Ghatotkacha dies

Seeing the death of his father, Alambusha's son, Alambushi,  came on an elephant to take revenge. Ghatotkacha killed the elephant. Alambushi escaped and then came riding a chariot. He started shooting arrows at Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha smashed the chariot. Alambushi and Ghatotkacha then began fighting with their mace. Ghtotkacha first broke Alambushi's hands and then smashed his chest. Alambushi died.
The Kaurava army was now scared. Ghatotkacha, with his mace, began smashing the soldiers. A king called Pandya said he would fight Ghatotkacha. He began shooting arrows, which broke when they touched the mace of Ghatotkacha. With arrows, the king then cut the mace. Ghatotkacha then picked up the chariot and flung it far, killing the king.
Seeing the king fall, some warriors attacked Ghtotkacha shooting arrows. With his arrows, Ghotkacha killed them.
Duryodhana was worried. Ashwatthama then said Karna has a weapon which is sure to kill whomever it is aimed at. Let Karna use that to kill this demon.
Karna said I have been saving that to kill Arjuna. I got that by giving away my armor, with which I was born. If I kill Ghatotkacha with that weapon, know for sure I will also die in the battlefield.
Ashwatthama said Get rid of Ghatotkacha first. You will fight Arjuna only if Ghatotkacha dies. Else we all will be dead.
Duryodhana then asked Karna to use that weapon on Ghatotkacha.
Karna then went to face Ghatotkacha. He tried to subdue Ghatotkacha with various weapons. What that was not working, Karna got the weapon that he had stored. He aimed that at Ghatotkacha.
Ghatotkacha realized that this will mean his death. He tried to break off the weapon with various other weapons of his, but none worked.
The weapon pierced Ghatotkacha. He shouted out in pain to Bhima- I am dying. What do you want me to do before I die.
Bhima said Crush as many Kaurava warriors as you can.
Ghatotkacha increased his size and fell on the army, crushing many soldiers.
Cries broke in both the sides.
It was the second part of the night when Ghatotkacha fell.

Ghatotkacha kills Alambusha

After the death of Jayadratha, Krishna said to Arjuna - Let us rush to Yudhistira. He would be anxious for us. They also went to Yudhistira who was relieved to see them. They told him about the death of Jayadratha.

In the Kaurava camp, Duryodhana gave orders that there would be no rest. Torches would be lit and the fight would happen in the night also. The Pandava army hearing also lit up torches.

Drona tried to capture Yudhistira but was stopped by Dhristadyumna. Drona wounded Dhristadyumna, who then fled. Satyaki then attacked Drona. Satyaki also was wounded by Drona. When Yudhistira was wondering what would happen, Hidimba's son, Ghatotkacha, came to his rescue. Taking his mace, Ghatotkacha blasted his way into the Kaurava army. He was followed by Sahadeva, son of Jarasandha, five sons of Draupadi and Yudhistira.

Ghatotkacha made his body like a mountain. He then started eating up the Kaurava soldiers. Doshan, son of Dushsasana attacked Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha smashed his chariot and Doshan barely escaped. Ghatotkacha,  seeing this, brought his mace down on Doshan, killing him.

Seeing this angered Dushsasana who attacked but had to flee, not able to stand the might of Ghatotkacha.
Using the magic of the rakshasas, Ghatotkacha played havoc on the Kauravas.

Seeing all perplexed, Karna decided to attack. Ghatotkacha smashed Karna's chariot and Karna barely managed to save himself.  Ashwatthama then came but could stand the might of Ghatotkacha.

Alambusha then came into the attack. Ghatotkacha and Alambusha began fighting each other. Alambusha hid in the skies and Ghatotkacha went and caught up with him. Alambusha started showering arrows and Ghatotkacha broke his bow. Both then began fighting with their maces. Alambusha took the form of a mountain range and attacked Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha climbed up on the mountain and began smashing till he saw Alambusha. He caught Alambusha by his hair and dragged him to the ground. With his mace, he then smashed his head. 

Jayadratha dies

Killing the sons of Bhima, Bhima began killing soldiers on the field. With the remaining brothers, Duryodhana attacked Bhima. Bhima wounded Duryodhana with his arrows. Seeing this Dushshasana and the other eight brothers attacked. Taking his mace, Bhima killed eight of the brothers. Off the sons of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, only Duryodhana and Dushsasana were alive.

Karna came again to attack. He cut off Bhima's mace. Without a weapon, Bhima hurled a dead elephant at Karna. Karna cut that off. Bhima started throwing other dead animals and then dead bodies of soldiers which Karna cut off. Bhima was now empty handed and bleeding . Karna caught him. Remembering his promise to Kunti, he released Bhima.

Arjuna had traveled a long distance. Some more, and then Jayadratha would be in front of him. Krishna said - Only four hours are left for the sun to set. Please hurry up.
Arjuna said I still do not see Jayadratha. How do I kill the one I do not see.

Krishna said Do not worry. Jayadratha will die today.

Seeing Arjuna coming, Jayadrata hid himself. Krishna then asked Sudarshana to go and cover the sun. It suddenly became dark. The kuru army was happy. Now Arjuna will kill himself.

Jayadratha then came in front of Arjuna and reminded him of the promise.
Arjuna said I will not go back on my word. I will kill myself.

Arjuna then began arranging for a pyre and lit that. Krishna said If you have to enter the fire, take your weapons with you.

Picking up the Gandiva, Arjuna went around the fire seven times. Krishna then removed Sudarshana. The sun would be there for two more hours. Krishna asked Arjuna to make use of the opportunity. Krishan said Make sure you do not drop his cut head on the ground. Using arrows, throw the head onto the lap of his father who lives in the forest as a mendicant.

Arjuna did that. The cut head fell on the lap of the old mendicant. The old king threw that on the ground and his head burst into a thousand pieces.

After this, Arjuna asked Krishna about the secret of Jayadratha.

Krishna said Jayadratha had prayed to Shiva and pleased him. Shiva had then granted him a boon that who ever dropped his head on the ground would die.

Hearing this, Arjuna bowed down at Krishna for helping him. 

Bhima kills ninety sons of Dhritarashtra

Yudhistira was wondering how Arjuna was faring. With Satyaki also away, he called Bhima. He said Bhima, Arjuna is fighting somewhere. I sent Satyaki and he has not returned.
Bhima called Dhristadyumna and asked him to protect Yudhistira till he returned.
Saying this, Bhima climbed on his chariot and went into the middle of the battlefield.

Karna stopped Bhima. Bhima cut off his chariot and his weapons. Karna then fled.

Duryodhana seeing this, asked his brothers to attack Bhima.
Ten sons of Dhritarashtra came and started showering arrows at Bhima. Bhima jumped with his mace and smashed the brothers killing them.
Thirty more brothers of Duryodhana then attacked Bhima. With his mace, Bhima killed the horses and elephants on which they were riding. He then killed the thirty brothers.

Bhima then started his chariot and soon saw Satyaki. He asked him what was happening. Satyaki asked Bhima why he had left Yudhistira. Bhima said hearing no news, Yudhistira had sent him.

Karna came again, and Bhima began shooting arrows at Karna. Karna fled again.

Bhima then began killing off the soldiers. Fifty of Duryodhana's brothers, seeing this, came and attacked Bhima. Bhima killed all fifty of them.

Sanjaya told Dhritarashtra that ninety of his sons had died so far in battle. Dhritarashtra fell from his throne.
Gandhari, hearing this, fainted. Wails broke out in the palace when the wives heard of the loss of their husbands.

Sanjaya said You knew things would come to this. Many times it was asked to avoid the battle. Vidura said All Yudhistira had asked for was five villages. If that had been given, things would not come to this. 

Bhurishrava dies

With his hands cut off, Bhurishrava fainted. Regaining consciousness, he said to Arjuna - Shame on you. You cut off my hands in an unfair manner. I was fighting Satyaki. Why did you interfere? You will go to hell for this.
Arjuna was ashamed.
Krishna said - Do not fear Arjuna. Bhurishrava talks of fair war. What did he do when Abhimanyu was killed by unfair means?
Bhurishrava said Krishna, I know no one as evil as you.
He then realized he was cursing the Lord and kept quiet.
He then said I will not go anywhere cursing the Lord.
Krishna said Leave all ill will aside and go off to Vaikuntha.

Bhurishrava sat quietly. Satyaki, seeing his enemy, sitting on the ground, jumped with a sword in his hand.

He cut off Bhurishrava's head. The kauravas seeing this started showering arrows at Satyaki. Satyaki them jumped on his chariot and began fighting.

Birth of Bhurishrava

The sage said to Janmajeya - Let me tell you about Satyaki a bit.

Once Krishna was performing a sacrifice for pleasing the departed forefathers. He invited many kings for the ceremony. Of the invited kings was a king called Somdatta. Seeing this angered Shini, who was a uncle of Krishna and the brother of Vasudeva. Shini said how could Somdatta be there? He was not fit to be invited? Somdatta also started abusing Shini. Shini got up and grabbed Somdatta by his hair. He then started slapping Somdatta till his teeth started shaking.

The insulted Somdatta left. He went to the forest to pray for revenge. He prayed to Shiva who appeared before him. He asked Shiva to bless him with a son who would be able to avenge him. Shiva said a son would be born who would win over the son of Shini.

This was Bhurishrava, who with the blessing of Shiva, was able to capture Satyaki.

Bhurishrava catches Satyaki

While Arjuna had gone to look for Jayadratha, Yudhistira was worried. Finding no one, he asked Satyaki to lead the battle.

Satyaki went inside the formation and started killing warriors. The king Bhurishrava, seeing this came and attacked Satyaki. Satyaki cut off the arrows of Bhurishrava.
Bhurisharava asked Satyaki to come down on the ground and fight.
Satyaki jumoed down and both started fighting with their swords.

Krishna saw this and asked Arjuna to help Satyaki. He said Bhurishrava has caught Satyaki by his hair and is about to cut off his head.

Arjuna then aimed arrows at Bhurishrava, cutting off his hands.

Janmajeya asked Satyaki was able to defeat all, but how was he easily overcome by Bhurishrava? 

Arjuna goes in search of Jayadratha

In the camp Krishna was worried. He said to Arjuna - You took a vow not knowing the consequences.
Arjuna said What do I have to fear when you are with me.
Krishna asked Arjuna to come with him and drove the chariot to the abode of Shiva.
Shiva was pleased to see Krishna. Krishna said Arjuna had taken a vow to kill Jayadratha in the day. Shiva blessed both and said they would be successful.
Krishna and Arjuna went back to their camp.
The next day Drona created a wonderful formation which was difficult to penetrate. Jayadratha was placed in the center of that.
Arjuna said He would fight and kill the king of Sindhu.
Bhima told Arjuna to concentrate on that while he would take care of the rest.
Krishna then asked his charioteer, Daruka, to be ready with weapons. He said If Arjuna was unable to kill Jayadratha before sunset, he would blow his conch shell. Hearing that Daruka should come, and then Krishna would kill all the Kauravas alone.
Krishna then sat on Arjuna's chariot and took that into the battlefield.
Drona was in the front stopping Arjuna. Arjuna asked him to give way which he refused. Krishna said Do not pelad with one who planned the death of your son.
Arjuna and Drona started fighting. Arjuna cut off all arrows of Drona. Krishna said quickly deal with Drona. We need to reach Jayadratha in time.
Arjuna asked how to do that.
Krishna said On the right of Drona is an army fighting. Kill them off. I will take the chariot there.
Krishna took the chariot there and Arjuna killed many soldiers. Drona asked Why Arjuna was fleeing. Arjuna said he would deal with the Guru later. Drona smiled and left the path.
Arjuna then was confronted by Ashwatthama. The son of Dona started shooting arrows at Arjuna. Arjuna cut off the weapons and then his bow and wounded him.
Karna then faced Arjuna. Karna and Arjuna started fighting, shooting weapons at each other. Karna took got wounded and had to leave. Arjuna then killed multiple soldiers.

It was noon and the sun was blazing.
Krishna then said to Arjuna We need to stop. The horses are tired and wounded. They need rest and some water. I am sweating away myself.
Arjuna said This is impossible. I cannot stop now.
Krishna said Let me get off and get some water.
Arjuna said If you leave me here, this will be the end.
Krishna said Your devotion has bound me and I cannot leave. Just step off the chariot and fight, standing in the ground, while I take care of the horses.
Arjuna stepped off and started fighting. Krishna said the horses need water. Let me do something.
Saying this, he created a lake there. The horses drank their fill in the lake. Krishna then tied the horses back to the chariot.
Krishna then asked Arjuna to get on the chariot and started the vehicle again.

Arjuna vows to kill Jayadratha

Arjuna said to Krishna - I do not see anyone as brave as Abhimanyu.
Krishna said Do not grieve for one who had gone to heaven. Listen to me. On a tree, birds live in the night and when the day breaks, they forget about the night and go flying in teh world. They dont care which tree they spend the night in.
Vyasa then came there. Arjuna said He was feeling lost without Abhimanyu. Vyasa said Death was the only truth. When the earth was born, there were people who were living for ever. From the breath of Vishnu was born a woman, She was Death. Vishnu told her take with her, those whose time was up. The woman started doing that.
Vyasa left.
Krishna then asked Yudhistira to tell about Abhimanyu's fight. Yudhistira told in detail what had happened starting from Abhimanyu saying he just knew how to enter and also Jayadrata stopping them from entering. He then told about Abhimanyu's fight and death.
Arjuan hearing this said he would kill Jayadratha. He said the next day either he would kill Jayadratha or kill himself, if he failed.
Jayadratha was scared when he heard this. He went and told Duryodhana this.
Duryodhana took Jayadratha to Drona and said Arjuna has vowed to kill Jayadratha. He needs to be saved.
Drona said Jayadratha need not fear. He would get protection from all. He said he would create a formation and Jayadratha would be in the center of that.
When Duryodhana left, Kripa said With Krishna on the Pandavas side, know for sure, Jayadratha will meet his end in the fight tomorrow.

Arjuna sees ill omens

The sage said to Janmajeya -
While Arjuna was fighting, he saw crows coming and sitting on the flag posts of the chariots. They were continuously cawing away. The bow string of Gandiva broke once and his left eye started throbbing. He suddenly started sweating.
Arjuna said to Krishna - Nothing is amiss. I can hear crying noises. I wonder what is happening.
Krishna said Till the time Abhimanyu is there, there is no fear. If Abhimanyu is killed, that will have to be by unfair means and that will mean Duryodhana's end.

Krishna knew that Abhimanyu had fallen but he could not tell Arjuna that. He started the chariot towards the camp. Arjuna saw more ill omens. He entered the camp.

It was all dark inside and all were sitting on the ground. Arjuna said Why is everyone avoiding me?

He saw Yudhistira crying. He moved around and saw Abhimanyu missing. He asked Bhima where Abhimanyu was. Bhima was quiet.

Arjuna had tears in his eyes. Slowly Bhima told Arjuna about the battle and the death of Abhimanyu.

Arjuna could not control his grief. He started crying, Krishna then consoled him. 

Moon cursed

The sage said to Janmajeya -
The Pandavas returned to their camp. Yudhistira sat on the ground, unable to control his grief.
Vyasa came there. He asked Yudhistira why he was grieving.
Yudhistira said I am very unfortunate. I wanted my kingdom back and because of that the brave Abhimanyu has fallen today. He had told me that he knew how to enter but did not know how to come out. I had told him I would be behind him, but I was unable to proceed because of Jayadratha. He fought bravely and was killed by unfair means.
Vyasa said Stop your grief. You have no control over destiny. Let me tell you about his previous birth. He was the Moon born as Subhadra's son because of a curse. Listen, as I tell you more.
The sage Garga once went to the Moon with his disciples. The Moon was sitting with  Rohini, lost in her love,  when the sage arrived. Chandra forgot to receive the sage.
The sage got angry at being ignored. He cursed the moon to be born as a human.
The Moon said he had not ignored the sage purposefully and begged forgiveness.
The sage said You will born as the son of Subhadra and Arjuna. You will be a brave warrior and at the age of sixteen you will fight a great battle and will die there.

Vyasa said This is Abhimanyu's destiny. You could not have done anything about this.
Yudhistira said I am not sure how I will face Arjuna. What will Krishna say? What will I say to Subhadra? How will I pacify Uttara?

Vyasa said One dies when the time is up, not before that. Krishna will understand and he will make Arjuna understand.

Saying this, Vyasa left.

Abhimanyu falls

The sage said
Listen Janmajeya - The son of Arjuna, fought valiantly. The formation, which was like a slow blooming lotus, had been penetrated by Abhimanyu. At every petal formation, Abhimanyu killed many people.Bodies were floating in pools of blood. A son of Shakuni came to fight and was killed by Abhimanyu.
Duryodhana went to Drona and asked him how to stop Abhimanyu. He said You are pleased with the skill of Abhimanyu and that is why you remain quiet.
Drona got angry. He said No one is able to face the son of Arjuna. He is a great warrior like his father. If Karna had to face defeat in his hands, who do you think and defeat him? If you want to defeat Abhimanyu, then you will have fight using unfair means. Do not forget that this is Krishna's nephew. He will be  able to defeat all, alone.
Duryodhana then gave orders for seven of the Kuru warriors to face Abhimanyu together.
Kripa said this was not a proper means of fighting.
Duryodhana said this was the time to win the war. Kill the boy by any means and win the war.
It was decided. Drona, Kripa, Karna, Shakuni, Dushsasana, Ashwatthama and Duryodhana decided to surround Abhimanyu and attack him.
The sky was covered with arrows.
Abhimanyu was aghast seeing this unfair means of fight. Abhimanyu shot arrows cutting off arrows coming towards him. He was easily able to overcome the seven warriors. Duryodhana said to Drona - See this boy make a massacre of my army.
Drona and the others attacked again. This time they cut his chariot and then his bow. With his bow gone, Abhimanyu jumped with a sword and sheild in his hand. Karna, with an arrow, cut off his shield. Abhimanyu then began fighting with the sword. He began cutting whoever came in front of him. Ashwatthama, with three arrows, cut off the sword. Abhimanyu now realized that there was no way and his end was near. He looked around and could not see any Pandava warrior close by. His father and uncle were far away, fighting.
He then picked up a wheel of a chariot and using that, began fighting using that.
Karna, with five arrows, cut off the wheel. He picked up another wheel and used that to avoid the arrows coming at him. Soon, with the arrows hitting him, it looked as if a porcupine was fighting. Abhimanyu was now tired. Seeing this, the warriors attacked again.
A son of Dushasana then jumped forward with his mace and struck Abhimanyu.
The blow hit him so hard and that he lost his life. Abhimanyu fell and went over to the land of the moon, Chandraloka, where he had originally come from.
The Kauravas then started celebrating, playing musical instruments.
Yudhistira heard this and fainted.
The sun also set and the day of the war came to an end. 

Abhimanyu fights

Abhimanyu was inside. Bhima and the other warriors were feeling frustrated. They had been pushed back by Jayadratha. They were worried that Abhimanyu was alone inside.
Abhimanyu started his attack shooting arrows wherever he went. No one was able to face him.
Uluka, son of Dushasana, came to face Abhimanyu. He was not able to face Abhimanyu and soon lost his life in his hands.
Vrishasena, son of Karna, then attacked Abhimanyu but was not ableto stand in front of Abhimanyu for long and had to leave, gravely wounded. Seeing this, Karna got angry., He started shooting arrows at Abhimanyu which the young prince easily cut off. Karna could not also stand in front of Abhimanyu for long and had to flee.
Lakshmana, son of Duryodhana, then came to fight. Abhimanyu cut off the chariot of Lakshmana. With another arrow he cut off the head of Lakshmana.
Duryodhana then picked up his mace and jumped to avenge his son's death. Abhimanyu cut off Duryodhana's mace into pieces and then wounded Duryodhana, who had to flee.
Abhimanyu was on a spree, He kept shooting arrows killing whoever came in front of him. He killed many sons of the Kauravas.

Sanjaya who was telling Dhritarashtra about the battle said The young son of Arjuna, who is just sixteen years of age, is fighting like a lion. The great Kuru warriors are afraid to face him.
Dhritarashtra said Arjuna's son is truly great. 

Narayani Army enters the battle and Abhimanyu steps in the formation

In the camp Duryodhana went to Drona and asked what was the way to win the war. Drona said You got the Narayani army from Krishna. Let them take Arjuna someplace and fight with him. With Arjuna away, Yudhistira can be captured.
Duryodhana sent for Susharma who was leading the Narayani army and explained the plan to him. He was to take Arjuna northwards.

The battle started. Arjuna was challenged to a fight by Susharma. Arjuna agreed. Susharma thought this was his chance to kill Arjuna. He was happy. Karna and Drona saw Arjuna being led away and they were happy.

Drona said he would form a formation never seen before. Saying this he decided to form the chakravyuha formation. This was a very complex formation and it was very critical for one to knowhow to enter the formation and also how to come out of it. Jayadratha was at the opening of the formation and the other warriors were inside.

Drona saw Yudhistira and began shooting arrows at him. Yudhistira retaliated by shooting arrows back cutting off the horses and killing the charioteer. Drona jumped off and ran to grab Yudhistira. Seeing this, Dhristadyumna came and faced Drona. Yudhistira took shelter with Nakula. So ferocious was the fight that Drona was injured and fainted.

Coming to his senses, Drona then attacked Dhristadyumna, wounding him till he started bleeding.
Draupadi's brother retaliated and attacked Drona again.
He then jumped off his chariot and climbed up on Drona's chariot. There he cut off the horses and killed the charioteer.Drona then shot an arrow which pierced Dhristadyumna. The prince fell on the ground. Seeing him fall, the other Pandava warriors started shooting arrows at Drona.

Yudhistira was wondering how to penetrate the formation that Drona had formed. Arjuna was somewhere else, fighting. He then remembered Abhimanyu. He asked Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu said I know how to get in but I do not know how to come out. Let me tell you how this happened. When I was in my mother's womb, my mother had heard from my father the way to enter the formation but Arjuna had not mentioned the way out. This is the reason I am not aware of the way out.

Yudhistira said Do not worry. When you enter the formation, we will all be behind you. We will all enter the formation with you.

The brave Abhimanyu said he would fight a battle like never seen before and agreed to enter the formation.

Abhimanyu entered the formation shooting arrows everywhere. Jayadratha who was guarding the formation managed to prevent the other Pandavas from entering the formation. 

Arjuna and Bhima create havoc

The next day the fight began. Arjuna started showering arrows killing anyone who came in the path. Seeing this Duryodhana climbed on a chariot and came to face Arjuna. He aimed arrows at Arjuna which were cut off. Arjuna then cut off the flag staff, horses and the charioteer. Duryodhana then picked up a mace and flung that at Arjuna. The chariot was hit by the mace and started shaking. Arjuna then shot arrows at Duryodhana, who had to flee.
Ashwatthama seeing this came to fight Arjuna. Both started shooting arrows at each other. Soon, hit by an arrow of Arjuna, Ashwatthama fainted. The charioteer then fled with the fainted warrior.

Dushsasana and Bhima were fighting. Dushsasana was on an elephant. Bhima attacked the elephant. The elephant fell and Dushsasana fled. Bhima then began killing who came in front. Seeing this, Ashwatthama attacked Bhima. Seeing the son of Drona, Bhima climbed up on his chariot and picked up a bow. Ashwatthama shots arrows at Bhima which caused him to loose his senses. regaining his sense, Bhima flung his mace at the chariot, breaking it. Ashwatthama then jumped onto another chariot and began shooting arrows which were all cut off by Bhima. Bhima then flung his mace, breaking the chariot. Ashwatthama fled. Bhima tried to chase him. Seeing this, Karna stopped Bhima by showering arrows at him. Bhima using his mace crushed Karna's chariot. Karna got another chariot and fled.
Bhima then attacked the army.
Arjuna was killing the Kaurava army. Seeing this, Duryodhana went to Drona and said You said you would be capturing Yudhistira. I do not see that happening. On the contrary, I see Bhima and Arjuna making a mess of my army. if Karna had been made the commander, I would have had Yudhistira as my prisoner.
Drona was angry. He said I had said earlier that I am a brahmin and I should be in the war.
Saying this, Drona decided to walk away.
Shakuni then said to Drona - Duryodhana did not mean anything bad.
Drona was pacified. He said I can capture Yudhistira only if Arjuna is away.

The day ended and all went back to the camp.

Bhima's fight

Janmajeya said - O sage what you said is very brief. Please tell some more details.
The sage said -
Seeing Drona, Arjuna bowed to him and said I have heard you wish to capture Yudhistira. I will not let you do that.
Drona said I will see if you can stop me.
Drona then started shooting arrows at Arjuna. Arjuna cut those off. Drona shot more arrows and those were cut off too.
Arjuna the cut off Drona's bow. Drona picked up another bow and shot the arrow that made everything burn. Arjuna then invoked the water weapon and the fire went out.
Everywhere there was water now. Drona invoked the wind to dry up the water.
Angry, Arjuna cut off the horses of the Guru's chariot. He then cut off the flag of the chariot and killed the charioteer. Arjuna then shot an arrow that pierced Drona. Seeing this, some of the Kuru warriors rushed and took Drona away from there.
Seeing Drona leave, Arjuna started shooting arrows, killing many soldiers.
Bhima and Duryodhana were fighting each other. They were using their maces and trying to hot each other. The maces were moving at the speed of the wind. Not able to stand the fight, Duryodhana fled from there. Bhima chased him and seeing this, other Kuru warriors started shooting arrows at Bhima. Bhima was on a rampage killing whatever came on his path - whether it was a chariot, horse, elephant or a soldier.
Duryodhana ordered elephants to be let loose on Bhima. Bhima killed all those elephants. Picking up the elephants by their trunks, Bhima began hurling them in the air. Karna seeing this rushed there. Seeing Karna, Bhima went and killed the horses of the chariot with his fists. He then kicked the chariot which broke. Karna then fled from there.
Bhima picked up the broken chariot and hurled that killing soldiers with that.
The sun then set and the day came to an end. 

Battle begins

The battle began. Drona and Arjuna fought each other. Karna and Satyaki fought each other and Bhima and Duryodhana fought each other., While Nakula fought with Dushsasana, Sahadeva fought with Shakuni. The fight was fierce and rivers of blood were flowing everywhere.

Duryodhana goes to Bhishma

Before the war was about to begin, Duryodhana went where Bhishma was lying. He said I have come to take leave of you as I go to fight the Pandavas. Drona has been made the commander.
Bhishma said Listen to what I say and agree to respect my word. Make friends with Yudhistira. Give Yudhistira something. I will convince Yudhistira to be happy with he has got. Krishna is with the Pandavas and there is no way you can win the war. Ask Drona and see if he agrees to what I say.

Duryodhana was stubborn and refused to accept Bhishma's advice. He said Every one points out at me. What did I do? All I did was find fault with the Pandavas. By strength or by wit, I need to defeat my enemies. If I die in the battlefield, people will consider me a hero. I have made a promise that I will fight and I will not go back on my word.

Bhishma kept quiet knowing that the Kauravas would be destroyed.

Duryodhana left for the battlefield.

Bhima made commander

The Pandavas were in their camp. They were happy that Bhishma had fallen. They got the news that Drona had been made commander. The messenger also said that Drona had promised that he would capture Yudhistira and make him prisoner.
This scared Yudhistira who asked Krishna what was the way out.
Krishna said Do not worry. Even if a hundred Drona come here, they will not be able to capture you.
Bhima said There was no need to fear.
Krishna said It was best to make Bhima the commander,

Yudhistira declared Bhima as the commander of the Pandava army.

Drona made commander

The sage said to Janmajeya -
After the fall of Bhishma, Duryodhana was wondering who would lead the army. He asked Karna to become the commander. Karna was ready but Kripacharya said it was not proper to make Karna the commander while Drona was around.
Duryodhana agreed and declared Drona the commander.
All the Kuru warriors went to Drona and Duryodhana said he was making the Guru the commander of the Kaurava army.
Drona said he was ready to accept the role on one condition. Karna would not fight in the battle.
Duryodhana said Karna will not fight close to you.
Duryodhana agreed and Drona was made the commander.
Drona said he would form the spiral formation and trap the Pandavas.

This pleased Duryodhana who announced the commander's name to all.

Day Ten - Bhishma falls

The next day, battle began. Bhishma asked his charioteer to take the chariot near Arjuna. The charioteer said this was not a good day and he was seeing ill omens. It was raining without clouds in the sky. Vultures were flying around, wavering over chariots.
Bhishma said What ill omen can be there when the Lord himself is the charioteer for Arjuna?
The charioteer took the chariot near Arjuna. Bhishma aimed arrows at Krishna and the flag staff having Hanumana on it. Arjuna cut off the arrows.
Bhima killed many kaurava warriors. Dushsasana came and wounded Bhima with arrows. Enraged, Bhima threw his bow and picked up his mace. With a blow, he smashed the chariot killing the charioteer and the horses. Dushsasana fainted and began bleeding. Drona then attacked Bhima, who killed the guru's charioteer and horses. Seeing Bhima wounded, Abhimanyu came to help. He cut off Drona's armor. Drona then recovered and started showering arrows at Abhimanyu.
At another corner, Drupada, Virata, Dhristadyumna and Ghatotkacha were fighting. They made havoc of the Kaurava army. Seeing this, Bhurishrava, Kritavarma, Shalya and Jayadhrata rushed there.
Ghatotkacha was making a mess of the army. Seeing this Duryodhana fled. Bhishma stopped the fleeing Duryodhana and asked him to stand and face the battle.
Bhishma then started showering arrows at Arjuna and Krishna, wounding them and killing the horses. Seeing this Arjuna started shooting arrows randomly killing countless soldiers.
Krishna decided this was the time to get Shikhandi.
Shikhandi came and keeping him in front, the battle began. Arjuna said this was not fair. Krishna said It was time to fight.
Seeing Shikhandi Bhishma dropped his bow. Shikhandi said I will kill you.
Bhishma said Nature made you a woman and dressed as a man you have joined the Pandavas.
Shikhandi then started shooting arrows at Bhishma as directed by Arjuna. Arjuna seeing this was not working, picked up his bow and started shooting arrows at Bhishma. Bhishma knew these were not Shikhandi's arrows.
Soon Bhishma was pierced every where with arrows, bleeding profusely. Arjuna picked up a weapon and shot that. That pierced Bhishma's heart. The old man fell from his chariot.
His body did not touch the ground. The arrows piercing the ground formed a bed on which Bhishma lay.
All left the war and rushed to Bhishma's side.
Duryodhana could not control himself and burst into tears.
Yudhistira and the Pandavas along with Krishna went to Bhishma. Yudhistira said You were the father to the Pandavas. Today we have killed that father figure.
Slowly Bhishma said I will live till the sun comes its journey from south (Dakshinayana) to the north (Uttarayana .
He said to Duryodhana - My head is hanging, please get me a pillow fit for me.
Duryodhana got the best of the pillows. Bhishma rejected those and asked Arjuna to get a pillow. Arjuna shot three arrows which pierced Bhishma's head and then went into the ground. Bhishma then said he was thirsty. Duryodhana got water but that was rejected. Again Bhishma asked Arjuna.
Arjuna shot an arrow into the earth. A stream of water burst forth falling in Bhishma's mouth.

Bhishma asked Duryodhana to stop the war but Duryodhana refused. Spending sometime with Bhishma, everyone left for their camps.

Yudhistira approaches Bhishma

In the camp, Yudhistira was wondering how Bhishma could be finished. Krishna said Your brothers are fighting bravely, so why are you so worried?Arjuna will be able to kill Bhishma. Do not worry on that.
Yudhistira said I can understand that but I want to know how Bhishma will be killed.
Krishna said Bhishma is a noble person. Let us go to him and ask him. He has a boon of dying only when he wishes to. He will be able to answer your question.
With the Pandavas, Krishna went to Bhishma. Bhishma greeted them and the five brothers bowed down to Bhishma. Bhishma wanted to know why they had come at that hour.
Yudhistira said When I asked for five village that was denied. The war started and now no one is able to face you. I now ask you, please let me know how can you be killed?
Bhishma said Listen. I am known for my skill and strength. No one defeat me as long as I hold my weapons in my hands. As long as I am in the field, I will serve the Kauravas. if you kill me, know for sure, it will be your victory and the defeat of the Kauravas. I will not lift a weapon at some fleeing or someone weak or sick. I will not lift a weapon at a woman. Anyone who has a name of a woman will not be hurt by me. Listen to me. Drupada's son Shikhandi was born a woman and now as a man is skilled in warfare. If Shikhandi comes in front, I will drop my weapons. Arjuna can use Shikhandi as a sheild and kill me.
Yudhistira, Krishna and the Pandavas took leave of Bhishma and went back to their camp.

Day Nine

Yudhistira was sad. Bhishma was fighting in full form and Krishna's vow had been broken.
Drupada said The Lord will bend down to please his devotee.
This talking the night ended and the day started and battle began.
Arjuna killed many soldiers and so did Bhima. Rivers of blood were flowing in the ground and in that dead animals and soldiers were floating.
Bhishma killed many of the Pandava soldiers. Foot soldiers, horses and elephants fell. Bhima shot arrows at Duryodhana, wounding him. Duryodhana picked up his mace and jumped off his chariot. He killed Bhima's charioteer with a blow of his mace. Bhima cut off the mace with his arrows.
Drona attacked Bhima cutting off his bow. Bhima picked another bow. Before he could string the bow, Drona cut that too. Angry, Bhima picked his mace. Drona tried to cut the mace, but before that Bhima smashed Drona's chariot. Drona jumped on another chariot and started showering arrows at Bhima. Bhima killed the charioteer. Drona, with sharp arrows, cut off the mace. Angry Bhima picked up the chariot. Drona fell on the ground. Drona then rushed towards Bhima and both started wrestling.
With no one winning, Drona climbed on a chariot and started aiming arrows at Bhima. Bhima then got on his chariot and cut off Drona's bow again.
Abhimanyu was killing many soldiers. Kripacharya attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu cut off Kripa's arrows. Kripa, taking divine weapons, cut off Abhimanyu's bow. Taking another bow, Abhimanyu killed the horses and charioteer of Kripa. With two arrows, Abhimanyu pierced Kripa's armor. Kripa fainted.
Ashwatthama saw this and came to Kripa's rescue. Abhimanyu cut off his bow. Abhimanyu cut off all weapons of the son of Drona.
Arjuna and Bhishma were fighting. Arjuna cut off all the divine weapons that Bhishma tried to use. Arjuna then cut off Bhishma's bow. He then pierced Bhishma's armor. Then he began busy, killing soldiers.
Bhishma recovering shot arrows wounding both Arjuna and Krishna.
With evening, the day came to an end.

Krishna breaks his vow

Seeing the havoc being created by Bhima, Kirpacharya came to face Bhima. Kripa cut off Bhima's bow. Bhima picked up another bow and showered arrows on Kripa.
Satyaki was fighting Bhurisharava and Abhimayu was fighting with Susharma. Ghatotkacha was fighting Alambush and Drupada and Ashwatthama were fighting each other. Yudhistira and Shalya were fighting while Nakula and Dushshasana were fighting. None was able to win over the other. Sahadeva was fighting Shakuni. Shakuni had to flee, seeing Sahadeva's fighting skills.
Arjuna and Bhishma's war was something to see. The Gods had gathered in the skies to see the battle. Bhishma shot arrows at Arjuna, who cut those. Arjuna then cut off Bhishma's bow, who picked up another one. Bhishma then started aiming arrows at Krishna. Arjuna seeing this, cut off Bhishma's bow. Bhishma picked up another bow and Arjuna cut that too.
Krishna was wounded by Bhishma's arrows. He knew what Bhishma wanted. Bhishma and Arjuna were fighting each killing many soldiers in the other's army.
Arjuna was getting tired trying to fight off Bhishma's arrows.
Krishna becaem angry. He said he would now kill off all the Kauravas. He said I had made a promise that I will not lift a weapon. If I try to fulfill my promise, the Pandavas will be finished.
Krishna jumped off the chariot and picked up a wheel of a chariot and went to kill Bhishma with that.
Bhishma dropped his weapons and said Come O Lord and quickly make an end of me.
Seeing Krishna angry, Arjuna jumped off the chariot and caught Kirshna's hands. He said I had promised to kill Bhishma. With your grace I will fulfill that. Please return.

Krishna returned and resumed his role as the charioteer. Arjuna using divine weapons killed off many soldiers. Bhishma tried to attack but his arrows got cut off. Angry, he began killing soldiers.

The day then ended.

Day Eight

The day began. Duryodhana was sad about being tricked. Arjuna faced Bhishma who said Let me see your skill today. Taking the crown of Duryodhana, you tricked me. Now listen to me, I will make Krishna break his vow. He will pick up a weapon.
Gods wondered what would happen. Krishna had vowed not to touch a weapon and here Bhishma had made a promise. Let us see who will break his vow.
Bhishma fought furiously. He cut off all Arjuna's arrows.
Drona and Dhristadyumna were fighting. The son of Drupada was cutting off all of Drona's arrows. Drona cut off Dhristadyumna's bow. Dhristadyumna then picked up a mace and flung it at Drona who cut that off. Drona then cut the chariot of the prince. Dhristadyumna then picked up a sword and rushed at Drona. He cut off the horses of the chariot. Using five arrows, Drona cut the sword. Dhristadyumna then climbed up on the chariot of Abhimanyu.
Bhima and Duryodhana were fighting each other with their maces. Wounded, Duryodhana climbed on his chariot and began shooting arrows at Bhima. Bhima seeing  this, also climbed up on his chariot. Bhima cut off Duryodhana's bow. Duryodhana picked up another bow. Bhima cut that off too. Seeing this many warriors came to rescue Bhima and all of them met their end in the hands of Bhima.

Krishna tricks Bhishma

In the evening, in the camp, Duryodhana went to Bhishma. He said You are one whom even Parashurama could not defeat. You alone can destroy the three worlds. How then do the Pandavas go back to their camps alive?
Bhishma said He would kill the Pandavas the next day unless Krishna did something.
Duryodhana was pleased and went back happy.
Sahadeva knew about this. When Krishna was discussing the plan for the next day, Sahadeva said Bhishma took five arrows from his quiver and said he would kill the five Pandava brothers with those.
This scared Yudhistira. He said Bhishma is known for his promises and his word. How will we survive the day?
Krishna said Do not worry. Give me Arjuna. We will go to the Kaurava camp and get the five arrows. That will end the story there.
Yudhistira said How will that be possible?
Krishna said Think back. When you were in the forest, Duryodhana had come to the forest to show off his wealth and make you jealous. He had left Bhishma and Drona in Hastinapura.  There he along with Karna had been made prisoner by Chitraratha. There Arjuna had gone and rescued them. Duryodhana had then said Ask for something. Arjuna had said I will ask for it when the time comes.

Krishna and Arjuna went to the Kaurava camp. Krishna stood outside and asked Arjuna to go inside, remind Duryodhana about the promise and ask for his crown. Then with that, go to Bhishma and get the five arrows.

Duryodhana was told Arjuna had come. He welcomed Arjuna and made him sit. Arjuna reminded Duryodhana about the promise and asked for the crown, Duryodhana took that off and gave it to him.

Placing the crown on his head, Arjuna went to Bhishma's camp. Bhishma was able to make out the crown and asked why Duryodhana had come to him at that hour. Arjuna said Give me the five arrows. I will use those myself. Bhishma handed those over. The moment he did that, Krishna came inside. Bhishma knew immediately that he had been tricked. 

Day Seven

The battle resumed at dawn. Bhishma and Arjuna kept fighting. Bhima created a havoc with his mace. Ashwatthama attacked Bhima. Bhima climbed on his chariot. Bhima cut off the arrows coming towards him. Bhima then wounded Ashwatthama who fainted. Seeing this, Kalinga, a brother of Duryodhana,  came to fight Bhima. He could not withstand Bhima's attack and fainted. Other brothers came to fight,  seeing this but met their end at the hands of Bhima. Kalinga seeing his brothers dead, challenged Bhima.
Bhima flung his mace. Krishna added power to the mace, and soon elephants and soldierswere flying in the air, as the mace went through the army. Many died there. Soon Bhima killed Kalinga also.
Drona, seeing this, fired arrows at Bhima, wounding him. Bhima then lept onto his chariot and picked up his bow. Soon Bhima and Drona began fighting, showering arrows at each other.
Nakula and Jayadhrata were fighting. Sahadeva and Shakuni were fighting. Sahadeva wounded Shakuni who fainted and was picked up brought to safety by his army.
Ashwatthama and Abhimanyu were fighting.
Krishna took the chariot near Bhishma. Arjuna and Bhishma were fighting each other when the day came to an end. 

Hanumana and Arjuna

In the camp, Yudhistira was worried with Bhishma killing off people.
 Arjuna asked him to be optimistic. He said - When I was in exile, I went to the beautiful city of Dwaraka. There Satyambhama was a given a lotus by Krishna which angered Rukmini. Knowing this, Krishna asked me to get another lotus. I asked where I would get one. Krishna told me the flower was in a banana grove. I went there with my weapons and saw the place guarded by vanaras. They tried to stop me when I tried to pluck the flowers. They reported this to Hanumana. Hanumana was offended. Why had Arjuna come and disturbed him, when he was praying to Rama? He decided to come and see for himself. I said it was because of the vanaras that the ocean was crossed by Rama. If Rama was brave, he could have bridged the ocean with his arrows. This angered Hanumana. He said Rama had broken the bow of Shiva which no one else could do. If Rama had to do this, what would we have done. Saying this, he said If you are that skilled, bridge the ocean with your arrows. If the bridge can stand my weight, then I will accept you as a brave skilled person.
We went to the ocean shore. I bridged the ocean. Hanumana increased his size. So huge was he, that the sun was hidden. I called to Krishna for help. Taking the form of a tortoise, Krishna, shid below the bridge. The moment stepped on the bridge, the tortoise started bleeding from its mouth and the water of the ocean became red. Hanumana was wondering what had happened. He closed his eyes and saw Rama as the tortoise. He begged forgiveness for having stepped on his Lord.
Krishna came out and then assumed the form of Rama. He said the two of you are my greatest devotees. Saying this, Krishna left.
Hanumana said he would help whenever needed. Saying this,he too left. I returned with the flowers.
Do not worry. With Krishna on our side, we will win.

Day Six

The day started with the armies fighting. Karna was creating havoc with his mace. Sahadeva started his fight, killing many soldiers. Shakuni aimed a sword at Sahadeva, who cut that off. All arrows of Shakuni were cut off by Sahadeva. Shakuni fled.
Nakula and Jayadhrata were fighting. Dhristadyumna and Bhurisrava were fighting.
Arjuna and Drona began fighting. Seeing this, Abhimanyu joined in. He cut off Drona's bow. When Drona picked another bow, Abhimanyu cut that too. Whatever weapons Drona used were cut off by Abhimanyu.
Krishna took the chariot towards Bhishma where Arjuna attacked the grand sire. It was a severe combat with each cutting off the other's arrows. Arjuna cut off the flag staff of the chariot and killed the charioteer and the horses of Bhishma's chariot.
Bhishma then picked up a weapon called Narayana and invoked the power by reciting the mantras. When the weapon was released, the earth started shaking. Krishna told Arjuna - drop your weapons on the chariot and sit down. Arjuna said this was not his duty. His duty was to fight.
Krishna said, this was not the time for words. Arjuna dropped his weapons seeing which the other Pandava warriors and their allies did the same. Bhima still had his mace in hand. Krishna said Immediately  drop the mace. Bhima refused and said he would rather die.
The weapon saw only Bhima with a weapon and came towards him. Krishna seeing this went towards Bhima and stood in front of him. The weapon came and struck Krishna. The weapon, on touching Krishna, lots all its power.
Bhishma seeing this started praising Krishna.
The war resumed.with Bhishma wounding Arjuna.
Soon it was evening and the war ended.

Duryodhana, Karna and Bhishma talk

In their camp Duryodhana sent for Karna. He and Shakuni spoke to Karna. Duryodhana said I made Bhishma the commander thinking the Pandavas would be finished but now it does not seem to be working.
Karna said Bhishma and Drona have a soft corner for the Pandavas. Whatever you do, think carefully before that. Let us go and talk to Bhishma.
Duryodhana went to Bhishma and said You said you will make an end of the Pandavas. I do not see that happening. It would have been better if Karna had been the commander.
Bhishma became angry. He said When I tried to tell you something, you called me old. What did Karna do when the Gandharvas bound you? When you stole the cows of Matsya, where was Karna? Arjuna and Krishna together are invincible. Listen to me. In the house of Nanda, when Krishna was growing up, he used to play with boys of his age. The sages who used to pray to Indra, stopped praying to him and began praising Krishna. Angry, Indra created a great storm. Not knowing what to do, the sages and people of the city went to Krishna for help. Krishna lifted the mountain Govardhan and the people took shelter under the mountain. For seven days, Krishna stood with the mountain on his hand. Who can destroy the ones who have Krishna to help them?
I will try my best tomorrow.

Day Five

Battle began at dawn. While the kuru army used a formation like an ocean, the Pandavas used a horned formation.
Many horses, elephants and soldiers were killed.
Bhishma was on a rampage. Seeing this, Bhima attacked Bhishma. Bhima avoiding the arrows with his mace, killed the charioteer and horses of Bhishma's chariot. Bhishma climbed onto another chariot and started a fresh attack. Avoiding Bhima, Bhishma went where Arjuna was. Krishna also took the chariot near Bhishma. While Arjuna and Bhishma fought, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva killed many Kaurava soldiers. Ilavanta, son of Arjuna came to fight there.
When Arjuna was in exile, he had been captured by Uloopi, daughter of a Naga. This was their son. Ilavanta had grown up in heaven, learning under Indra. When Arjuna had gone to the heaven, he had met his son there.
The sons of Shakuni attacked Ilavanta. Ilavanta killed them. Seeing this, Duryodhana came to fight. Seeing no respite, he asked the demon Alambusha to attack.
Ilavanta fought valiantly, combating Alambusha. Alambusha fainted and Ilavanta kept killing the soldiers of the Kauravas. Seeing his army getting killed, Duryodhana attacked. Duryodhana had to flee, seeing the might of the young man. Ilavanta then cut off the weapons of all the kings who came to help Duryodhana.
Alambusha coming to his senses attacked Ilavanta again. The two fought with each other, sometimes with arrows, sometimes with swords.
Alambusha hid behind the clouds and Ilavanta caught him. Soon Alambusha caught up with Ilavanta and struck him with his sword.
Ilavanta fell dead. Seeing this, Ghatotkacha attacked Alambusha.
Hearing off the death of his son, Arjuna attacked whoever came in front of him. Bhishma cut off his arrows. Arjuna used the fire arrow to burn Bhishma's chariot. Bhishma invoked water and the fire went out. Arjuna then used the wind to evaporate the water.
The fight between Arjuna and Bhishma continued till it was the end of the day.