The Sub Parvas of Adi Parva

 The Adi-Parva of Mahabharata has 19 sub parvas.

Here is a summary of those 19.

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-19-sub-parvas-of-adi-parva-summary.html

Passing of Nakula and Arjuna

The Pandavas proceeded on. Seeing a river, they bathed and offered water to the departed souls. On the west they saw a mountain called Chandrakali and they proceeded towards that. It was very cold and the Pandavas moved very slowly through the ice. They saw many idols of Gods and many sages praying there. They stood their for a while and offered their prayers. They saw Narasimha there, the one who had killed Hiranyakashipu. They bowed down to him, offered their prayers and procceded further.
At one time Nakula felt very tired and started sweating. He sat down on the ground. He then fainted and his body hiiting the rocks, he started bleeding. Then taking the name of Krishna, he took his last breath.
Yudhistira saw this. He started grieving - Nakula was a strong one. If he did not survive, the survival of the others was in doubt. How will I go leaving you behind?
Bhima asked Yudhistira the reason for this.
Yudhistira said - When Karna tried to attack me, Nakula was there. He could have fought and saved me. He did not do that, and for that he died today.
They left the body of Nakula behind and climbed up a mountain called NandiGhosha. It was a beautiful place. The three brothers rested for a while there and worshiped Krishna. They proceeded further and came to a place which was barren and full of ice. Suffering from cold, Arjuna fell. He took the name of Krishna and passed away.

Yudhistira broke down. The strength of the Pandavas is gone. Your wish of going to the heaven lies unfulfilled. You are the form of Vishnu and you won the worlds for me. You pleased the Gods and got weapons from them. You fought with and pleased Shiva and got his weapon from him. You got the great Gandiva from Agni. I cannot think that I will not see you again. 

Arjuna gives the news to Yudhistira

Janmajeya said - Hearing this epic from you makes me feel blessed. Please tell me more of the creation of the great Vyasa.
The sage continued -

In Hastinapura, Yudhistira was seated on his gem studded throne. Bhima was holding the umbrella over him. The sons of Madri were fanning him. Suddenly Yudhistira saw ill omens. Jackals were howling in the day time. Vultures were crying and flying in the sky. Thunder could be heard but no clouds could be seen. People were restless and were fighting with each other.
Yudhistira felt restless. He was not sure what had happened. Arjuna was away in Dwaraka and there was no news of him. He decided to send a messenger to get news of Arjuna. He was thinking what to do, when he got the news of Arjuna's arrival.
Arjuna was taking the name of Krishna and had tears in his eyes. He was moving very slowly. Yudhistira wondered what had happened.
Yudhistira asked Why do you look so frail and weak? Daruka came to fetch you and after that I have no news of you or Krishna. Do tell me all is fine. I am seeing ill omens and I am not sure what to make out of those. Is it something that I did, because of which Krishna is angry with me? Was there a quarrel with Balarama? Without Krishna, the Pandavas have no identity.

Arjuna fell on the ground taking the name of Krishna.

Yudhistira said What have you done? Has Krishna forsaken us? Tell me how is Krishna? Why did Daruka come?

Arjuna said I do not know how to say this, but now the world is without Krishna. The friend of Pandavas is no more. Because of the curse, the people of Dwaraka fought with each other and killed themselves. All are dead. Balarama gave up his body. Krishna was resting under a tree and was killed by a hunter. All is lost now with the passing of Krishna. 

Arjuna defeated and the women turn to stone

Daruka said to Arjuna - The wives of Krishna are now your responsibility. Only you can protect them now. Please take them away. The ocean will soon engulf the city and all will be destroyed. Escape from here. I will retire into the forest.

Arjuna took Krishna's wives and started for Hastinapura. The ocean came into the city. Only a part of Krishna's palace was visible. Krishna had stayed on the earth for one hundred and five years.

Some Daityas saw Arjuna leaving with the women. They decided to capture the women. They all got together and attacked. Seeing this Arjuna picked up his Gandiva, the bow that he had got when he had burned the Khandava forest. He was barely able to life the bow. When he did manage to lift it, he was unable to string it. He was surprised. Arjuna tried to throw arrows at the daityas. The weapons struck them like blades of grass. Arjuna tried to think of the celestial weapons but he was unable to remember them. He remembered the weapon of Brahma but forgot how to invoke the weapon.

The daityas snatched the women and took off with them.

Arjuna spotted Vyasa and went to him. He said he was unable to protect anyone. He was unable to wield the Gandiva and the quiver that would never exhaust itself was empty.

Vyasa said All is the wish of Krishna. Do not go against that. Do not worry for the women of Krishna. The moment they are touched by the daityas/ robbers, the women will turn into stone and will be united with Krishna.

Arjuna wanted to know about that. Vyasa said In the court of Indra, lived the singing minstrels, the Vidyadharis. They were born on the earth as the wives of Krishna. Once they had gone for a bath in the Yamuna, when they spotted the sage Ashtvakra. Seeing the sage, they laughed at the sage who was very ugly and whose body was bent in eight places. Angry the sage cursed them to be abducted by the daityas. The women fell at the feet of the sage and begged for forgiveness. The sage said the moment they were touched by the daityas, the women would turn to rock and be united with their Lord.

Arjuna sees the body of Krishna

In Hastinapura, Druka met Yudhistira. He said Krishna sent his best wishes and was missing his best friend Arjuna and wanted to meet him. Daruka had come to fetch Arjuna.
The Pandavas asked Daruka to relax and be comfortable. Having seen all the dead Yadavas, Daruka was anxious to hurry back fast.
Yudhistira wondered why the charioteer of the Supreme Being was so anxious to hurry back. He asked Daruka - Why do you look so restless? How are the Yadava elders and great heroes doing? How is Krishna?
With folded hands Daruka said - I will tell you all in time. Please send Arjuna with me now. Krishna wants to see him.
Yudhistira gave permission.

Arjuna was surprised to Dwaraka. This was not the city he knew. It was quiet. No men were seen. Only women were around. All faces looked sad. Flocks of vultures and crows were flying around.

Arjuna spotted Vasudeva along with Devaki and Rohini. He went to them and bowing to them, asked what was the reason for this?
No one said a work. All they did was take the name of Krishna. Tears were flowing from their eyes.

Daruka said - If you want to see the Lord, please hurry. All the Yadava men are in one place.

Arjuna and Daruka arrived at Prabhasa. There Arjuna saw the dead Yadavas. He then spotted the body of Balarama and seeing that he began crying.
Then moving around, he went to the tree and there he saw the body of Krishna.

Arjuna went and lifted the body of Krishna in his hands. He began crying out. O Krishna. Where have you gone. You are the soul of all. How will I live without you. Whenever I came here, I was relieved and felt calm when I saw you. Where have you gone. You have Krishna and Arjuna are the same. How could you then leave me and go? Please look at me once and address me as your friend. You are lying on the bare ground and the sun's harsh rays are coming on your face. How will I go back to Hastinapura? What will I tell my brothers and Draupadi? I am unfortunate that I am alive when you are gone.

Daruka said to Arjuna - Please control yourself. Please perform the last rites for all the departed ones.

Piles of sandal wood was organized. Vasudeva, Rohini, Devaki and Revati, wife of Balarama, entered the pyre.

Arjuna performed the last rites of all.

Arjuna revived and battle with Tamradhwaja

Seeing Krishna, Babruvahan told him all that had happened. Krishna said if that be so, then let the ones who stole the heads, loose their own heads. Also, let the stolen heads return.
As soon as Krishna said this, the heads of the sons of Dhritarashtra fell off their necks. Ananta then brought the heads of Arjuna and Vrishaketu to Krishna. The heads were placed on the respective shoulders and the gem was put on their bodies.
Arjuna and Vrihaketu got up, at the touch of the gem. With the two revived, Krishna thanked and returned the gem to Ananta.
Krishna then said to Babruvahan that he had done nothing wrong. He had performed the duty of Kshatriya. He then told Arjuna to accept his son.
Arjuna hugged Babruvahan and praised his skill.
With the horse returned, Krishna asked Babruvahan to go along with Arjuna and guard the horse.

From the land of Manipur, the horse went to the kingdom of Ratnavati. The land was ruled a great and pious king called Mayurdhwaja. The king was also a great warrior. He had a valiant son called Tamradhwaja. The king was also performing a horse sacrifice and Tamradhwaja was guarding the horse.

Arjuna's horse happened to stray into the kingdom. Tamradhwaja saw the new horse and caught it. He asked his warriors to capture the horse and then he would face the son of Pandu.

Arjuna hearing this got ready for a fight. Vrishaketu entered the battlefield. He said This horse belongs to Yudhistira and has the blessing of Krishna. Who dared to capture this?

Tamradhwaja said Krishna blesses all who seek his protection. My father is performing the horse sacrifice and I have come to protect his horse. I see your horse which has been sent to me as a divine blessing. I will not let you take the horse away.

The battle of words became a battle of weapons. Tamradhwaja shot fifty arrows which Vrishaketu could not avoid. His chariot was broken and the charioteer was killed. Vrishaketu fought on the ground but soon fainted. Seeing this Yuvanashwa and Subeg came but they too could not stand for long.
Hamsadhwaja and Babruvahan came next but they too could not conquer Tamradhwaja. Sons of Krishna, Satyaki and Bhima came next.
Tamradhwaja cut off their weapons. All were defeated.
Seeing this, Arjuna came. Arjuna shot arrows which Tamradhwaja avoided and in turn wounded Arjuna.
Arjuna then prayed to Krishna. He said I am easily defeated great heroes but why am I not able to defeat this warrior. I need your help Krishna.
Krishna came to Arjuna and said this is because of the power of the prayer of Mayurdhwaja. Let us go and meet him. We will go as brahmanas. I will be the teacher and you will be my disciple. Leave the battle and come with me. The horse will be yours.

Tamradhwaja, having won the battle, went to inform his father.

Arjuna and Vrishaketu die

Janmajeya asked the sage - How was the war between Arjuna and Babruvahan?
Vaisahmpayana said -
Reluctantly Chitrangada gave permission to Babruvahan to fight. This was destiny playing a game. Ganga had cursed Arjuna and it was time for the curse to bear fruit. Arjuna was destined to die in the hands of Babruvahan.
Armies got ready.
Vrishaketu came and his arrows were all cut off by Babruvahan. Babruvahan then started shooting arrows and soon the sky was covered with arrows, and it became dark. Vrishaketu's chariot was cut off. Vrishaketu attacked and struck by an arrow of Babruvahan, he fainted. Sambha seeing this attacked. He too had to leave, wounded. Satyaki and Bhima came to fight and such was the skill of Babruvahan, that Bhima had to flee. All who came to fight fled and  went to Arjuna.
Arjuna picked up his Gandiva and started for battle. Vrishaketu, having recovered, decided to accompany Arjuna.
Vrishaketu managed to cut off Babruvahan's bow. Babruvahan took another bow and Vrishaketu had to flee. Babruvahan then attacked Arjuna. Soon he managed to control Arjuna. He said - Listen Son of Indra. People call you son of Pandu. You did not think of your own birth and you insulted me. Krishna has been saving you so far. Call him here. Let me defeat the two of you and then I will go back.
Arjuna was attacked by Babruvahan. Arjuna began hearing howls of jackals. This was a bad omen. A crow came and sat on the flag staff of Arjuna's chariot. He was not sure what would be the outcome. He asked Vrishaketu to go back to Hastinapura so that someone would be there to continue the lineage of the Kurus.
Vrishaketu said he would defeat Babruvahan and then all of them would return back together.
Hearing this, Babruvahan said Son of Karna, you are coming time and again and every time you are having to flee. You think you will be able to withstand my might?
Picking up a crescent arrow, Babruvahan aimed that at Vrishaketu. Vrishaketu fell dead.

Arjuna fell on the ground, grieving for Vrishaketu.
Seeing this, Babruvahan started laughing. He said What kind of a warrior are you, who leaves a fight to cry? If you are brave, get up and face me. Call out to Krishna, whom you call to, when you are in trouble.

Arjuna silently started praying to Krishna. Krishna did not answer the prayer. Arjuna was now scared.

Babruvahan started shooting arrows at Arjuna, who was unable to avoid those. Suddenly Ganga came and whispered into Babruvahan's ears about killing Arjuna. She left a weapon with him.

Babruvahan picked up the weapon and aimed it at Arjuna. The arrow flew and struck Arjuna in his neck. His head got cut off. Arjuna fell dead.

Babruvahan, happy, went to his mother. He told her he had won the war. Chitrangada fainted. Uloopi came rushing. She sprinkled water on Chitraganda's face to revive her. Uloopi said to the revived Chitrangada - Arjuna can not die. I have a pomegranate tree in my house. I just saw it blooming. If Arjuna is dead, the tree would have been dead too.

Chitrangada wanted to see the tree with her eyes. Uloopi took her and they saw a dead pomegranate tree.  Both were shocked. They began crying.

Babruvahan realizing what he had done, was not sure how to react.

Uloopi said I suddenly remembered something. When my father, Ananta, gave me away to Arjuna, he gave me a gem called Amrita and the naga Pundarik to serve me. Let me send for Pundarik. He will go and look for the gem. The gem should be able to bring Arjuna back to life.

Chitrangada said Please hurry up. Uloopi said - Do not worry. Our husband will be with us soon.

The horse enters Manipur

Roaming further, the horse reached the kingdom of Manipur. Babruvahan, son of Arjuna and Chitrangada was the ruler there. Arjuna had married Chitrangada when he was out in exile. He had also married Uloopi, the daughter of the Nagas. Uloopi's son Ilavanta had fought valiantly in the great war and had died a hero's death. Uloopi was now staying with Chitrangada.
Babruvahan caught the horse. When he realized that the horse belonged to Arjuna, he was not sure what to do. He went to Chitrangada and asked for advice. Chitrangada asked him to take the horse to Arjuna and return it.
Babruvahan did not like this. He said This is not a duty of a Kshatriya. A Kshatriya is born to fight. I will keep the horse and challenge father to a fight and then I will give the horse back to him. I will also not tell him who I am till I fight him.
Chitrangada said Who has ever heard of a fight between a father and a son? I am asking you to take the horse back to him.
Reluctantly Babruvahan agreed. He went to greet Arjuna carrying gifts and the horse. Arjuna was seated along with the sons of Ghatotkacha and Karna, Bhima, Pradyumna, Anusalva, Hamsadhwaja, Yuvanashwa and Subeg.
Babruvahan bowed down and introduced himself. He said he had unintentionally caught the horse and wanted to return it back.
Arjuna refused to acknowledge him. He said Abhimanyu was my son. He fought and died. I will not accept this coward as my son, who fearing his life has come to return the horse.
Babruvahan got and said - Please forgive but listen to my words. I am not an illegitimate son of yours. If you refuse to acknowledge me, then what about Karna who was born before Kunti's marriage? Also, how are you are a son of Pandu when you five brothers have five different fathers? Do not think I have come to you, fearing you. I came only because my mother told me to. I will show you who I am.
Saying this Babruvahan asked his men to tie the horse and take it inside.

A war was declared between Arjuna and Babruvahan.

Chitrangada heard of this and sent for her son. She asked why he was doing this. Babruvahan said he had been insulted by Arjuna and would take revenge. 

In the land of Pramila

The horse moving around, landed in a kingdom that was ruled by women. The land was ruled by a queen called Pramila. The women warriors seeing the horse, captured it.
Arjuna was in a fix. This was a land where he was not seeing a single man. Everywhere he looked, he saw only women. If it came to a war, how would he fight women?
Pradyumna asked Arjuna to go and talk to the queen. Arjuna agreed and they decided to meet Pramila.
Seeing the warriors, women came rushing with their bows. Arjuna said he wanted to meet the queen.
Pramila was informed about the arrival of Arjuna. Decking herself, she came to see Arjuna. She carried a golden plate with flowers and holy water in it. She greeted Arjuna with the flowers and the water and welcomed him.
Both sat down to talk. Arjuna asked why there were no men in the kingdom.
Pramila said - Once there was a great king called Dilip. I am his daughter. One day my father went hunting. I went along with him. A small army had also accompanied us. Parvati was roaming in the same forest with Shiva. My father happened to see Parvati with Shiva. Parvati was shocked and cursed all to become women. Since that day no man comes here. I have your horse with me. Marry me and take me away from here, along with the horse.
Arjuna said Yudhistira is currently in the sacrifice and it my duty to protect him. I promise to marry you once the sacrifice is over. Till then, please go to Hastinapura and wait for me there.

Pramila agreed. The horse was freed and Pramila left for Hastinapura.

From there, Arjuna followed the horse. The horse landed in the land of Vriksha. This was ruled by a rakshasa called Bhishan. He had many followers living there. He had pleased Shiva and Durga with his worship. In the morning, the plants bloomed with flowers. In the evening the flowers changed into humans which became meals for the rakshasas. Because of this, the land was called Vriksha,

The horse came here. Seeing the army following the horse, Bhishan was informed about the entry of humans in his land.  Bhishan gave orders for a sacrifice to be conducted where he would kill and sacrifice all the humans who had come, and then feast on their meat.
He then asked a female attendant, Lambodari, to take the shape of humans, mix with the army and find out who they were.
Lambodari went inside the army and then came back. She told Bhishan that Arjuna had come. Along with him was the son of Ghatotkacha, son of Karna and Hanumana was there, sitting on Arjuna's chariot.
Bhishan, who happened to be the son of Bakasura, was happy. He would be able to avenge his father's death by killing Arjuna.

A fight broke out among the armies. In the fight that followed, Arjuna killed Bhishan, and then freeing the horse, resumed his journey.

Sudhanwa begins his fight

The king asked the people who had put his son in the oil, if they had anointed any special lotion on him, to save him from burning. The people denied and said it was Narayana who had saved him. Sudhanwa had been praying to Narayana before he entered the cauldron and Narayana had thus saved His devotee.
Sudhanwa climbed out of the cauldron. The priest said Sudhanwa a great devotee and he could win the war with Arjuna.

The war started. Sudhanwa was a fierce warrior and no one was able to face him. Vrishaketu came to fight. All his arrows were cut off and Vrishaketu fainted. Sudhanwa then started fighting with Pradyumna. Regaining consciousness, Vrishaketu started fighting again. Sudhanwa cut off the flag staff of Vrishaketu and his charioteer. He then started showering arrows which Vrishaketu could not stand and then had to flee. Pradyumna came to fight and was badly wounded. Kritavarma came to fight and had to flee. Seeing this Anusalva came and started throwing rocks at Sudhanwa. Sudhanwa cut those off. Anusalva, not able to bear the weapons, fainted. Yuvanashwa and his son came next and had to flee. Satyaki came and he too had to flee. Seeing this, Arjuna came to fight.

Sudhanwa seeing Arjuna said - Where is Krishna, who was your charioteer? Why is he not with you? All your battles and wars have been won with Krishna's help. Without Him you will not be able to win the battle with me. If you want to fight me, then make Krishna your charioteer.

In anger, Arjuna started shooting arrows at Sudhanwa. The sky became dark with arrows from both warriors. Sudhanwa then cut the head of Arjuna's charioteer, thinking that Krishna would come to help Arjuna. Arjuna then tried to control the reins of the chariot and fight but he was not able to continue this for long. He then thought of Krishna.

Sudhanwa suddenly saw Krishna come and take control of the chariot. He bowed down to Krishna. He said Glory to Arjuna on whose one word Krishna comes, and to see whom yogis have to pray for ages.

Both restarted their fight. Arjuna cut off Sudhanwa's arrows. Sudhanwa shot a divine arrow at Arjuna. It wounded Arjuna. Arjuna fell on Krishna who caressed Arjuna's body with his lotus hands. Arjuna then shot an arrow, and Sudhanwa's chariot went miles away. Sudhanwa returned and began fighting. 

Rock grabs the Horse

Janmajeya asked the sage - Why did Lakshmi curse the Earth? The sage said -
The earth was jealous of the fact that Lakshmi was very much in love with Vishnu. She said she knew that Lakshmi was devoted to Vishnu and she would try and separate the two.
Hearing this Lakshmi cursed the earth to be born as Swaha, the daughter of Jana.
Earth then said Narayana will be born on earth and you will then be separated from him, while I will enjoy his company.

Hearing this, Janmajeya said, Where did the horse go after that?
The sage said -

The horse moved south and came into a forest. There was a huge rock of the way. The horse stood and rubbed its body on the rock. The moment he did so, the rock grabbed the horse. The horse was unable to free itself.

All were wondering how to free the horse. Pradyumna said to Arjuna - In this forest, I see a sage. Let us approach him and see if he can help us.

The sage was teaching Vedas to his disciples when the warriors approached him. Pradyumna and Arjuna apporached the sage and bowed down to him. They explained their situation to him.

The sage said to Arjuna - You are a great devotee of Krishna, and in this time why do you not take His name? The rock is a brahmin woman, Chandi,  who has been cursed. Take Krishna's name and touch the rock. The horse will be released.

The moment Arjuna touched the rock with his two hands, the rock changed into a woman. The woman, released from her curse, went off to her house and the horse was free.

Ganga curses Arjuna

Jana felt insulted. She decided to end her life. She went to the river Ganga. With folded hands she said - O River, Arjuna has killed my son and I am now going to kill myself. I want you to take my revenge.
Saying this, Jana entered the waters of Ganga and ended her life.
Seeing this, Ganga cursed Arjuna - A devoted woman has killed herself because of you. You killed my son Bhishma using cunning means. I curse you. You will die in the hands of your son.

When Krishna heard this, he smiled. Vyasa understood the meaning. Yudhistira asked Krishna - Why do you suddenly smile?
Krishna said - Arjuna has been cursed by Ganga to die in the hands of his son Babruvahana. Arjuna fought and killed Prabir. His mother ended her life in the waters of Ganga. Do not worry. When time comes, I will rescue Arjuna.

Arjuna in the kingdom of Maheshwari

The horse went southwards. It landed in the kingdom of Maheswari which was ruled by a king called Niladhwaja. The king had a son called Prabir who was a fearless person. He was bathing in the river with his women when the horse happened to stop there. One of the women asked Prabir to get her the horse. He got up and grabbed the horse. He read the inscription on the horse. He then asked the women to go inside with the horse.
Arjuna came there and asked why he had stopped the king's horse. The prince refused to hand over the horse. He started a blazing fire. Arjuna prayed to the fire. He said - I satisfied you by giving you the Khandava forest. Satisfied you gave me the Gandiva. Why do you trouble me now?
Hearing this, Agni reduced his intensity. Arjuna then invoked water and the fire went out. With a crescent arrow, Arjuna then cut off the head of Prabir.
Niladhwaja then came for battle. Agni was related to the king and told him to not pick up a fight with the Pandava. That would result in disaster for all. It was best to return the horse.The king agreed and went inside to fetch the horse. The queen, Jana,  was in grief at the death of her son and asked the king to get her the head of Arjuna.
While Jana kept wailing, the king took the horse and returned it to Arjuna.
Seeing this, Jana left her palace and went to her brothers.
Her brothers tried to console her and asked her not to ask for the death of Arjuna. That was something impossible. They asked her to return back to her home.

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.  

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.