Untold tales - Karna masters weapons.

There are some tales that are in Vyasa's epic but not referenced by Kasidasa. I will put some here.

A child was born to Kunti when she was not married. This child, who was destined to be a great warrior, was born with great energy. At a young age, he became a friend of Duryodhana. Seeing that Arjuna had mastered the weapons, the child, who was Karna, went to Drona and saod he wanted to learn the secret of the weapons, especially the weapon of Brahma.
Drona was partial towards Arjuna. He said he would only teach one who was a brahmana.
Hearing this, Karna left and went where Parashurama lived. He knew Parashurama hated Kshatriyas. He went to the sage and said he was a brahmin and wanted to learn the weapons. Parashurama, glad that a brahmin was interested in the art of the weapons, and agreed to teach him.

Karna began living with the sage and began his learning. He would go around and practice the weaponry in the wild. One day, when he was practicing, Karna accidentally killed a cow that belonged to a brahman.  Knowing that he had committed a sin, Karna went and told the brahman about this. In anger, the brahman cursed him, saying that when he was near the person he wanted to fight dearly, the erath would swallow the wheel of his chariot and would also would be the time of his death.

Dejected, Karna returned back to Parasurama.

Karna lived with the sage, serving him. From Parashurama, Karna learnt about the weapon of Brahma and many other celestial weapons.

One day, Parashurama was feeling faint, having fasted the whole day. He wanted to lie down. Karna sat of the ground and asked the sage to place his head on Karna's lap. Suddenly, Karna saw a worm about to bite Parashurama. Karna managed to deviate the worm, which came and stung Karna on his thigh. Karna was in great pain but he kept quiet, fearing that Parashurama may wake up. Soon the insect bite began bleeding and the blood touched Parashurama. The sage got up and saw what had happened.  He wanted to know who Karna really was. Parashurama said a true brahmana would not have been able to bear the pain of the insect bite. The worm then changed itself and became a rakshasa. He said the touch of Parashurama had relieved him. Parashurama asked him who he was. The rakshasa said - He was an asura named Dansa. He had raped the wife of sage Brighu had been thus cursed to become a work and live on filth till the touch of Parashurama would relieve him. Saying this, the rakshasa bowed his head and left.  
Parashurama then said to Karna - A brahmana would not be able to bear such pain. Who are you really?
Karna said He was a son of a Suta (charioteer), called Karna, who knew Radha as his mother. As he was desiorous of learning the skill of great weapons, he had come to the great sage in the guise of a brahmana.
Parashurama said - You have learnt the art of wielding the weapon of Brahma but it will not work for you when you really want this. Please leave.

Karna left, and going back to Duryodhana he said - I have mastered all weapons.

Last rites performed

At the words of Krishna, Dhritarashtra called Yudhistira and said - Many people have fallen in the battle. You need to arrange for their last rites. Yuyutsu, Dhaumya, Sanjaya and Vidura will be with you.
Arrangements were made and the pyres were lit. The Pandavas then went to towards the river to immerse the ashes. Kunti then came there. She said Karna, whom you have known as a charioteer's son is my son, born to me before I married Pandu. He was born off the sun and I put him in a basket and floated him away in the river.
Hearing all from Kunti, Yudhistira broke down. He said You have told me know that Karna was my brother, I have plotted to kill my brother. If you had told me earlier, I would not have killed Karna or Duryodhana. Karna would have become the king of Hastinapura and Duryodhana would have happy also. I have killed my elder brother. I am angry and said. I curse you O mother. From today, women will not be able to keep secrets.
Saying this, the last rites were concluded. Krishna consoled Yudhistira and the Pandavas.
All were crying for their departed dead.
For three days and nights no one ate anything. After three days, fruits were got for all.
Krishna went about consoling all.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Kunti meets Karna

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

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

Krishna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karna left and with that Krishna also left Hastinapura. 

Karna comes to fight again

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

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

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

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

Arjuna then killed the charioteer of Karna.

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

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

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

Arjuna and Karna fight

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

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

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

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

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

Uttar runs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chitrasen attacks Duryodhana

The army and troupe of Duryodhana went through the forest. On the way they trampled many trees. As destiny would have it, they ended up crossing a garden which belonged to the Gandharva Chitrasen. The guards reported to their master that the garden had been destroyed by Duryodhana. They said they tried to stop him, but Duryodhana had insulted them and said they were alive because he was not in a mood to fight. Karna and the others had then pushed the guards out.
Chitrasen climbed up on his chariot and decided to confront Duryodhana. He went where Duryodhana was and said - You dare destroy my garden and behave rudely. Have you lost the desire for life?
Saying this the Gandharva shot an arrow which hid the sun and it became dark. Karna then shot an arrow and the sun was visible again. Seeing this Chitrasen shot a few arrows which were cut off by Karna. The Gandharva then picked an weapon called Simhamukha and aimed that. Karna cut that off. The snake weapon was released which was cut off by Karna who release eagles.
Chitrasen said he was pleased to see the skill of Karna. He then released a few arrows which hit Karna and he fell senseless. While Karna was trying to get up, the army attacked Chitrasen but the gandharva cut off all the weapons of the army. Karna then began showering weapons.
Chitrasen then understood that to combat this, magic would be needed. He then made himself invisible and then started showering arrows. Unable to fight an invisible enemy, the army was soon vanquished. Unable to fight, Karna soon gave up. 

Arjuna and Bhima fight

Arjuna and Karna's fight was ferocious. It was as if Rama and Ravana were fighting. Arjuna shot an arrow which produced thousands of snakes. Karna shot the Garuda weapon and all the snakes were destroyed and the fiery birds, produced by the weapon, came to attack Arjuna. Arjuna shot the Fire weapon. The birds were burnt and a rain of fire started. Karna invoked a weapon to create torrents of water to come down and extinguish the fire. Arjuna then invoked the Vayu weapon and the rain dried up.
Thus exchange of weapons happened between Karna and Arjuna. Karna wanted to know who Arjuna really was. Arjuna said he was a poor brahman having a fight with a king.
Karna then invoked an arrow and shot that, which Arjuna cut off. Whatever weapons Karna shot were cut off by Arjuna. Arjuna then cut off the chariot of Karna. Seeing Karna defeated, the other kings rushed to Karna's rescue but could not stand in front of Arjuna.
The kings accepted defeat and Arjuna and Bhima embraced each other.

While Arjuna was fighting, Bhima was carrying on his battle.

Dhristyadyumna fought with Kichaka. Kichaka was able to over power him, and he fled.

Draupadi afraid of the consequences of the war, appealed to Krishna to do something. Krishna blew his conch shell. All became quiet. Krishna asked his followers to help Drupada's family. The Yadavas who had come with Krishna, wanted to join Arjuna. Krishna stopped them.

Having won their battle, the Pandavas decided to leave the place with Draupadi. 

Dhristadyumna opens the challenge for all

Many a time Dhristadyumna came and asked the kshatriyas assembled to try hitting the target. Seeing no one ready, Bhishma got up. He easily took the bow. He said he was a celibate for life, and if he was successful with the target, the bride would be for Duryodhana.
He was about to shoot an arrow when he saw Shikhandi there in front of him. Seeing Shikhandi, he dropped the bow.

Shikhandi was the transgender son of Drupada.

Dhristadyumna then said he was opening the contest for all people, irrespective of their caste. Hearing this, Drona got up. White matted hair on his head, he said if he was able to hit the target, Draupadi would be won for Duryodhana.

Drona went and picked up the bow. He strung it and pulled the bow string. He then went closer to the target. He saw the reflection of the target in the water. The actual target was very high above, on a discus which was revolving at a high speed. There was a hole in the discus for just one arrow to go in. If one looked above, the target would be visible, but from the reflection in the water, above the discus one could see a fish. To shoot the fish, you would have to look at the reflection below and then shoot the arrow, without looking up.

Seeing Drona getting ready, Krishna did not feel very good. Drona, the disciple of Parasurama, had the capability to hit the target. Krishna silently covered the hole in the discus, with his Sudarshan Chakra. When Drona shot the arrow, it hit Krishna's discus and fell down.

Ashwatthama, seeing his father loose, got up and picked up the bow. His arrow also struck Sudarshana and fell down.

Karna then got up. He went and picked up the bow with his left hand. He bent the bow on his knee and tied the bow string. He then shot an arrow which also struck the Sudarshana Chakra and fell down.