

Duryodhana then called his soldiers and said When Krishna comes tomorrow, make sure he is unable to leave the palace. Bind him and make him a prisoner. 

Dhritarashtra talks to Duryodhana

Vidura went to Dhritarashtra and said Krishna is coming to Hastinapura. All will be well if you listen to him.
Dhritrarashtra said I am blessed. Krishna is coming to me to save my clan. Fetch Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa and Duryodhana and ask them to meet me.
Vidura left and went to call the elders.
Dhritarashtra said This is my good fortune. Krishna is coming for the good of all. Decorate the city. Welcome him.
Duryodhana said Krishna is like any other and why should he be given special treatment. He killed Jarasandha only because Jarasandha had addressed Krishna as a cowherd. The husband of Rukmini is very shrewd. I will not listen to him.
Bhishma said Duryodhana has lost his senses. Krishna is the supreme being. Saying this he left.
Dhritarashtra said to Duryodhana - Krishna is coming for our welfare. Be sensible.

Duryodhana agreed to welcome Krishna. He ordered for the city to be decorated.  

Krishna talks to Yudhistira

Janmajeya asked I have heard that Krishna will go as a messenger of the Pandavas. Please tell me what Krishna and Yudhistira discussed.How did the war start?
The sage said - Listen to me.
Krishna sat with Yudhistira. Yudhistira said It seems the war is inevitable. Duryodhana's decision will be the end of the clan. I am not in favor of this. We are free of the condition that we had and are now homeless. We served as servants for a year. Now I will have to fight my dear ones and get my land back. What use is that? If you, I am willing to forgive all and go back in the forest for ever. If I fight and loose I will not be able to show my face anywhere. Kauravas have great warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Ashwatthama. How will this work?
Krishna smiled. He said What has happened in the past is not to be forgiven so fast. You need to fight. It will not be a sin to kill Duryodhana.
Yudhistira calmed down. Arjuna and Bhima said There is no sin in killing enemies. With Krishna with us, there is no way we will loose. We need to send a final messenger. No one better than Krishna for this. Let Krishna try to make Duryodhana and Dhritarashtra understand. If half the kingdom is given, there is no pint of a fight. If nothing else, even five villages are enough. if he still does not agree, then it will be war. Go quickly, Krishna, to the house of the Kurus and talk to them. Duryodhana is surrounded by the wicked Karna and Dushshana. Take an army with you.
Krishna said They cannot do anything to me. If they try to do anything to me, I will cut them off with my discus.

Saying this, Krishna left for Hastinpura. 

Krishna consoles Arjuna

Arjuna was sad that Krishna had given his army away to Duryodhana.
Seeing this Krishna said - Why are you sad? The army that I gave away is destined to be killed by you. Let me tell you something.
One day the departed ancestors said to me - You are the Ultimate being. The universe is but a hair on your body. Relieve us. We want to eat the meat of the boars in the kingdom of Magadha. Feed us that. Go alone and do not take anyone with you.
Hearing this, I climbed on my horse and rode towards Magadha.
Jarasandha hearing this came to attack with his army. I was alone and was not sure how many I could defeat. Not sure what to do, I made myself as big as a mountain. From my body was born a massive army which soon vanquished the Magadha army. I killed the boars and thanked the army. I asked the army to ask for something. They said If you are pleased then give us the boon that our death will be in the hands of one who is equal to you in strength.
I said So be it. You will die in the hands of Arjuna.
Arjuna was now pleased. He said I have Narayana with me and victory will be ours. He then said Yudhistira was anxious to meet him.

Hearing this, Krishna climbed up on his chariot and let to meet Yudhistira in the land of Virata.

Duryodhana and Arjuna meet Krishna

Uluka came and asked Duryodhana to go to Dwaraka and meet Krishna. Krishna said he would help one who would come first.
Duryodhana started for Dwaraka. He went and entered the room where Krishna was sleeping. He saw the throne and sat down on that.
Soon Atjuna arrived. He went and sat near Krishna's feet and slowly began pressing Krishna's feet that angered Duryodhana.

Soon Krishna woke up. He saw Arjuna first. he began talking to him when he saw Duryodhana. He asked Duryodhana why he had come. Duryodhana said he had come before Arjuna, but he was offended that Arjuna was greeted before him. He said he wanted Krishna as his charioteer.
He said When Shiva had gone to attack Tripura He had made Brahma his charioteer. I want you to be my charioteer.

Krishna said I have seen Arjuna and promised him first. I will not actively fight in the battle. I have given a promise to Balarama. My army of the Yadava warriors is there. They will fight. Take my army Duryodhana.

Duryodhana thought - Krishna's army is huge and will be a big benefit. He agreed to Krishna's proposal. He then left.

Arjuna was pleased. He said Now I know why they call you Jagannatha.

Arjuna looked a little sad. 

Uluka meets Krishna

Janmajeya asked - Who was sent to Dwaraka as the messenger?
The sage said -
Uluka, son of Shakuni, as the messenger. Uluka gave the note of Duryodhana to Krishna.
Krishna read the note and smiled. He said - Tell Duryodhana that I am impartial. Let Duryodhana remember that Arjuna had freed him from the Gandharvas. He had promised to return Pandavas their land, so why does he go back on his word? Go and give this message. I will come there later. I have no problems becoming a charioteer but Arjuna had asked me before. Arjuna has said he will come here in five days. Let Duryodhana also come. Let the one who comes to me first get me.

With that Uluka left.

Krishna then ordered for a bed to be made at the head of which was a wonderful throne studded with gems. There was some space kept at the end.

After five days, Krishna lay down on that bed.

Duryodhana sends a message to Krishna

Duryodhana sent a note to Krishna. He wrote - There will be a war between Kauravas and Pandavas. You are related to both. I want you to join the Kaurava team and guide us by becoming my charioteer.

After sending the note, he called for a meeting with the elders. He said he had sent a message for Krishna.

Bhishma said You should know that Krishna supports the Pandavas and will not side with you. If he does join you, it will be for your destruction.

Dhritarashtra said It is best if Duryodhana goes and meets Krishna himself.

Duryodhana said Let us wait and see what Krishna says.

Vidura said Duryodhana, you have lost your mind. Krishna, whom the Gods pray to, is a Supreme Being. Why should be stoop low and become your charioteer?

Kurukshetra

Duryodhana then sent messengers everywhere asking his allies to join him for battle. Kings from all over came to join the Kaurava army.
Pandavas heard that Duryodhana was getting his army ready. He said it was time to get ready and also view the holy place of Kurukshetra where the battle was to be fought.
Yudhistira said this was a holy place  where a body part of Sati had fallen, which had been established by their ancestor Kuru.

Hearing this Dhristadyumna said I am interested to hear this. Please tell me.

Arjuna said There was a noble king called Kuru. He had won over many kings with his might. He held many sacrifices. One day the departed ancestors came to him and asked him perform the a ceremony and feed them meat. The king agreed and went on a hunt. He killed many animals and sent the meat home. Thirsty he roamed the forest looking for water. He found an ashrama and a beautiful lake. There he saw a very beautiful woman, Seeing her he lost his thirst and started thinking about her.

The woman said she was Bahurupa, a dancer in the court of Indra. She said Listen to my story first. In a previous birth I was born asa bird. I used to live on a huge banyan tree. I lived a full life and later died on the tree of old age. My body remained there and dried up. Years passed. Once a strong wind blew and my body along with my nest flew and fell in the waters of the pilgrim site of Prabhasa. On touching the waters, all my sins were washed away and I became a beautiful dancer in the court of Indra. One day an evil thought struck me. A king called Khatanga, from the solar dynasty, happened to come to Indra's court after winning wars. I fell in love with the king.
Indra cursed me saying because I had lost my heart to a human I was cursed to go down to heart. Which why I am here, looking for a partner.

Kuru said I am a king from the Lunar dynasty and will accept you as my wife if you are willing. The woman said I agree on the condition that you will not stop me from doing what I wish. If you say anything harsh, I will leave you.
Kuru agreed and took her along with him to his kingdom.

One day Kuru was thirsty and asked his wife to give him some water. The woman said she was busy and it would take some time. The king lost his temper. The woman then said As agreed previously I am leaving you.

The king was sad after she left. He lost interest in his kingdom and always pined for the woman.
His ministers told him Bahurupa was a cursed apsara. With her curse gone, she is back in Indra's court. If you really want her, please Indra. They told him to worship Indra on the banks of river Saraswati, close by. The king started his meditation.
Surabhi, the divine cow appeared before him and asked what he wanted. The king said he wanted Bahurupa. Surabhi asked him to continue worshiping Indra.
Indra appeared and asked what he wanted.
Kuru said he wanted Bahurupa back.
Indra said So be it. He said Ask for something else.
Kuru said If you are pleased , let this place become a holy place.
Indra said This place will be known as Kurukshetra.
With the permission of Indra, Kuru took Bahurupa back with him. On the way, he did not thank Surabhi. Surabhi angry, cursed the king to be childless. The king did not hear this.

Years passed and the king was childless. He went to the sage Vashistha with his wife. The sage wanted to know why the king had come. The king said he was childless and wanted a child.
Vashistha said this was because of Surabhi's curse. He asked him not to worry. Surabhi's daughter was in his ahsrama. If the king served Surabhi's daughter, he would get a child.

The king and his wife began serving the cow, Nandini.

Soon the king had two sons. He named the first son as Syamavar. This is the son who carried forward the Kuru dynasty. Later, giving the kingdom over to his son, the king retired into the forest.

Ending his tale, Arjuna said It is time to prepare camps in Kurukshetra. We should not delay.

Dhristadyumna started his work. Soon messages were sent to the allies of the Pandavas to join them.

Salya, brother of Madri, was coming to join the Pandavas. He was stopped on the way by Duryodhana who greeted him and took care of him. Pleased, he said would join the Kauravas but before that he said he would meet the Pandavas and come.

When Salya met Yudhistira, Yudhistira said he was expecting him. Salya said he had given his word and would join the Kauravas. Being there, he would help by becoming the charioteer of Karna.

Vatapi

A sage called Khaga once did severe penance to please Vishnu. He got what he wanted and returned to the mountain Rishyamukha. On the mountain lived a king called Rishya with his wife, Roopavati. The king died childless. The queen was stricken with grief. She was crying in the forest when her cries were heard by Garuda. He took the form of a human and seeing the queen was in love with her. He asked her who she was. She said she and her husband had come to the forest to pray for a child and in the process the king had died and she was now all alone.
Garuda said he would have a child with her. The queen asked for  hundred children. Garuda lived with her for twelve years. The king Rishya had another wife, Sushila. When she heard about this, she too begged for a child.
Soon both queens were pregnant and they gave birth to eggs. Sushila gave birth to twins - the eldest was blind and called Andhaka and the younger was called Jatayu. The other queen gave birth to a son called Kubala and ninety nine others. Kubala was made the king of birds.
Once the nagas attacked and fought Kubala. Kubala and his ninety nine brothers were killed in the fight.
Andhaka seeing this took refuge with the Nagas. The Nagas made him the king.
When Garuda came to know this he began killing the Nagas and was stopped by Brahma.
Soon Jatayu, the peaceful one had two sons, Sukha and Sarana. Andhaka had thousand sons, the eldest of whom was called Vatapi.
Vatapi made friends with the Nagas. Seeing this Sukha and Sarana prayed to Shiva and got boons. They realized that Vatapi would bring an end to their clan. So with the boons, they and fought and killed Vatapi.

This is how Dhritarashtra is acting and he will then go the way of Vatapi.

Sanajaya goes to the Pandavas

Janmajeya asked What did Dhritarashtra then?
The sage said
Dhritarashtra seeing his son not listening called Sanajaya. He asked Sanajaya to go to the kingdom and meet the Pandavas. He said Give my blessings to the Pandavas. Give my blessings to Draupadi. Tell them what is in destiny will happen. My son has lost his mind. Tell Draupadi - He sent you to the forest and cheated you. Please forgive him. Tell the Pandavas that I have been worried when the Pandavas were away for thirteen years.

Sanjay went said to the Pandavas - All the elders tried to talk to Duryodhana but he would not listen. Dhritarashtra is anxious to see you.

Pandavas said What exactly did Karna and Duryodhana say?
Karna said He would kill Arjuna. Killing him, he would keep the rest of Pandavas as prisoners. War is inevitable and will happen.

Yudhistira said Sanajaya, Now go as my messenger and say that kingdom be divided as per the law else it will be a disaster. Bhima said - Remind Duryodhana that I have not forgotten my promise of breaking his thigh. Yudhistira said If Duryodhana comes to my refuge I grant him immunity. He and his brothers will not be harmed. Arjuna said - Tell the king that he should divide the kingdom equally. If he wants, I can go and fight and win it over. If not agreed to, the entire dynasty will be destroyed. Dhritarashtra is acting like the Vatapi bird.

Arjuna said Let me tell you the story.

Bali and the dwarf

Aditi prayed to Vishnu to help. Her penance was austere. She gave up food and water and survived on air, to get help from Vishnu.
The Gods came and greeted their mother and wanted to know why she was praying and asked her to leave. When Aditi was insistent, Vishnu finally appeared before her. Aditi was very pleased to see Him. Vishnu said he would try to fulfill her wishes.
Aditi asked for her sons to have their kingdoms returned.
Vishnu said I will born as your child. I will be a dwarf who will trick Bali to give back the land to the Gods.

Pleased Aditi returned home and told Kashyapa about this. Soon Vishnu was born as a dwarf son of Aditi. As soon he was born, the boy wanted his sacred thread ceremony performed. KAshyapa arranged for that.
After the ceremony, the dwarf said he had heard of the sacrifice that Bali was performing. He said he knew that Bali would giving away many gifts and thus he wanted to go and visit that and get something.

He went where the sacrifice was happening. When Shukracharya saw this, he knew this was Vishnu as a dwarf. He said to Bali - This is Vishnu, coming to cheat you.

Bali said Do not doubt this person. And even if this is Vishnu, he is most welcome to come and ask for what he needs. And I am blessed that the One who is tough to please is coming here on his own.

Angry Shukra cursed Bali saying his prosperity would be lost.

Bali welcomed the dwarf and said he would give what ever was desired.

The Dwarf said He needed land that could be covered by his three steps.

Bali agreed. He would would solemnize the process by taking holy water in his hand from the pitcher holding that. Shukra seeing this, took the form of a fly and blocked the path of the water flow.
When Bali tried to get some water in his hand, he was ashamed to see nothing coming out. The dwarf asked Bali to use a blade of the Kusha grass and poke the spout with that.
Bali did that, and the blade poked an eye of Shukra who became blind from that eye. Shukra fled from there. Bali then sprinkled the water and agreed to give the land away.

The dwarf then started increasing his size. Soon his head was touching the sky. With one foot the dwarf covered the earth and with the other he covered the heavens. With no place to put his third foot, he asked Bali where to put his foot. Bali asked the foot be placed on his head.

Bali was pushed into the nether world. The Gods came and greeted the dwarf. Blessing all the dwarf vanished.

-----------

Ending his tale, Dhuamya said Control Duryodhana.

Dhaumya then left from there. He went to the Pandavas and said he had tried but Duryodhana did not listen.

Bali

Dhaumya said -

Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha were sons of Diti and were crule. They were defeated by Hari.
Prahlada was the son of Hrinayakashipu. Prahlada's son was called Vircohana. The Gods wanting to test Vircohana had asked for alms and Virochana had given up his body. Virochana's son was Bali. With his strength and might, Bali won over the three worlds. There was a fierce battle that had taken place between Bali and Indra. At one point Indra had fainted and seeing that Matali had run away with Indra. When he came to his sense, Indra asked Matali to turn back. Indra, with renewed vigor fought and Bali fell on his chariot. Seeing Bali fall, the Gods fled.
The Daityas then carried the body of Bali to the cosmic ocean. His Guru, Shukracharya, revived him.
Bali got a new life and was grateful to Shukracharya.
He learnt all the mantras from his Guru and then went to the Himalayas to meditate.

Brahma came to give him a boon. Bali asked to be immortal. Brahma granted him the boon.
Bali then went and attacked Indra again. A fierce battle took place and Indra was defeated.
After that Bali performed many sacrifices.

In the meantime, Aditi, mother of Gods wondered how her sons would get their kingdoms back.

Vidura advises Dhritarashtra

Vaishampayana said to Janmajeya - Listen King.
When Duryodhana left the court Bhishma, Drona and Kripa were quite then they too left.
Vidura then went to Dhritarashtra and said - Give half the kingdom to Pandavas else nothing will be left of the kingdom. Your son is cruel and there seems to be no one else like him. He is giving you a bad name also.Do not think of battle. Bhima, who can kill Hidimb, Jatasura and Baka with his bare hands is someone to be feared. Arjuna is a mighty warrior and a beloved of Indra. You know how Arjuna alone annihilated the enemy in the kingdom of Virata. Do as I say. Send messengers to the kingdom of Virata. Fetch the Pandavas and give back Indraprastha.

Dhritarashtra said You told me and I understand. Go and tell Duryodhana this.

Vidura said I have tried and he thinks ill off me, Saying this Vidura sat down.

Dhaumya said I know Duryodhana will not give up the land. They have tried to kill the Pandavas before using Virochana. Be aware that Krishna is with the Pandavas. This is the same Hari who was captured by Bali.

Dhritarashtra asked about the clash between Bali and Hari.

Dhaumya said This is a big story but let me summarize and tell you.

Story of Vrika

There was king in the solar dynasty called Vrika who was a noble and just king. He was married to Sumati and Kumati, daughters of the king of Kosala. The queens were childless. One day the sage VIbhandak happened to come there. The king greeted the sage along with his wives.

The sage asked the king to perform a Putreshti sacrifice through which he would have a strong son.
The king performed the sacrifice and soon Sumati gave birth to twins and Kumati to a handsome boy. The twins were names Taljangha and Hayyi. Kumati's son was called Bahu.

When it was time, the king divided his kingdom among his sons and retired into the forest with his wives.

Babu was a noble and just king. He got married to a princess called Satyavati. Soon Satyavati was pregnant and the priests said she would have a great son. One day Narada came to visit Bahu.
The king welcomed the sage and gave him a seat. When asked for the reason, the sage said Be careful of who your enemies are. Do not leave your enemies alive. If you are a divine word that your enemy is unborn, kill it in the womb itself. I have heard that son of Bahu will be a great king who will perform many sacrifices and rule over many. He will also be the cause of the downfall of your clan. Kill it before it is born.

The King was not sure what to do. He met with his courtiers and wanted their advice. The court decided that the queen be given poison that will kill the unborn child.

The queen was fed the poisoned food but nothing happened. It was two years and the queen had not yet delivered.

In the meantime, the brothers Taljangha and Hayyi taking the help of Kartavirya Arjuna, defeated Bahu and took over his kingdom. Bahu and his queen left the kingdom and moved into the forest.

In the forest they spotted an ashrama. There they saw a lake which was beautiful with water birds swimming in it, The king and his wife had a bath there. They set up a hut there and began living there. The king fell sick and died there. The queen then began gathering wood to burn her husband's body.

A sage was passing by and he saw a pregnant woman gathering sticks for a pyre. He asked her not to perform that. He said the child who was in the womb would be a great king. The sage helped the queen and after burning the body he took the pregnant queen with him to his hut. There the queen gave birth to a beautiful boy child. The child was named Sagar. Sagar began growing up there. The boy learnt all the arts and got the knowledge of the Vedas.

One day, the boy asked his mother about his birth and his lineage. With tears, the queen told the boy the history of his father and how the uncles had taken over the kingdom.

Hearing this Sagar acquired an army and with that defeated all his enemies. He then became the king of Ayodhya and had sixty thousand sons. The sons got killed later due to the curse of a sage.


Ending this, Dhritarashtra said - Do not make enemies of the Pandavas. What they deserve, give them.

Duryodhana said I will not give away anything without a fight. Along with KArna and Dusshasana, Duryodhana left the court.

Dhaumya comes to the court

The sage said to Janmajeya :

After this, the priest of the Pandavas, Dhaumya went to the court. He went to Dhritarashtra and said he had been sent by the sons of Pandu. He said - The eldest Pandava, son of Dharma, asked me to convey his greetings. He said he will be happy with whatever is given to them by you. He said he has suffered a lot in the forest and wants to return back. Being from the royal family, they served as servants with the aim of returning back. Bhima conveyed his greetings to all. He asked that Duryodhana should give back their lands, as previously agreed upon. Arjuna asked to convey his greeting and then said they had been humiliated by Duryodhana. Draupadi had to be dragged to the court by her hair. Their land should be returned back. The sons of Madri said the same.

Hearing this Dhritarashtra said I am ashamed of what my sons did. Let a messenger go and fetch the Pandavas. We will then sit and mutually decide what was correct.

Bhishma said It is correct to give half the land over to the Pandavas. If not given, the kingdom will be lost.

Hearing this Duryodhana was furious. To him, Dhritarashtra said Ill\ will is got good. Nothing good will come from this. Listen to me as I tell you about an old tale.

Indra and his curse

Aditi was the wife of the sage Kashyapa. She prayed to Shiva for sons. When Shiva appeared, she said she wanted a son who was revered by all. Shiva said said so be it.
Kashyapa said Your son will the king of all Gods.
Soon Aditi was expecting and gave birth to a boy. The boy was named Indra. He was given charge of the Devas.
Soon again, Aditi conceived . The child to be born was Pawana.
One day Narada came to Indra and said The child to be born of your mother will take over the world.
The jealous Indra thought of killing the unborn child. He entered the womb and cut the foetus into seven parts. Each part was again cut seven times. Soon Aditi gave birth to fourty nine children who were the Winds. This is what happens when you try to use violence. Trying to kill one, he created many others.

One day Indra went to the ashrama of the sage Goutama to study the vedas. There he was enamored by the beautiful wife of the sage and wanted her for himself. He waited for a chance. One day the sage went to have a bath. Seeing the dage left, Indra changed his appearance to become like the sage and went inside the hut.
The wife asked her husband - You went for a bath. How did you manage to come back so fast?
Indra did not say anything but made love to her.
When the husband returned, he figured out what had happened. He cursed Indra to have a thousand vaginas on his body. Indra thus became known as SahasraYoni.

Indra begged forgiveness and said he would not be able to show his face to anyone like that. Indra decided to go and pray in the forests.
With Indra not there, the heavens were attacked by asuras. When Kashyapa got to know this he asked Brahma to do something.

Brahma asked Goutama to forgive Indra. Goutama said The curse would not go away but the vaginas would become eyes and Indra will have thousand eyes on his body.
Kashyapa went where Indra was meditating in the forest. He had a thousand eyes on his body.
Kashyapa said - Son, You need to control your senses. Do not be jealous and do not practice violence.

This is what had happened earlier and what Bhishma had said is true. Give up your greed. Divide the kingdom with the Pandavas. 

Bhishma and others try to talk to Duryodhana

Janmajeya asked - Please tell what did the Pandavas do? Whom did they send as a mediator?What did the Kauravas do when they were defeated by Arjuna?
The sage said - Listen to me.

Having been defeated, the Kauravas came back to their camp. Karna said they would plan to kill the Pandavas like Indra killed Vrittasura and Shiva vanquished Tripura. It had to be planned carefully. Get them here and then let us put an end to them.Invite all for a feast and poison their food.
Duryodhana said All my plans are spoiled. The Pandavas survived the forest and the one year in hiding. Now they will demand their land. I will not give up without a fight. I will send out messages asking people to join me for the war. All my allies should join me.

Karna praised Duryodhana and said Well said.

Bhishma said What you say is not correct and I am not pleased. Do not fight the Pandavas. Form a truce. The Pandavas will readily accept a small part and go happily. You cheated them but they did not harm you in anyway. They have fulfilled all their conditions. Now they are entitled to their kingdom.

Duryodhana kept quiet for a while and then said I will not go and please my enemy. The war will happen.

Bhishma said Then do whatever you wish. You will not listen to good advise.

Drona, Kripa, Dhritarashtra and Vidura tried to talk to Duryodhana but he would not listen. They tried to tell Duryodhana about how Ravana was proud and had great warriors but yet faced defeat. They said they would tell about what had happened in the earlier times. 

Abhimanyu weds Uttara

Messengers were sent out. Allies of the Pandavas, hearing they were well all rushed to the kingdom of Matysa. Hearing the news Krishna and Balarama rushed towards Matsya on Garuda. His sons, wives and other faily members followed. Drupada came with his wife and sons.

Seeing Krishna, the Pandavas greeted him with eyes full of tears. Nephew of Krishna, Abhimanyu, came there and well amazed to see him.

With with all rites and rituals Abhimanyu was married to Uttara. Slowly the guests started departing. Krishna stayed back to spend some time with the Pandavas.

Thus ends the Virat Parva of Mahabharata. 

Virata gets to know the Pandavas

In the night the Pandavas and Draupadi met. Yudhistira said to Arjuna I heard you fought a great battle and killed many.
Arjuna said I saw Duryodhana and realize now that a war is inevitable and Duryodhana will not give up our kingdom without a battle. Yudhistira wanted to know how Arjuna knew this and Arjuna said Drona had told him so, indirectly through his actions.
Yudhistira said Why did you go and disclose your self. We have to be in exile again. Sahadeva, please calculate and let me know how many days are left for our exile to be over.
Sahadeva said We have entered the fourteenth year. Our time is up.
Yudhistira asked then when was the next auspicious day. Sahadeva said that was in three days time.

Three days from then, all got up and early and dressed up in royal robes. When the time was correct, Yudhitira sat on the throne of Virata and Draupadi sat near him on his left. Bhima stood on the right holding the umbrella. Arjuna stood near with folded hands and Nakula and Sahadeva stood with fans.

This was reported to Virata. The king rushed there with his sons Shweta and Shankha. Uttar heard this and he too rushed there. Uttar went there and bowed down to Yudhistira.

Virata entered and said Kanka, How can you dare to sit on my throne? You had said you had no needs and were happy to sleep on the floor and now you desire my throne. And then Sairandhari is sitting there too. You have no shame. I am seeing Brihannala here along with my cook and cowherd and stable man. Sairandhri I thought was devoted to her husbands. Then how could she desire Kanka and sit with him.

Uttar tried to stop his father.

Virata said How can you act like this? How do act this, being my son?

Bhima tried to do something but Yudhistira stopped him.
Slowly, with a smile, Arjuna said - What you say is true. There are thrones which are respected by the Gods and that is the throne that Kanka should be sitting on. So why should he sitting on this throne? He who is worshiped by kings from all lands, how can he sit on this throne? One who is protected by Bhima and Arjuna, how can he sit here? One who had the sons of Madri to cover his back and has lost games of dice with Duryodhana, how can he sit here? One who roamed for twelve years in the forest, this is Yudhistira.

Virata said If this is true Brihannala, then tell me where is the daughter of Drupada? Where are his other brothers?

Arjuna said There is Vrikodara (Bhima) whose name itself brings fear in the hearts of enemies. He is the one killed your brother in law, Kichaka. The cowherd and the stable hand are the sons of Madri. The Lotus eyed one sitting with the king is the daughter of Drupada. Also know me as Dhanajaya.

Uttar then said Struck by misfortune, the Pandavas took refuge in our kingdom. It is because of some good deeds in the past, that they came to us.

Virata with folded hands fell on the ground and said Forgive me. I have done you wrong.

The king hearted Yudhistira asked Arjuna to life Virata up.

Virata asked for forgiveness and Yudhistira said there was nothing to fault him.

Virata said If you are happy then let my daughter Uttara marry Arjuna.

Arjuna said That is not possible.

Virata said I and my queen may have wronged you but what did my daughter do? Why do you reject her?

Arjuna said I lived for a year as womand and I know your daughter is pure. She has taught by me and she deserves to be married to my son Abhimanyu.

Yudhistira asked Virata to send messengers to Dwaraka.

Uttar tells about the battle

Virat then asked his son Do tell about the war that you fought.
Uttar said I was scared seeing the army. When I was wondering what to do a divine person came there. I acted as the charioteer of the person and he fought the battle. I did not defeat the army nor did I free the cattle.
Virata said I want to meet this person.
Uttar said In the next two three days that person will come here and meet you.

Brihannala went where the women folk were and gave the dresses and ornaments to Uttara. 

Virata strikes Kanka

In the meanwhile, having been freed from the king of Trigarta, Virata returned. The people were celebrating his return. He came and sat and all came and greeted him. He looked around and could not see his son. The queen said When you went to fight the Trigarta king, Uttar went to fight the Kauravas who had stolen the cows.He had taken Brihannala as his charioteer.
The king was shocked. How could Uttar fight the Kaurava army with an eunuch as a charioteer?
He asked his army to get ready and go to help Uttar.
Hearing this Yudhitira said to Virata Do not worry., With Brihannala around, even Indra cannot defeat your son.
When this was happening Uttar's messenger arrived. The messenger said Uttar was returning victorious.
Yudhistira said I told you earlier that with Brihannala on his side, your son will not lose.
The messenger was rewarded and Uttara was asked to welcome Brihannala and Uttar.
The king then said to Yudhistira Let us play a game of dice, Sairadhnri, please fetch the game pieces for us.
Yudhistira said This is not the time for the game. This is the time for enjoyment. This game will be the cause of downfall if played at a wrong time.
Virata said I have no enemies. My son has defeated Duryodhana. What do I have to fear?
Yudhistira said Well said. How can one have fear when Brihannala is near.
The king got angry - My son has won over the enemies and all you do is praise Brihannala. Please do not say something which is not pleasing to the ears.
Saying this the king lost his temper and hurled a glass near his hand, at Yudhistira. The dice hit Yudhistira and he started bleeding. Yudhistira held the wound to control the bleeding. Draupadi, who was there, took a glass and held that to prevent the blood from falling on the ground.

Uttar then asked for permission to come there with Brihannala. Virata said Call my son and make sure Brihannala does not come here. The guard went and asked the prince to come alone.

Uttar came and greeted his father. He then saw Yudhistira bleeding. He asked his father Why was Kanka on the floor, bleeding?

Virata said When I was praising you and your skill, Kanka kept praising Brihannala. I lost my temper and hurled a glass at him. This is why he is bleeding.

Uttar said You thought Kanka to be an ordinary Brahaman and did this. Please ask for forgiveness.

The king did what was asked and said He had lost his temper and asked to be forgiven.

Yudhistira said I have no anger in me. All I can say is, it is good that my blood did not spill in your land. If that had happened, misfortune would have hit you.

Uttar said Kanka is kind and for that all are safe. If Brihannala was here and saw the bleeding Kanka, I am not sure what would have happened. 

Weapons are tied back

Arjuna and Uttar returned to the Shami tree and tied up the weapons and kept it back. Arjuna took the form of an eunuch and wore his ornaments and braided his hair.
He said to Uttar - Please do not tell anyone that the Pandavas are in your court. If your father askes, tell him you won the battle fighting yourself.
Uttar said How is this possible? How can I take credit for something you did?I will tell my father in a way that your identity is not disclosed?
Arjuna said I will come to the court in the evening.

Uttar asked a messenger to say that was returning.

Duryodhana's crown falls

The Kaurava army started regaining their senses. Some saw their ornaments missing and some were missing their dresses.
Arjuna from a distance shot arrows touching the feet of Drona and Bhishma. Then with a crescent shaped arrow, Arjuna aimed at the crown of Duryodhana. The crown fell on the ground.
Scared, Duryodhana tried to run but Drona asked him to calm down. He said Arjuna would not kill anyone without the permission of Yudhistira. On the contrary, if Bhima had come, all would have been dead.
After this they started looking for Shanuki. They found him tied on the back of an ass. He was freed and it was reported to Duryodhana that his uncle had been found.

When this was happening, Susharma came there and said he had been defeated by a Gandharva. The counselor of the king, Kanka, had saved his life.

The Kauravas then returned back to Hastinapura.

Arjuna attacks Duryodhana

Seeing Bhishma fainted, his charioteer turned the chariot away. Seeing Arjuna, Duryodhana and his brothers started showering arrows at Arjuna. Arjuna retaliated and the brothers had to flee. Duryodhana then attacked and Arjuna with his arrows cut off the armor of the king. Arjuna then aimed a spear at the elephant on which Duryodhana was riding. The elephant fell on th eground. Duryodhana jumped off the elephant. Seeing Duryodhana fall his brothers came to his rescue. The defeated warriors Drona, Bhishma and Karna also came there.
Arjuna then remembered a weapon which could put people to sleep.  He used that. All on the field went off to sleep including the animals.

Arjuna then said to Uttar, Your sister wanted dresses and ornaments for her dolls. Go and collect all that you need,

Uttar collected all he could and returned back with his booty. 

Arjuna fights Bhishma

Arjuna said to Uttar - Everyone seems to be running away and I am not here to kill people. Take the chariot where Bhishma , son of Shantanu is. He is the protector of the Kaurava army and I want to face him,
Uttar said I am tired and I am not able to control the horses any more. My ears are paining from the noise.
Arjuna said What you are saying is not fit for Kshatriya. Do not worry, this will not be long and soon we will return.  Saying this, Arjuna rubbed Uttar's body and asked him to get ready.
Feeling confident, Uttar grabbed the reins of the horses and turned the chariot towards Bhishma. Arjuna shot two arrows towards Bhishma's feet and Bhishma shot two arrows which touched Arjuna's head. Dushshana and three of this brothers were guarding Bhishma. Seeing Arjuna, they attacked. Arjuna shot arrows and the brothers had to flee.

Coming close to Bhishma, Arjuna said How can a person of your character come to steal the cows of the king of Matsya.

Bhishma said I am not here to steal cows. The spies said you were in this land and I have come to meet you. What need do I have of wealth and land. All I have belongs to you all.

Arjuna said With your blessings we brothers had to stay in the forest for twelve years and had to be in hiding for a year. If you please move away, I will come face to face with Duryodhana.

Bhishma said Duryodhana is under my protection.
Arjuna said Then protect him.

Arrows started flowing as Bhishma and Arjuna attacked each other. Bhishma was very pleased to see Arjuna's skill. Arjuna cut off the bow of Bhishma and his ornaments. Soon Bhishma fainted on the chariot.

Karna comes to fight again

Seeing Ashwatthama without weapons, Karna rushed to his rescue.
Arjuna said You ridiculed the Pandavas and enjoyed the humiliation of Draupadi. I will teach you a lesson you will not easily forget.

Karna said Let me see your skills. Use all your weapons on me. See if you can do anything.

Arjuna said If you had some shame you would not have said this. I killed your brother and you fled.

Arjuna and Karna then began fighting showering arrows on each other.

Arjuna then killed the charioteer of Karna.

All weapons finished, KArna has no option but to leave the battlefield.

Arjuna then spotted Shakuni and went close to him . Shakuni tried to flee and Arjuna chased him. Catching up with him, Arjuna said You are the cause of all troubles. Let us play a game of dice with arrows. I will not fill you as Sahadeva has promised to do that.

Arjuna shot arrows and the chariot of Shakuni started spinning. Shakuni, not able to control this, ran away. 

Arjuna and Ashwatthama

Arjuna cut off the flag from Ashwatthama's chariot.
Even before the battle had started, Ashwatthama saw his chariot destroyed. He started showering arrows at Arjuna.
It was a fierce battle and the weapons clashing against each other, a tremendous noise was being created.
Ashwatthama tried many ways to cut off Arjuna's bow but was unsuccessful. Arjuna then showered arrows which injured the son of Drona.

Soon all arrows and weapons of Ashwatthama were over and he was there empty handed.

Arjuna fights Drona

Arjuna then said to Uttar - Take me to the chariot being drawn by red horses.
Uttar took the chariot close to Drona's chariot.

Seeing his Guru Arjuna shot two arrows at Drona's feet, thus touching his feet. Drona shot two arrows which touched Arjuna's shoulders thus hugging him.

Arjuna asked Drone to leave the path such that he could combat Duryodhana. Drona did not agree to that. Arjuna then said Do not blame me for the consequences.

The Guru and the disciples kept showering arrows at each other. Arjuna cut off all arrows of Drona.

Seeing Drona being subdued Ashwatthama came to help his father. 

Arjuna fights Kripa

Arjuna then asked Uttar to take the chariot near Kripa. Uttar took the chariot and Arjuna blew on the conch shell, Devdutta. Kripacharya blew his conch and then showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna cut those off. Arjuna started using divine weapons which scared Kripa. Arjuna cut off the bow of Kripa and his armor. Kripa picked up another bow which Arjuna cut off.
Angry Kripa hurled a weapon at Arjuna which was cut off.
Arjuna then cut off the four horses of the chariot and killed the charioteer.

Taking a mace, Kripa jumped and that too was cut off by Arjuna.
With nothing else left to fight with, Kripa left the battle field.

Arjuna and Karna fight

Arjuna asked Uttar to take the chariot where Karna is.
Soldiers in front of Karna's chariot started showering arrows at Arjuna. Arjuna with a single arrow killed all the soldiers and drove his chariot forward.
Vikarna, younger brother of Karna, came and blocked Arjuna's path. Arjuna cut off the chariot and the horses and then with another arrow cut off his head.

Seeing his brother fall, Karna rushed there.
Arjuna said Son of Radha, Be careful.
Karna said I am happy to be face to face with the person I wanted to meet.
Arjuna and Karna started fighting, each showering arrows on the other.

Arjuna having the knowledge of divine weapons fired arrows which hit Karna. Karna fainted on the chariot. Karna's charioteer fled with Karna.

Seeing Karna fleeing, the other Kuru warriors attacked Arjuna. Arjuna single handed vanquished them.

Uttar said to Arjuna - I have stories of your fight. Today I am seeing it with my own eyes. 

Arjuna shows Uttar the warriors

Uttar asked Arjuna - Please point out to me the great warriors of the Kuru army.
Arjuna said - The golden chariot with red horses belongs to Drona, my Guru.
Drona is married to Kripi, who is the sister of Kripacharya. He is on the chariot which has a lion on its flag. Kripa and Kripi were brought up by my great grandfather Shantanu.
On the side you see Karna who can single handed defeat Gods and Asuras. He is a disciple of Parashurama. There is Duryodhana with a blue gem on his crown. Then there is my grandfather Bhishma.

Arjuna goes to fight

Arjuna closed his eyes and wished for a chariot. A chariot appeared with Hanumana on the flagstaff. Arjuna went around the chariot and making Uttar the charioteer sped.Arjuna blew on his conch shell. Hearing the sound, the Kaurava army was stunned. Arjuna pulled the bow string.

Drona said This seems like the sound of Gandiva. The army hearing this started planning. They kept Duryodhana and the cows in the center and surrounded them.

Arjuna looked around and said to Uttar - I do not see Duryodhana anywhere. I will fight later. Let me first free the cows. Take the chariot towards the left.

Arjuna shot four arrows at Drona. Two of them touched Drona's feet and two touched Drona's ears.
Drona's charioteer wanted to know the significance of this. Drona said - Two arrows at my feet means someone who is like my son is bowing to me. One at my ear said I am here. The other said Surrender.

Drona shot two arrows. One touched Arjuna's head the other his ear. Uttar asked what that was. Arjuna said Drona kissed me on my head and with the arrow at my ear he asked me to fight.

Arjuna said he was in the lookout for Duryodhana and asked Uttar to take the chariot to the left. Uttar pointed out to Duryodhana hiding in the center.

Arjuna rushed. Seeing him come, the army was scared.

Arjuna smiled and said Let Duryodhana hide for sometime. We will go for the cows.

They went where the cattle was and saw the army surrounding the cattle. Arjuna created a path and the cows all run from there.

Arjuna said Uttar - There are mighty warriors there and they are all quiet.

The great warriors seeing the cows freed, came and surrounded Arjuna. 

Uttar asks Arjuna about his form

Arjuna continued. Listen to me Son of Virata while I tell you about my other names. I can use both hands simultaneously when shooting arrows, so I am also called Sabyasachi.There is no other like me in form so I came to be called Arjuna. I was born under the Falguni constellation, so I am also called Falguni. As I won over Indra I am called Jishnu.

Uttar said Forgive me for having doubted you. My father is blessed to have been able to service you. You are under the protection of Krishna and I seek your protection.

Arjuna said I am pleased with you. Get the weapons and I will fight and rescue the cattle.

Uttar said Why should I fear now that I am in your company. I do have a question. You are known for your physique. Why are you in this form which is not that of a man or a woman?

Arjuna said - As advised by Yudhistira I went to the Himalays to pray to Shiva. Pleasing Him, I went to the heaven and helped Indra kill Kalkeya. The most beautiful of all apsaras, Urvashi, wanted me. When I refused she cursed me to become an eunuch. When I begged off her, she said I will become an eunuch for a year.

Uttar then said - Please tell me now what you wish off me.

Arjuna said Become my charioteer. We will have some fun now with the army.

Uttar questions Arjuna

Arjuna said - Listen Son of Virata. When I was in Hastinapura, my mother worshiped Shiva. The form of Shiva that she worshiped was called Yogeshwar and it was only people from the royal family who worshiped this. Incidentally Gandhari had also planned to worship Shiva that day and both the queens were not aware of each other's intentions.
Gandhari asked Kunti why she was there. Kunti said Like everyday, she had come again to worship Shiva.
Gandhari said This Shiva could only be worshiped by a queen, and when her husband was no more, Kunti was not a queen.
Kunti said she had been performing this worship since the day she came into this family. She saod You have been worshiping Yogeshwar when I was in the forest.
Gandhari said You have no right to this worship.

Shiva came there and said Why do you fight. You should peacefully worship me. What I will say is, the one who is able to get the golden champaka flowers tomorrow morning will have the right to worship me.

Hearing this Gandhari went to her sons and asked them to get the flowers for her. Duryodhana asked his servants to go and get the flowers.
Hearing this I said to my mother - Do not worry, I will fetch the flowers.
Early morning, I bowed down to my Guru Drona and then shot two arrows towards the abode of Kubera. The golden flowers came and fell on the Shiva Linga.
My mother then went worshiped Shiva.
Shiva pleased said to my mother - Your sons will be great Kings.
To me, Shiva said having won over wealth (Kubera is the God of Wealth) you will be known as Dhananjaya.

Uttar then said - What did Gandhari do?

Arjuna said - Gandhari went to worship Shiva and saw the worship was over. Gandhari went away sad. Having won over this, I became known as Vijay.

I have four white horses drawing my chariot which is why I am called Shwetavahana.

I wear a golden crown (Kirita) which glows like the sun, which is why I am called Kiriti.

Vibhatsu was the name given to me by Krishna and listen to when I tell you why. Krishna once said I was the most handsome person on the earth. I did not agree and began searching for one. In all I saw Krishna. I said to Krishna and He said there was no difference between me and Him. he hugged me and gave me the name Vibhatsu.

I have a dark bluish complexion thus I am also called Krishna. 

Uttar finds the weapons

Pointing to the tree, Arjuna said to Uttar - You are not yet ready for battle. Climb the tree. There are weapons on the top of the tree. Get those weapons down. Along with you will see quivers and armor. Get everything down.
Uttar said How will I climb this tree? I have heard there is a dead body tied on this. As a prince, how will I do this?
Arjuna said There is no dead body on the tree. I will not tell you do anything wrong. It is not a dead body but a bundle of weapons.
Uttar climbed up and removed a layer of the cloth covering the bundle. He was amazed by the dazzle of the gems and thought this to be snakes with gems on them. He said There are snakes in the bundle.
Arjuna said these are weapons.
Uttar said These are huge wonderful weapons studded with gems. I see these great weapons here. Whom do these belong to? I also see wonderful quivers and conch shells. Whose are these?

Arjuna said there is a bow there with blue gems on it. That is called Gandiva. Brahma had held it and after that Indra had used it. Varuna then got it. Agni asked Varuna to give the bow to me. I used the bow to burn the Khandava forest. There is a bow which had swans etched on it. That belongs to Yudhistira. Previously Guru Dronacharya had given it to me. There is a huge bow there which belongs to Bhima. A bow is there with tigers drawn on it. That is the bow of Nakula. Then there is a bow with the sign of the discus. That belongs to Sahadeva.

Uttar not realizing what he was hearing said Where have the Pandavas gone, hiding their weapons here?

Arjuna smiled. He said I am Arjuna. Kanka in your father's court is Yudhistira. Vallabaha is Bhima. Granthik and Tantripal are Nakula and Sahadeva. Your mother's maid, Sairandhri, is Draupadi.

Uttar said If you are really Arjuna tell me about the names that you got and why.

Uttar runs

The Kuru army was not sure what was happening.
Uttar ran as fast he could with Arjuna chasing him. Panting for breath, Uttar sat down and sat - Do not hit me Brihannala. If you take me home, I will give you marvelous gifts. Leave me and let me go.

Arjuna then said - If you are afraid to fight, then play the role of a charioteer. I will fight and defeat the enemy.
Arjuna then lifted Uttar on the chariot and took him to the Shami tree on which the Pandavas had tied their weapons.

In the battle field, Duryodhana and Karna said - O Drona, O Kripacharya, Where is your Arjuna?
Drona not caring what Duryodhana was saying, turned to Bhishma and said - I see an omen, I see many people dying here. While Duryodhana is having fun, he does not realize the danger he is in. We have brought trouble upon ourselves, because of the cows.

Bhishma said Do not forget that today the day of hiding for the Pandavas has ended. Somewhere in the army, I am sure, is Arjuna. If he comes up to fight, no one will be safe.

Karna said You always praise Arjuna. Where is he?
Duryodhana said If Arjuna comes, my wish will be fulfilled. I had spent spies all over to find them and the Pandavas coming up and disclosing themselves will be a great thing.

Drona said Karna, Do not be proud. Arjuna fought and defeated Indra himself when the Khandava was burnt. He got Balarama's sister fighting the Yadava army. He killed Kalkeya thus helping Indra. You will soon see his might.

Uttar sees the army

Uttar was dejected. He said to Arjuna - I am not sure what to do. Father took the entire army to fight Susharma and we are just two. How will we be able to fight the Kaurava army? What do you say Brihannala? Take the chariot back. I do not want to loose my life because of the cows.

Arjuna said You are just seeing the battlefield and wanting to run. I am not the kind of charioteer who runs away. Now that we are here, we cannot turn back. As I said earlier, I will not turn back. I will take the chariot in the middle of the battlefield. Discard your fear. What will people say when you run away? Sairandhri made me your charioteer. Where does that leave me? What will people say about me? if I knew this would happen, I would not have come with you. I will become a laughing stock among the women and I would rather die than become that. Leave the fear and win the cattle back by your might.

Uttar says It is like an insect trying to attack the fire. This is an ocean of army. How will I manage to fight them? Why should I put my hand inside the mouth of a poisonous snake? If I am alive, I will come back another day. You are not a man, so you do not respect masculinity. if you refuse to turn the charaiot back, I will jump off and run away.

Uttar jumped off the chariot and started running back. Seeing this, Arjuna too jumped down and started chasing the prince. 

Kauravas steal the cows

While Susharma was fighting Virata, Duryodhana and his army attacked the cowsheds of Matsya and stole all the cows. The cowhers reported to Uttar, son of Virata.

Uttar said he was Iu charge while his father was away. He had one problem though. He did not have a proper charioteer to help him. He said - I can put fear in the minds of the enemy. I can fight a battle which will be known for years. I can capture the Kauravas if I get a charioteer. I will fight like Arjuna.

Uttar was saying this in the company of women. Draupadi who was there heard this and went to the dance hall where Arjuna was. She said You alone can save the cows of Virata. Go and help.

Arjuan said I cannot go unless Yudhistira asks me to go.
Draupadi said We need to help Virata who has helped us in the time of need.

Arjuna agreed. Draupadi asked Uttara, Uttar's sister to go to her brother and say that Brihanalla was a great charioteer. When Pandavas had won wars, Brihannala had been a charioteer for them. She had helped Arjuna win battles. If Brihannala goes as the charioteer, Uttar will win the battle.

Arjuna went with Uttara where Uttar was.

Hearing from his sister, Uttar said I have heard you are a great charioteer. You are equal to the charioteer of Indra, Daruka of Krishna, Aruna of Surya and Sumantra of Dashratha. If what is said is true, then I will win this battle and come.

Arjuna said I do not know all this. I know the arts of music and dance only.

Uttar said But what I have heard is different. You are an able charioteer; this is what I have been told.

Arjuna said Then I have a condition. I will take the chariot where you want but I will not leave the battlefield and run.

Uttara was happy and got ready for the battle. Uttara then said I want to decorate my dolls. Please get the dresses of the enemy which I use to dress my dolls. I want the dress of Bhishma and Drona. Please get those for me.

Arjuna said When your brothers wins the war, he will get what you want.

The women said to Arjuna, Help Uttar the way you helped Arjuna burn the Khandava forest.

Bhima rescues Susharma

Having achieved his motive, Susharma went with his prisoner to the banks of the river Krishna. There a camp was setup and food was being prepared.
Susharma said to Virata - See, Without your brother in law, you are nothing.

Suddenly Bhima attacked. The people there were scared to this huge person come there. Bhima started using his hands. He saw a broken chariot and picking up the flagstaff of that, he started fighting. Catching the horses, he flung them on the other horses.

Susharma got the news that a strange being had attacked and was calling out to him. Bhima saw Susharma. Susharma was scared to see Bhima. With his left hand, he grabbed Susharma by his hair and with his right hand he grabbed Virata. He then rushed where Yudhistira was. Both Virata and Susharma had fainted. Virata coming to his senses saw Yudhistira there. He asked what had happened, where had the gandharva vanished, the one who had rescued him.

Yudhistira said The gandharva likes you, so he rescued you. Do not fear him.

To Susharma, Yudhistira said, Who asked you to come here? You would have heard of the Gandharvas who are staying here.
To Virata, he said - Pardon the king of Trigarta, Susharma, and let him go.

Virata agreed and pardoned Susharma.

With the treasures and Virata, the Pandavas returned back.

Susharma steals the cows

While Pandavas were in hiding, Duryodhana was sending spies to trace them out. The spies reported back - We have no sign of the Pandavas. If they were alive they should have been spotted.
One spy who had come from the south said - I agree but I want to add something. You have heard of the prince of Kaikeya, Kichaka who is also the brother in law of the Matsya King, Virata. Kichaka and his brothers have been mysteriously killed there.

Susharma, a king, was in Duryodhana's court. He got up and said - Killing of Kichaka is good. He had forcibly taken over my land. With Kichaka gone, Virata is weak. We can loot him and take his treasures.

Duryodhana agreed and said Let Susharma go first. We will follow later. Let him take over his land. We will then steal the cows from the land of Matsya.

In the month of Ashada, on the fifth day of the moon, Susharma attacked the Matsya kingdom. He asked his soldiers to capture the cows from the kingdom and take them away. The soldiers got busy taking not only the cows but whatever wealth they could find.

The cow herds rushed to Virata and reported this. The king orders the army to get ready. He asked the Pandavas in court to help him fight. All were asked except Arjuna.

A great battle started. The sky was covered in dust from the chariots and soldiers. Virata attacked Susharma and killed the horses pulling the chariot. Susharma jumped off from the chariot. Picking up a mace, he rushed to attack Virata. He killed the horses of the chariot and threw the charioteer from the chariot. He then took Virata as a prisoner and started dragging him towards his chariot.

The army seeing their king captive, started running. Yudhistira then asked Bhima to do something. Virata had done them a big favor by hiding them. They needed to repay that.

Bhima said he would do that. He would rescue Virata. Bhima went to uproot a tree but Yudhistira stopped him. As they were in hiding, they could not disclose their identity. He asked Bhima to use the bow and arrow.

Bhima said he would do the needful. He would not uproot a tree but do what he needed to do with his bare hands. 

Kichaka's brothers killed

Draupadi went to the court and announced the death of Kichaka. People rushed and saw the dead body of Kichaka lying in the dance hall. He had been beaten to death and his body was barely recognizable. The king was angry that the commander of his army was dead. He ordered Sairadhri to be tied and burnt. She started crying out to Jay, Vijay, Jayanta, Jayantasena, Jayadwal (names that had give to the Pandavas) to come to her rescue. Kichaka's brothers were trying to drag her, when Bhima heard her cried. Changing his dress quickly he jumped to the spot.
The brothers of Kichaka seeing this tried to run, but Bhima caught them. It was night time when Bhima killed them all, and no one saw this happening. Draupadi was told to go back to her room.

In the morning, the news reached the king that the gandharva who had killed Kichaka had killed his brothers also, who were trying to kill the maid.

The king went to the queen and said troubles were arising because of the maid. The queen calling Draupadi asked her to leave.

Draupadi said I want your permission to stay here for thirteen more days. On the fourteenth day, I will be gone.

The Queen agreed to that.

Kichaka and Draupadi

Janmajeya asked the sage - What did the Pandavas do after this?
The sage said - Eleven months and the Pandavas were successful in concealing themselves.
One day, the lieutenant of the army of Virata, Kichaka, saw Draupadi. He approached her and said he wanted to have her at any cost.
Draupadi said I am a maid of the queen and for your own welfare, I am warning you to stay away from me. I have gandharvas as my husband and you will meet your end at their hands, if you chase me.

Hurt, Kichaka, who was also the brother of the Queen, went to his sister. He asked her to get the maid for him. The Queen tried to reason with her brother and asked him to leave the maid alone.

Kichaka said he was not afraid of gandharvas and would get the maid at any cost. The Queen said she would think of a way.

When Kichaka left, the queen called Draupadi. She said - I am very thirsty. I have left my drink in thr house of my brother. Please fetch that for me.

It was, as if a thunderbolt had struck Draupadi. She said - You promised me that you will keep in your house and not let me go anywhere. Why do you go back on your word now. There are other maids. Please ask them to fetch the drink for you.

The Queen said - A maid should not command thus. You will go where I tell you to go. Please take the pitcher and go fast.

Whispering a silent prayer, Draupadi left. Kichaka saw her approaching and came out. Draupadi said She did not have time and had come to fetch the drink for the queen.

Kichaka tried to catch her and Draupadi ran from there. If she went to the queen, she may not get help. Thinking thus, Draupadi ran towards the court of the king.

In the court, Kichaka pushed Draupadi. Draupadi fell on the ground. The pitcher broke. Bhima, in the court saw this and stood there, helpless.

To the king, Draupadi said I am being hurt for no fault of mine.

Yudhistira said to the king that Kichaka needed to be punished. To Draupadi, Bhima said quietly I will kill Kichaka. Tell him to come to the dance hall in the dawn and ask him to meet you.

Draupadi dried her tears and went away.

Draupadi went to Kichaka. Kichaka said What did the King do? No one can save you from me.

Draupadi said I am fearing my husbands. Do one thing. At the break of dawn, meet in the dance hall.

Kichaka was happy. He went and decked himself and waited for dawn.

Draupadi went and told Bhima. Bhima went to the dance hall and waited there.

When Kichaka entered, the room was dark. Thinking Bhima to be Draupadi, he grabbed him.
Bhima started hitting Kichaka. Kichaka was no match. Bhima easily conquered him and then killed him.

He told Draupadi the task was done. He quietly went to the kitchen, had a bath and lay down to sleep.