Greatness of Kurukshetra

Janmajeya said - Please tell me about the greatness of Kurukshetra.
The sage said - Your ancestor Kuru was a great king who ruled over his subjects like his own children. He was a strong king and there was no one in equal to him, in might. All over the earth, his name was known.
Taking a large yoke, one day, the king with two blue bullocks went on to plow the earth. He plowed early in the morning and then went on to take care of his subjects. This continued for a few days.
One day, Indra in disguise, went to the king when he was plowing. He asked the king why he was plowing. The king said he was making the land fertile. After that he would have a grand sacrifice there. He would then please Indra.
Pleased, the person said he was Indra. The king fell at his feet. He said I had not been able to recognize you with my mortal eyes.
Indra said I will give you a boon.
The king said Let the land that I have tilled be known as Kurukshetra. Let the one who touches the dust of this place be relieved from all sins.
Indra said So be it.

After that Janmajeya asked the sage - What happened to Bhima and Duryodhana?

The sage said - Sanjaya told Dhritarashra about the fight and the fall of Duryodhana. The king was mad with grief. Sanjaya said Why do you grieve now? You knew this would happen.

Dhritarashtra said Please tell me details of the fight between Bhima and Duryodhana.

Balarama comes to Kurukshetra

Janmajeya asked the sage - Tell me about the travels of Balarama.
The sage said -
After visiting all the pilgrim spots, Balrama came to the ashrama of the sage Shandilya. There Balarama saw the sage Narada.
Narada told Balarama - You went for a pilgrimage and here the Pandavas and the Kauravas have started fighting. Krishna acted as the charioteer of Arjuna. Bhishma, Drona and Karna are dead. Your nephew Abhimanyu is dead. Duryodhana is the only Kaurava left along with Kripa and Ashwatthama. He is hiding in the Dwaipayana lake. There Bhima and Duryodhana will have a fight using their maces.

Hearing Narada, Balarama left for the lake. The Pandavas and Krishna greeted Balarama. With a sad face with tears in his eyes, Duryodhana also came and greeted Balarama.
Balarama asked Krishna Why did he let the Kauravas get defeated?

Krishna said Listen. You know about the atrocities that Duryodhana brought about, on the Pandavas. Shakuni, with his enchanted dice, won over everything of the Pandavas. Draupadi was made a maid and brought in the court. Her clothes were snatched off. At that time Dhritarashtra stopped the game. Another game happened. Who ever lost would go to the forest for twelve years and then go in hiding for a year. After all this, when the Pandavas asked for their land back, it was refused. I was insulted by Duryodhana when I went to mediate. That is when the war happened. I am not at fault.

Balarama then asked Duryodhana to give their land to them, to which Duryodhana refused. He said he had lost a lot in the war and would now not give anything away. He said I know I was unfair. Abhimanyu was killed by unfair means. I also know that I will be killed by Bhima and the complete kingdom will go to Yudhistira.

Balarama said I will then leave for Dwaraka as my words are not being listened to.

Krishna asked Balarama to wait and watch the fight between Bhima and Duryodhana.

Yudhistira said This is the land of Kurukshetra. Whoever dies here attain heaven. 

Indra kills Vritta

Vishnu asked the Gods to approach the sage Dadhichi.The sage had to give up his bones. From the bones would be formed a weapon that would kill Vritta.
Indra asked Why would Dadhichi give up his body?
Vishnu said Let me tell you about Dadhichi. He is always willing to serve others. Once the twin Gods Ashwini Kumar went to Dadhichi. Dadhichi wanted to know why they had come to him? If they wanted his life, he was willing to give that up. The Gods said they wanted to be his disciples.
Dadhichi said I will do so. The day today is not an auspicious one. Please come another day.

When Indra heard this, he along with the other Gods went to Dadhichi. When the sage asked for the reason for the visit, Indra said When the Ashiwini Kumar come back to you, please do not accept them. If you do, I will kill you.

At this point, Janmajeya asked Why did Indra say this? The sage said -

Indra knew that the Ashwini Kumar had come to Dadhichi to get the knowledge that would make them take over the throne of heaven. That is the reason why Indra had stopped Dadhichi.

The next day the twin Gods came back to Dadhichi. They sat, eager to get knowledge from the sage. The sage told the two Gods what Indra had said. The Gods thought and decided to put a horse's head on Dadhichi's neck. If Indra got to know, he would cut off the horse's head, and then the two Gods would replace the horse's head with the the original head.

The sage agreed. The twin Gods carefully cut off the head of the sage and replaced that with the head of a horse.

When Indra got to know this, he went and cut off the head. Ashwini Kumar, seeing this, replaced the head with the sage's original head.

The Gods then went back to Dadhichi and said Vishnu had said.Indra told the sage about Vritta and how the heaven was in his control. On the advise of Vishnu, they had come to him to ask for his help.

The sage he would not give up his body.

The Gods were quiet.

The sage then said he was testing them. If his body and life came in the use of others, he would give that up readily.

Sitting in a yogic posture, the sage gave up his life.

The place where the sage gave up his life is the pilgrim spot of Dadhichi.

The Gods took the body of the sage to Vishwakarma. The celestial architect created a thunderbolt from the bones of the sage. The bolt had the power of all weapons. Brahma blessed the weapon and Indra.

Indra went and attacked Vritta but could not not face his might and had to flee. Indra went to Vishnu who said the power of Vishnu was missing.

Getting power from Vishnu, Indra attacked and killed Vritta and got his kingdom back.

The place where Dadhichi gave up his body was a pilgrim spot visited by Balarama.

Indra kills Trishira

The sage continuing, said to Janmajeya -
Let me tell you about the pilgrim place of Dadhichi.
Brahma had a son called Twastha. He was a learned person. He married an asura woman and through her he had a son called Trishira, who had three heads. From one head, the boy recited the Vedas and from one he constantly took the name of Rama. With the third head he consumed liquor.
He performed sacrifices and gave a major share of the sacrifice to the daityas.
The Gods hearing this went to their lord Indra and asked him to correct this. In anger, Indra cut off the head of Trishira.
Twastha, hearing this, was furious. He performed a sacrifice, and from that was born an asura called Vritta. Vritta fought and defeated Indra. He then took over the throne of Indra.
The Gods went to Brahma. Brahma asked them to go to Vishnu.
They prayed to Vishnu and asked him to help them. 

The pilgrimage of Soma

After this, Balarama went to the pilgrim place of Soma. He had a bath there and gave gifts of cows to the Brahmanas. 

Janmajeya asked the sage about this place. The sage said - 

Once Shiva was making love to Durga. The sperm of Shiva was burning and Durga unable to control that, flung that in the waters of Ganga. 

Ganga herself was not able to stand this and left the sperm in the clump of grass on the banks. From that was born a boy with six heads. Six wives of Chandra, seeing the boy, came to take care of him. They fed the boy and named his Kartikeya as the first one who had fed him him was Kritika. 

The son of Shiva grew up. Indra asked Shiva to get the maiden Devasena get married to Kartikeya. He would then become the husband of Devasena (Devasenapati) and would become the commander of the Gods and thus eventually would kill Tarakasura.

Shiva agreed to this. 

In the war with Tarakasura, Indra lost the battle and came to Kartikeya for help. All Gods gave weapons to Kartikeya and with those, Kartikeya killed Tarakasura. 

The sage said to Janmajeya - Here Balarama also heard the story of the birth of Kartikeya and then proceeded further.

The pilgrim of Vashistha

The sage said to Janmajeya - Listen while I tell you about the sites visited by Balarama.

Balarama went to the site of Vashishtha on the banks of river Saraswati. He bathed there and fed the poor.

Janmajeya asked - What is special about the place?

The sage said - I have told you earlier about Vashistha and Vishwamitra and their fight. Vishwamitra killed the sons of Vashishtha. He made the king Saudasa a rakshasha and through him he killed the eldest son of Vashistha. Vashishtha's daughter in law was pregnant at that time, and gave birth to the great sage Parasara. His sage was the great Vyasa.
Vashistha's ashrama was on the eastern banks of Saraswati and Vishwamitra was on the western bank. While Vashistha did not want to fight, Vishwamitra was looking for an excuse for the quarrel.

One day Vishwamitra called out to the river Saraswati. Scared of the sage, the river appeared before him. Vishwamitra said Vashistha is meditating. He is lost in that and has no sense left. Go and drown his ashrama.
Fearing Vishwamitra's curse, Saraswati went and flooded the ashrama of Vashistha. Vashistha was lost in meditation and had no sense. He floated away into the ashrama of Vishwamitra. Vishwamitra was pleased. He decided to get a sword and kill his enemy.
When he went to get the sword, the river started thinking. It is because of me that Vashishtha will die. I feared being cursed and thus brought Vashistha over. Let me become cursed but let me save the life of the sage.

Thinking thus, the river pushed Vashistha back into his ashrama. When he returned, Vishwamitra was furious to see what had happened. He cursed Saraswati to become bloody.
The waters of the river turned red. The ghosts and spirits were happy and blessed the sage for having provided them a source of blood.

The sages refused to bathe in the waters of the river. They went to Brahma and asked him to help. Brahma asked them to please Shiva.

On the banks of the river, the sages worshipped Shiva. Making a Shiva linga from the earth they worshiped that with flowers, milk, honey and butter.

Please Shiva appeared before them, riding on his bullock with the trident on his hand. The sages asked him to restore the waters of the rivers and Shiva did that.

This is a great pilgrim spot. Whoever bathes in this atones from the sin of the killing of brahmanas.

The rakshasas who had been feeding on the waters came crying. The sages said From today you will be offered the last part of the sacrifices. Feed on that and be satisfied.

Balarama kills Suta

Janmajeya asked Why did Balarama go on a pilgrimage?
The sage -

In the forest Naimisha, Shaunaka and the other sages were reading and reciting the Mahabharata. The sage Suta was reciting the epic and the other sages were listening. Balarama arrived there. All sages except Suta greeted Balarama and offered him a seat. He thought that the sages were always praising and listening to him and he was above all. Thus he did not greet Balarama.
Balarama was hurt and he said he would teach Suta a lesson.
Suta said he was in the process of reciting the Mahabharata and it would be a sin to leave this incomplete.
Balarama was angry. In his anger, he jumped up with his sword and cut off the head of the sage.
All were aghast. The killing of a brahamana was a grave sin. Suta was a learned sage and killing of his was not proper.
Balarama was ashamed at his deed.
Knowing this, Vyasa arrived there. All sages greeted him and received him. They told Vyasa what had happened.
Balarama said He had committed a mistake and wanted to atone for the sin.
Vyasa said Then lead the life of a celibate and go and visit all the pilgrim places. Perform sacrifices and feed brahmanas. Give gifts to the poor.
Saying this Vyasa left.
Suta's son Sauti was there. Balarama went to him and asked him to perform the last rites of his father. Balarama arranged for the ceremony and the gifts. After the ceremony he made Sauti sit in the place of his father to recite the Mahabharata.
After this, Balarama left for his pilgrimage. He had left when the Pandavas and Kauravas had been involved in the game of dice.

Janmajeya asked the sage - What pilgrim spots did Balarama visit?

Yudhistira taunts Duryodhana

Yudhistira said Why do you hide in the water, o King. Having the caused the death of your near ones, you are now hiding. Do not think you can escape in the waters.

Duryodhana could not stand this. He said You are many and I am alone. I will fight one person among you. I will fight Bhima with the mace.

Yudhistira said Then rise fast and fight Bhima.

Duryodhana rose from the waters with his mace. Seeing this, Bhima came forward with his mace.

At this same time, Balarama, who had been on a pilgrimage, arrived there. 

Pandavas find Duryodhana

The sage said to Janmajeya -

Duryodhana hid in the lake and the Pandavas kept looking for him. Not finding him, they returned to their camp. Yudhistira was not satisfied. If Duryodhana had escaped, he would come back again and fight for the kingdom.

At the lake the three warriors called out to Duryodhana to come out and fight and not run away. Ahwatthama promised that he would make a massacre of the Pandavas.

Duryodhana said Wait for a day. We will start tomorrow.

A hunter in the forest went to the lake to drink water and heard the conversation. He reported back to Yudhistira about the whereabouts of Duryodhana. Along with Krishna and an army, the Pandavas went where Duryodhana was.

Hearing the noise of the approaching army, the Kuru warriors asked Duryodhana what to do.

Duryodhana said he would hide under the water and wait for the night. In the night they would defeat the Pandavas. Hearing this the three warriors and hid themselves while Duryodhana went and hid in the water.

At the shores of the lake, Yudhistira asked Krishna how was Duryodhana hiding under the water. Krishna said Duryodhana knew mantras to control his breath.

Krishna asked the Pandavas to insult Duryodhana. He would not be able to stand that and would come out. 

Sanjaya talks to Dhritarashtra

Sanjaya said to Dhritarashtra - The great warriors like Bhishma, Drona and Karna are dead. Arjuna has killed many great ones. He has been guided by the lotus eyed Krishna. The house of Lac was built to kill the Pandavas. Many plans were hatched.
Seeing Yudhistira become an emperor and seeing his wealth, your son became jealous. All was snatched and the Pandavas were banished. Not stopping, your son went to the Kamya forest to see them but was captured by the Gandharvas. The queens pleaded with Yudhistira for help. Yudhistira asked Arjuna to help and Arjuna freed your son.
Jayadhratha was sent to kidnap Draupadi. Draupadi's cries were heard by Bhima who overcame Jayadratha.
Whereever there is Krishna, there is victory.

Hearing Sanjaya, Dhritarashtra was quiet. All were grief stricken in the palace.

Yudhistira was wondering where Duryodhana was. 

Duryodhana enters the lake

Sanjaya said to Dhritarashtra - All is gone among the Kauravas. The Pandavas have sucked out the strength of the Kauravas.
Duryodhana roamed around with his mace in his hand, wondering who else was there to support him.
Seeing Duryodhana in this state, Sanajaya went to him. Seeing Sanjaya, Satyaki rushed with a sword in hand, to kill him, when he was stopped by Vyasa who appeared there.
Duryodhana roamed with tears in his eyes. Seeing Sanjaya he asked him who all were alive. Sanjaya said Ashwatthama, Kritavarma, Kripacharya are the ones alive.
Duryodhana said Go tell my father that I have failed. I have not listened to wisdom and now its too late.
Seeing a lake there, Duryodhana sat in the waters of the lake.
Sanjaya was leaving when he met Ashwatthama, Kripacharya and Kritavarma. They asked where Duryodhana was. Sanjaya said he was in the lake. The three went towards the lake.

The Pandavas were wondering where Duryodhana was. They thought he had returned back and sent a messenger. The messenger met Vidura who said he had not seen Duryodhana.

In the lake, Duryodhana began crying. Sometimes he called out to his brothers, sometimes to Karna.

Seeing this condition of Duryodhana, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari could not control their grief.

Sahadeva kills Shakuni

With his Gandiva in his hand, Arjuna began killing the Kaurava soldiers.
Duryodhana was fighting Dhristadyumna. Dhristadyumna cut off Duryodhana's chariot and the king had to run away. He fell in the ground and ashamed he ran off where Shakuni was.
In the meanwhile, Kritavarma was fighting Bhima. Bhima managed to control Kritavarma.
Duryodhana returned back to fight. Arjuna continued killing the soldiers. He killed Susharma. Susharma's son came to fight and also met his end.
Sahadeva and Shakuni were fighting, aiming weapons at each other. Sahadeva cut off Shakuni's bow. Shakuni took another bow. Shakuni's son, Ulluka, came to assist his father. He met his end in the hands of Bhima, who killed him with a crescent arrow.
Angry at his son's death, Shakuni started aiming arrows at Sahadeva. Sahadeva cut off all the arrows and his bow. Shakuni then took a spear and used that on Sahadeva. Sahadeva cut that off. Whatever weapons Shakuni aimed at Sahadeva were cut off. Sahadeva then cut off Shakuni's chariot. He started walking away and Sahadeva began clapping saying the Kshatriya runs away.
Hearing this, Shakuni came back and resumed fighting. Whatever weapons he used, Shakuni cut those off. Tired, Shakuni fell on the ground. Sahadeva grabbed Shakuni by his hair and dragged him. Sahadeva said You are the root of all problems. You cheated us in dice. I will make you pay for that.
Shakuni said Kill me but do not insult me.
Sahadeva cut off Shakuni's head.
Duryodhana , Kritavarma, Kripacharya and Ashwatthama were the only strong warriors left in the Kaurava camp.

Sahadeva plans to kill Shakuni

Duryodhana agreed to lead the army. He soon came across Bhima. They started abusing each other and then began fighting. Defeated by Bhima, Duryodhana fled.
Bhima attacked the army with his mace.
The king Shalva came to fight. He came on a elephant. The elephant was killed by Dhristadyumna. The king jumped off the elephant and was attacked by Satyaki. Satyaki cut off Shalva's weapons. Seeing this, Kritavarma came to his rescue. Satyaki aimed arrows at Kritavarma, who had to flee. Shalva and Satyaki began fighting again and Shalva met his end in the hands of Satyaki.
Seeing this, Kritavarma came again and attacked Satyaki. Satyaki cut off the chariot of Kritavarma. Kripacharya pulled Kritavarma on his chariot.
Duryodhana came to fight with his bow and arrows.
Yudhistira and Shakuni began fighting. Shakuni cut off Yudhistira's chariot. Seeing this Yudhistira jumped on the ground. Sahadeva seeing this, picked up Yudhistira on his chariot.
The Pandavas began planning to kill Shakuni.
Shakuni came to fight with Duryodhana supporting him.
Sahadeva was excited. He remembered that he had promised to kill Shakuni. With the armies fighting each other, Sahadeva and Shakuni also began fighting, and the sky was covered with arrows.
Shakuni was fighting fiercely and the Pandava army started stepping back. Seeing this, Krishna said -Why is this happening? The army that could stand Bhishma, Drona and Karna should be able to withstand the might of Shakuni. Kill Shakuni today.

Arjuna went ahead and started slaughtering the Kaurava army. 

Shalya dies

Yudhistira said Shalya is injured.
Krishna said He is no relative of yours now but an enemy. Do not let go off this chance.

Hearing this, Yudhistira picked up a spear the likes of which Ravana had used on Lakshmana. He aimed that at Shalya. Shalya tried to combat the spear, but the spear hit him on his chest and Shalya died.

Seeing this, the younger brother of Shalya attacked Yudhistira but also killed in the process.

While the Pandavas began celebrating the loss of Shalya, the Kauravas were grief stricken.

Shalya fights

Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya - Please tell me how of the Kaurava warriors are left? What did Shalya and Duryodhana do? My son has brought an end with his thought process.
Sanajay said There are eleven thousand soldiers riding on chariots. There many horses and elephants and crores of soldiers, The pandavas have a similar number in their army and none is less than the other.
Yudhistira was fighting away. Seeing this Shalya got enraged. He went to attack.
Nakula was fighting Chitrasena, son of Karna. Chitrasena cut off Nakula's bow. He cut off Nakula's chariot. Nakula jumped down with his sword and shield. With a blow he cut off Chitrasena's head. Two brothers, Satyasena and Sushena began fighting Nakula. Satyasena aimed a weapon at Nakula, who dodged the weapon. He then hit Satyasena with a weapon, who fell. Sushena seeing this cut off Nalula's chariot. Nakula jumped on to another chariot and then killed Sushena.

Shalya and Yudhistira began fighting. Kritavarma and Kripacharya came to help Shalya. Bhima joined the fight. He killed off the horses and the charioteer of Shalya's chariot.

Shalya jumped onto another chariot and then aimed a spear at Bhima. The spear pierced Bhima, who easily and plucked it off and threw it aside. He then hurled that at Shalya, who hit by the weapon, fell on his chariot.

Shalya then jumped down with his mace and both Bhima and Shalya began fighting. Later both discarded their maces and began fighting with their bows and arrows.

Later Yudhistira and Satyaki joined Bhima. Yudhistira cut off Shalya's chariot. Yudhistira was agitated. He had made up his mind to defeat Shalya. Shalya aimed weapons at Yudhistira managing to control him. Bhima came to Yudhistira rescue and has his armor cut by Shalya.

Yudhistira then aimed weapons at Shalya. Shalya collapsed on his chariot.

Seeing this, Krishna said to Yudhistira - Kill Shalya now.

Shalya made commander

At the death of Karna, Duryodhana was shattered. He was wondering who would be the commander of the army now. He asked Shalya to be the commander to which Shalya agreed.
Krishna said to Yudhistira - See the Kaurava army coming. Go and fight. Make an end of Shalya. With Bhishma, Drona and Karna gone, what can Shalya do?

Shalya created a formation for the Kaurava army to attack. 

Karna dies

The snake said - Arjuna killed my mother when he burnt the Khandava forest. I want my revenge.
Saying this, the snake rose to the sky. His mouth was emitting fire. Karna released an arrow. The snake climbed on that.
The arrow shot forth.
Krishna saw this and realized the danger. He pressed the chariot with his knee and the chariot went partly into the ground. The arrow touched Arjuna's crown and fell with that on the ground.

The snake went back to Karna and asked for a chance again to kill Arjuna. Krishna asked Arjuna to quickly kill the snake.With six arrows, Arjuna cut off the snake. Krishna then brought the chariot up from the ground.

Karna and Arjuna began fighting again. Each tried to kill the other off but was only wounding the parties. At one points, Karna was tired. Krishna said to Arjuna to kill Karna soon.

Karna began shooting arrows. Suddenly the wheel of Karna's chariot got stuck in the earth as if the earth was trying to swallow the wheel.

Karna asked Arjuna to wait while he took the wheel out. He said The one who has put his arms down is not to be attacked. It is the act of a coward to attack such a person.You are on a chariot and do not realize what I am going through now. Also, Krishna is with you. My destiny is against me and the earth has swallowed my wheel. Let me get that out.

Hearing this Krishna said - At times like this, the evil become preachers. You were an aide of Duryodhana and Shakuni in all evil deeds, Where was your preaching when the kingdom of the Pandavas was taken away? Where was this when the plans to burn the Pandavas alive happened in the house of Lac? Seven of you surrounded Abhimanyu and killed him. Where was justice then?

Hearing all this, Arjuna became angry. Knowing that Arjuna would attack, Karna got out a arrows and aimed them at Arjuna. While Arjuna was thinking what to do, Karna got busy trying to extract the wheel.

Taking this opportunity, Arjuna took an arrow given to him by Shiva and aimed that. The arrow struck Karna. The sun then began to set and the battlefield was golden in hue. With the sun setting, the soul of Karna went along with the sun, up in the sky.

Duryodhana was shocked. The army began running around. Bhima seeing this, began killing off soldiers.

Duryodhana retired to his camp.The war was called off. The Pandavas returned to their camp. Yudhistira was given the news. Yudhistira wanted to see Karna's body. Krishna took Yudhistira where Karna's body was lying near the body of his dead son.  

Some changes in Mahabharata

I discovered that some initial posts were missing or were in a different order.
I am reviewing all the posts to ensure that they are correct and in the proper order.

Arjuna kills Vrishasena

Duryodhana said to Karna - Arjuna comes with his Gandiva. Karna left.
Bhima, with blood all over him, came and started showering arrows. Duryodhana had no option but to run away.
Karna's son Vrishasena started fighting with Nakula. Vrishasena cut off Nakula's chariot and Nakula climbed up on Bhima's chariot. Duryodhana, Kripa and Ashawatthama came to support Vrishnasena, while Dhristadyumna and the five sons of Draupadi, along with Sahadeva came to support Nakula.
Arjuna came there and Vrishnasena shot arrows at Arjuna, wounding him.
He then managed to subdue Bhima and Sahadeva.
Arjuna then took arrows and those he pierced Vrishasena's armor. With another arrow, Arjuna cut off the head of Vrishasena, which fell near Karna.
Karna had tears in his eyes.
He then came to face Arjuna.
Krishna said to Arjuna - Be careful. Karna, mad with grief, in coming towards you.
The two warriors faced each other like two blazing suns.
Karna asked Shalya - Tell me one thing. If I die in the battle with Arjuna, what will you do?
Shalya said - I will kill the Pandavas along with Krishna.
Arjuna asked Krishna the same question.
Krishna said Listen Arjuna. Even if the world goes upside down, Karna will not be able to win over you.
Arjuna said Then I will kill Karna today.

Karna and Arjuna began shooting arrows at each other. Karna used the Brahmaastra on Arjuna. Krishna took the blow and managed to divert the weapon. Bhima then asked Arjuna to kill Karna quickly.

Karna was in a frenzy. He managed to thwart all weapons coming towards him. He even managed to hit Krishna.

Arjuna managed to hit Shalya with his arrows.

A snake that was hiding in the ground came out. He went to Karna and said Arjuna killed my brothers. I want to kill Arjuna. Please tell me how I can help you.

Bhima kills Dushshasana

Krishna and Arjuna returned to the battlefield. Bhima took stock of how many weapons he still had with him. Arjuna covered the sky with his arrows. Shakuni said to Duryodhana - See, Arjuna is destroying our army.
Bhima's attack was ferocious. Karna came to attack. He started killing the Pandava army with his arrows.
Arjuna said to Krishna - See Karna there. He is killing off our soldiers and defeating our warriors.
Krishna smiled and turned the chariot towards Karna. Seeing this, Duryodhana said to Karna - See there come the greatest heroes of all time. Get your army together and kill Arjuna today.

Along with Ashwatthama and Dushsasana, Karna faced Arjuna.
Bhima with his mace tried to kill off the army but Dushshasana shot arrows wounding him. Like a made elephant, Bhima took his mace and rushed towards him. With the blows, he destroyed Dushshasana's chariot, charioteer and horses. Remembering his promise, he went where the Kaurava prince was and caught him. Taking a sword he brought it down on him, cutting his chest. With his hands, he plucked his heart out. He then drank Dushsshasana's blood.

 Duryodhana and Karna were seeing this. Karna tried to control Bhima but could not. Bhima ran around, his face smeared with blood. Thinking this was a rakshasa, anyone who came close to him, ran away.

Duryodhana was sad at the death of his brother. 

Arjuna promises to kill Karna

Yudhistira was lying down when Arjuna entered. Yudhistira got up and smiled thinking that Karna had probably been killed. He said I have been through a lot of pain today because of him. Has the disciple of Parashurama, been killed?
Arjuan said I was fighting in a different part of the field and did not get to face Karna. I fought Ashwatthama whom I managed to turn away. I was going to catch Karna when I heard from Bhima how he insulted you, so I came to you.
Yudhistira said You should not have left Bhima alone and come to see me. If you plan to kill Karna, why have you fled from the field? You have celestial bows and weapons. You have Hanumana on your chariot.You have a celestial chariot. You have Krishna for your charioteer. If Krishna was there instead of you, all the Kurus would have been dead by now. If you cannot manage, give Krishna the Gandiva. Let him handle the war.
Arjuna got angry.
Krishna controlled him. Arjuna said - I have made a promise that I will Karna. I did not say I have done it. Anyone who insults my Gandiva is my enemy. I will kill my enemy even if that is my Guru. I will suffer the pains of hell later. What is Yudhistira saying? He is scared to face the battle, and now he comes and blames me for all this. He runs away from Karna and wants me to kill him. Bhima is the field. He does not insult me. Yudhistira goes and plays a game of dice and looses all. For him all of us had to suffer and now he says this.
Krishna said - Do not praise yourself. That is the job of a coward.
Arjuna bowed down to Yudhistira and begged for forgiveness. He then said before the end of the day Karna would be dead.
To Krishna he said - With your blessing, I will win over the battle and be able to kill Karna. Yudhistira will then be able to sleep peacefully. 

Karna defeats the Pandavas other than Arjuna

In the battlefield, Shalya said to Karna - See the Pandava army. There are Arjuna and Bhima. Do you think you can defeat them?
Angry Karna started shooting arrows at the army. A son of Karna entered the field and was killed by Bhima, who then attacked Kripa and cut off his bow. He then attacked Dushsasana and wounded him. He then attacked Shakuni and Uluka wounding them.
Seeing his son dead and also remembering defeat in the hands of Arjuna, Karna decided to kill Yudhistira. Shivering with rage, he started shooting arrows killing the Pandava army.
Karna cut off the bow of Yudhistira who took another one. Yudhistira shot an arrow which hit Karna on the right side and he fainted on his chariot.
Regaining consciousness, Karna took his bow and a divine arrow and aimed that towards Yudhistira. Pandava warriors came in support of Yudhistira. Karna wounded Yudhistira, who in rage hurled a spear which hit Karna. Karna retaliated and shot arrows which pierced Yudhistira's armor. Karna then went to him and said You are a Kshatriya. My advise to you is, do not fight anymore. Go back, if you want to live.
Saying this, Karna left.
Bhima then attacked Karna. Karna cut off Bhima's bow. Bhima then hit Karna with his mace. Karna fell on his chariot.
Ashwatthama pledged to kill Dhristadyumna. He came and attacked the army, looking for Dhristadyumna. He was confronted by Bhima.
Karna, recovering began killing the Pandava army. Yudhistira decided to go and fight again and was wounded again. Nakula and Sahadeva came to help Yudhistira. Karna cut off Nakula's chariot and horses. Nakula climbed up on Sahadeva's chariot. Shalya saw his nephews fighting Karna. He said to Karna - You said you will fight Arjuna. Forgetting that you fought with Yudhistira.
Hearing this Karna decided to go in search of Arjuna.

Yudhistira was taken away to the camp by Nakula and Sahadeva.

Karna began using all the weapons, the skills of which he had learnt from Parashurama. All the while he was calling out to Arjuna, asking for a fight.

Krishna said to Arjuna - Karna is destroying the army. I see Bhima fighting. I do not see Yudhistira anywhere.

Arjuna said - Take the chariot towards Karna. Let me see if I can spot Yudhistira.

Krishna started moving the chariot in the direction of Karna when Ashwatthama came and blocked their way. Arjuna won over the son of Drona and then seeing Bhima, asked him about Yudhistira. Bhima said Yudhistira had gone back to the camp as he was hurt.

Arjuna said You go and take care of Yudhistira and I will take care of the battle. Bhima said he would stay and fight.
Hearing this, Arjuna went towards the camp to see Yudhistira.

Duryodhana and Karna talk

In the camp Karna was ashamed of having to flee from Arjuna.
Duryodhana said If I knew you would not be able to win the battle for me, I would have taken refuge with the Pandavas.
Karna said It is because of Krishna, who is Arjuna's charioteer, that I am unable to control him. If I get the king Shalya as my charioteer, I will be able to win over Arjuna.

Hearing this, Duryodhana went where the king of Madra, Shalya, was sitting.

Shalya agreed and climbed up on Karna's chariot. Karna said He would now be able to face all and also make an end of Arjuna.

Shalya said Leave your pride aside. If the entire army attacks and Arjuna is there alone, he will be able to win over all easily.

This made Karna angry.

In the Pandava camp, Yudhistira asked Arjuna to create a formation that Karna would not be able to cross.

Karna leads the army

With Bhishma and Drona not there, Duryodhana was wondering who would lead the army. Shakuni said Karna was there who would be able to lead them.
Duryodhana arranged for a ceremony to make Karna the commander.
The army got ready and marched into the battlefield.
Seeing Karna in the field, Yudhistira said to Arjuna - There goes Karna, whose name brings fear in the hearts of many. Defeat him and bring glory to your name.

Arjuna formed a crescent formation for the Pandava army.

The two sides began fighting. Bhima took his bow and arrows and climbed up on an elephant. A king, called Kshemmurti, in the kaurava side was angry seeing Bhima. He began shooting arrows at Bhima. He cut off Bhima's bow. While Bhima got another bow, the king killed Bhima's elephant. Bhima jumped down with his mace. He picked up the dead elephant and hurled that at the king who avoided being hit. Bhima then hit him with his mace, killing him.

Karna then started attacking the Pandava army with his arrows.
Bhima began fighting Ashwattthama. Yudhistira fought with Duryodhana and Arjuna with the Narayani army. The princes of Avanti, Bind and Anubind were fighting Satyaki. They cut off Satyaki's bow. Satyaki took another bow and with a sharp arrow, killed Anubind. Seeing his brother fall, Bind started shooting arrows at Satyaki, wounding him till he started bleeding. They two cut off each others charioteers and horses. They kept fighting each other till they were exhausted.

Bhima and Ashwatthama were fighting each other. Both were skilled and could not win over each other.

Arjuna was raining arrows like it was monsoon. The Narayani army was falling. Ashwatthama saw this and attacked. Arjuna aimed arrows at Drona's son to stop him.

A king of Magadha, called Dandadhara, attacked riding on elephants. Arjuna attacked the elephants. Arjuna then killed the king.

Ashwatthama was killing soldiers. Seeing this, Arjuna renewed his attack. Karna came to assist Ashwatthama and all had to flee, as they could not stand Arjuna's attack.

With the sun setting, the war ended.

Ashwatthama vows to kill Dhristadyumna

The sage said to Janmajeya -
All were in shock on hearing off Drona's death. Karna said to Duryodhana - The Guru had become old and was weak. Leave the Pandavas to me. I will get them for you.
Ashwatthama then came there with Kritavarma and Kripacharya. He pledged to kill Dhristadyumna. 

Drona killed

Seeing Bhagdatta fall, Duryodhana came to attack, riding an elephant called Ashwatthama. He went to face Bhima.
Bhima was on a killing spree, killing who ever crossed his path. Duryodhana then faced Bhima. With a blow of his mace, Bhima killed the elephant by crushing its skull.
Duryodhana jumped down and began fighting with his mace.
Bhima started hitting Duryodhana with his mace. Not able to face Bhima, Duryodhana fled from there. Seeing Duryodhana run, Bhima resumed killing off the army.
Drona saw this and began shooting arrows at Bhima, wounding him. Bhima fled from there. Arjuna then came to face Drona. With ten arrows, Drona managed to subdue Arjuna and took off elsewhere.
Whoever faced Drona was being killed. Yudhistira was worried.
Krishna then said to Drona, Ashwatthama has fallen today, killed by Bhima.
Drona could not believe his ears. Aswatthama was supposed to be immortal. How could he fall?
He said to Krishna -I do not understand your illusions. My son was supposed to be immortal.
Krishna said Ashwatthama has fallen, killed by Bhima. If you do not believe me, ask Yudhistira.
Drona said I will believe this only if Yudhistira says this to me.
Krishna then called Yudhistira and asked him to tell Drona that Ashwatthama had fallen. Yudhistira said he would not tell a lie.
Krishna said This is not a lie. The elephant Ashwatthama has fallen.
Yudhistira said This is still a lie. Drona's son is not dead.If I lie I will go to hell.
 Bhima got angry and said Being the eldest of the Pandavas who managed to throw away everything and now to save all do not want to lie. Where was justice when Abhimanyu was surrounded by many warriors and killed. If Drona asks me I will say Ashwatthama is dead.
Saying this Bhima began shouting Ahwatthama is dead.
Drona said I will trust only Yudhistira.
Yudhistira said quietly Ashwatthama the elephant is dead.
Drona said I did not hear you. Speak loudly.
Yudhistira said Ashwatthama is dead. Quietly he said Elephant. Many times Drona asked him, every time Yudhistira said the same.
Drona dropped his weapons and began crying.
Krishna then asked Arjuna to attack. Arjuna, with his weapons, cut off Drona's weapons.
Dhristadyumna seeing this, climbed Drona's chariot with a sword and cut off his head.

Duryodhana was aghast hearing about the death of Drona.

Bhagdatta killed

Seeing Bhagdatta, Arjuna said to Krishna - He is killing off the Pandava army. I promise that I will kill him today. Please take me close to him.

Hearing this, Krishna smiled and turned the chariot. Arrows started pouring like rain. Bhagdatta shouted that he would kill Arjuna, Arjuna said Leave your pride aside and fight.

Arjuna and Bhagdatta began fighting. Bhagdatta tried to trample the chariot with his elephant but Krishna quickly managed to maneuver the chariot quickly. Bhagdatta shot arrows which were cut by Arjuna. Arjuna then hit an arrow at the belly of the elephant. The elephant collapsed. Bhagdatta then got a chariot driven by elephants and began fighting, riding that.

Bhagdatta shot arrows which Arjuna cut off. Bhagdatta then used weapons which Arjuna was not able to combat and fell on the chariot. This angered Krishna who said You are not concentrating. You said you will kill Bhagdatta. How do you plan to do this? Use divine weapons and kill him fast.

Arjuna used a divine weapon which Bhagdatta managed to avoid. He then got a weapon called Vaishnava and said he would use that. Bhagdatta released the arrow. Seeing this, Krishna pushed Arjuna aside and faced the weapon. The weapon merged with Krishna.

Arjuna asked Krishna why he did this.
Krishna said There was no way Arjuna could have faced the weapon. Arjuna said What is this weapon? How did Bhagdatta get this?
Krishna said Narakasura got this weapon from me. From Naraka, this weapon went to his son Bhagdatta. This weapon will always kill its target and there is no way it will be futile. You will not be able to combat it, which is why I faced it. Now that Bhagdatta has used that weapon, quickly cut off the head of Bhagdatta.

'Arjuna then shot five arrows and cut off Bhagdatta's bow. Bhagdatta picked another bow and that was cut. This continued with Arjuna cutting off all bows of Bhagdatta.
Bhagdatta then began hurling spears at Arjuna who cut them. With a weapon, Arjuna then killed Bhagdatta. The dead body of Bhagdatta fell on the chariot. 

Death of Drupada

In the morning, the battle began. Arjuna with Krishna left to fight.
Bhima was fighting Duryodhana. Satyaki was fighting Karna, Drona with Dhristadyumna, Virata with Somdatta, Sahadeva with Shakuni, Nakula with Dushsasana and Drupada with Bhagdatta. While Shikahndi was fighting with Ashwatthama and Yudhistira was fighting Shalya.

Dushsasana was wounded by Nakula and fainted in the battlefield and had to be carried away. He came back again but had to face a defeat.

Bhagdatta was fighting Drupada. This son of Naraka was sitting on an elephant. Drupada used weapons which were cut off by Bhagdatta. Seeing this, Drupada shot five sharp arrows at Bhagdatta, which penetrated his armor. Bhagdatta began bleeding. Bhagdatta then, with an arrow, cut off Drupada's bow. He then killed the charioteers and the horses. Then choosing an arrow he shot that at Drupada, killing him.

Yudhistira was shocked at the death of Drupada.

The Pandavas were in grief, while the Kauravas were rejoicing.

Shikhandi was fighting Ashwatthama. Shikhandi cut off the arrows of Ashwatthama. Ashwatthama then shot an arrow which wounded Shikhandi. Shikhandi fainted. Shikhandi's chariuoteer fled with him.

Sahadeva, son of Jarasandha, was fighting Kripa. He wounded Kripa, who had to flee, wounded.

Kritavarma and Chekitan were fighting each other. Chekitan had to flee from the attack.

The king of Kashi was fighting with Yuyutsu. Yuyutsu cut off the bow of the king of Kashi.  With his bow cut off, the king jumped off from his chariot with his sword and shield. With his sword, he cut off the horses of Yuyutsu's chariot and then cut of the head of the charioteer. Seeing this, Yuyutsu fled. Seeing Yuyutsu flee, Yudhistira stepped in. Shalya saw Yudhistira and came to face him. Yudhistira cut off the bow of Shalya. Shalya jumped with his mace, and with a blow, broke Yudhistira's chariot. Yudhistira jumped down and fled.

Bhima then started killing soldiers with his mace. Seeing this, Bhagdatta attacked Bhima, riding his elephant. He tried to trample Bhima with the elephant. Bhima caught the elephant by its feet and tried to lift it, but was unable to. He then hit the elephant hard on its stomach. Hurt, the elephant ran away from there.

Bhagdatta, then returned and started killing the Pandava soldiers. 

Karna gives away his armor

Bhima was devastated to see his son die. Taking his mace, he began killing soldiers, horses and elephants. The soldiers were tired, having fought all night but fearing Duryodhana they could not refuse, so agreed to face Bhima and die.
Arjuna asked for the war to be called for. All were tired and needed rest.
He then sat with Bhima trying to console him. Arjuna said I understand your pain. I too lost Abhimanyu. Krishna, Please tell us what we should do now.
Krishna said Know that death of Ghatotkacha means life for you, Arjuna.
Karna was born with armor and earrings. With these, no weapon could pierce him.
Also, Karna was a great believer in charity and never refused anyone who came to him.
Knowing this, Indra went to Karna in the guise of a brahman.
Karna saw the brahman and bowed down to him and asked who he was and where he was coming from.
The brahman said he had come from far for alms.
Karna said What do you want.
The brahman said First vow that you will give me what I ask for.
Karna wondered who this was in the guise of a brahman. Leaving the thought aside, Karna promised that whatever was asked for, would be given.
The brahman said Then give me your armor and earrings.
Karna remembering Surya telling him about this. He then said I know you are Indra. You have come for Arjuna. If you had asked for my life, I would have given you that. Why do you fear for Arjuna when Krishna is with him?
Saying this, Karna took a sword and then cut off the armor and the earrings from his body.
Indra said Ask for something.
Karna said I know of a weapon that you have that will never miss its mark. Give me that. Indra gave that to Karna, and left with the armor.

Arjuna, Karna had been saving this to use on you. He had to use it on Ghatotkacha thus saving your life.