Category: maha bharatham

MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 25
Yudhishthira Becomes King – The Pandavas After the War

The Kurukshetra War was finally over.

The Kaurava army had been destroyed.

Duryodhana had fallen.

Karna, Drona and Bhishma were gone.

The Pandavas had won the kingdom they had fought for—but their hearts were filled with sorrow.

They had lost brothers, teachers, relatives, friends and countless soldiers.

Now Yudhishthira had to become king.

But he was not happy about the throne.

1. Yudhishthira Feels Guilty

Yudhishthira was deeply troubled by the destruction caused by the war.

He wondered whether a kingdom was worth so many deaths.

Almost every family in the kingdom had lost someone.

Yudhishthira felt responsible for the suffering.

He even considered giving up the throne.

2. Krishna Encourages Yudhishthira

Krishna understood Yudhishthira’s state of mind.

He reminded him that the war had been fought after many attempts at peace had failed.

The Pandavas now had a responsibility toward the people who had survived.

Yudhishthira could not abandon the kingdom.

He needed to rule wisely and restore peace.

3. The Pandavas Return to Hastinapura

The Pandavas returned to Hastinapura.

The city had suffered greatly because of the war.

The people welcomed the Pandavas, but there was also sadness everywhere.

Yudhishthira understood that his first responsibility was to rebuild the kingdom.

4. Yudhishthira Is Crowned King

Yudhishthira was crowned king of Hastinapura.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a new period.

His brothers stood beside him.

Krishna was also present.

Yudhishthira promised to rule with justice and protect his people.

5. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari

The Pandavas continued to respect Dhritarashtra and Gandhari.

Although their sons had fought against the Pandavas, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari had suffered enormous personal loss.

Yudhishthira treated them with respect.

The Pandavas understood that the war had brought sorrow to both sides.

6. Kunti Reveals Another Truth

Kunti had been carrying a painful secret.

She finally revealed more openly that Karna was her firstborn son.

The Pandavas were devastated by this truth.

Yudhishthira especially felt great sorrow.

The man they had fought as an enemy had actually been their elder brother.

The revelation made the consequences of the war even more painful.

7. Yudhishthira Seeks Guidance From Bhishma

Although Bhishma had fallen on the tenth day of the war, he was still alive on his bed of arrows.

Yudhishthira went to Bhishma to seek advice.

Bhishma explained the responsibilities of a king.

He taught Yudhishthira about:
- Dharma
- Justice
- Leadership
- Duty
- Protection of citizens
- The responsibilities of a ruler
These teachings became an important part of Yudhishthira’s understanding of kingship.

8. Bhishma Explains the Duties of a King

Bhishma told Yudhishthira that a king should not rule for personal pleasure.

A ruler’s primary responsibility is the welfare of the people.

Justice must be protected.

The weak must be supported.

The kingdom must be governed according to dharma.

Yudhishthira listened carefully to every teaching.

9. Bhishma’s Final Days

Bhishma continued to remain on his bed of arrows.

He was waiting for the appropriate time to leave his body.

He continued giving guidance to Yudhishthira.

The Pandavas visited him with great respect.

Eventually, Bhishma decided that the time had come.

10. Bhishma Leaves the World

Bhishma finally gave up his life.

The Pandavas mourned the death of the great elder.

He had fought against them during the war, but they never stopped respecting him.

Bhishma’s death marked the end of an important connection to the older generation of the Kuru dynasty.

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11. Yudhishthira Begins His Rule

Yudhishthira devoted himself to rebuilding the kingdom.

The war had destroyed homes, families and resources.

The new king had to restore order.

His goal was to create a kingdom based on justice and dharma.

The Pandavas supported him in governing the kingdom.

12. Ashwatthama’s Attack Leaves Another Wound

Even after the war, the memory of Ashwatthama’s night attack remained painful.

Draupadi had lost her five sons.

The Pandavas had lost many loved ones.

The war had taught them a painful lesson:

Victory does not always bring happiness.

Yudhishthira understood that true leadership meant protecting future generations from such destruction.

13. Parikshit Becomes Important for the Future

Uttara’s unborn child, Parikshit, had survived because of Krishna’s protection.

He would become important to the future of the Kuru dynasty.

The Pandavas saw in him a continuation of their family.

His survival gave hope after the destruction caused by the war.

14. The Pandavas Enter a New Life

The age of war was over.

The Pandavas now had different responsibilities.

They had to rule.

They had to rebuild.

They had to protect the people.

And they had to live with the memories of everything that had happened.

But another major chapter of their lives was approaching.

The Pandavas would eventually begin a great journey toward the final stage of their earthly lives.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 26 – The Pandavas’ Later Years and the Beginning of Their Final Journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who became king after the Kurukshetra War?

Yudhishthira became the king of Hastinapura.

Why was Yudhishthira unhappy about becoming king?

He was deeply troubled by the enormous destruction and loss of life caused by the war.

Who taught Yudhishthira about the duties of a king?

Bhishma gave Yudhishthira extensive teachings about dharma, kingship and governance.

Who was Parikshit?

Parikshit was the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara and an important future member of the Kuru dynasty.

What happened to Bhishma?

After remaining alive on his bed of arrows for a period of time, Bhishma finally left his body.
August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 24

Ashwatthama’s Revenge – The Night Attack

Duryodhana had fallen.

Bhima had defeated him in the final mace duel.

The Kaurava army was almost completely destroyed.

The Pandavas believed that the war had finally come to an end.

But Ashwatthama could not accept the death of his father Drona and the destruction of the Kaurava side.

His heart was filled with anger and revenge.

That night, he made a terrible decision.

1. Ashwatthama Sees Duryodhana

Ashwatthama went to see Duryodhana, who was lying wounded after his battle with Bhima.

Duryodhana was still alive.

He was devastated by the destruction of his army and the deaths of his brothers and friends.

Ashwatthama was furious.

He wanted revenge against the Pandavas and their allies.

2. Ashwatthama Becomes Commander

Duryodhana appointed Ashwatthama as the commander of what remained of the Kaurava forces.

Only a few major warriors were still with him.

Ashwatthama, Kripacharya and Kritavarma remained.

Ashwatthama decided that he would not allow the Pandavas to celebrate their victory peacefully.

3. Ashwatthama’s Anger

Ashwatthama remembered his father Drona.

He believed that Drona had been killed through deception.

He also remembered the deaths of Karna, Bhishma and the other Kaurava warriors.

His anger grew stronger.

He wanted to destroy the Pandava camp while everyone was asleep.

4. The Owl Gives Him an Idea

According to the traditional story, Ashwatthama witnessed an owl attacking sleeping crows at night.

He saw how the owl could attack its enemies while they were unaware.

Ashwatthama took this as a sign.

He decided to attack the Pandava camp during the night.

Kripacharya and Kritavarma accompanied him.

5. The Night Attack Begins

Ashwatthama entered the Pandava camp during the night.

The warriors were sleeping after the long and exhausting war.

The camp was not expecting another attack.

Ashwatthama began his terrible assault.

The peaceful night quickly turned into chaos.

6. The Sons of Draupadi

Among those killed were the five sons of Draupadi, known as the Upapandavas.

They were young warriors who had fought on the Pandava side.

Their deaths were a devastating tragedy.

The Pandavas had won the war, but their victory was followed by another terrible loss.

7. Drishtadyumna Also Falls

Ashwatthama also killed Drishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava army.

Drishtadyumna had played a major role in the death of Drona.

Ashwatthama considered him one of the people responsible for his father’s death.

His revenge was becoming complete.

8. Ashwatthama Leaves the Camp

After the attack, Ashwatthama returned to Duryodhana.

He told him that the Pandava camp had been destroyed.

Duryodhana was pleased to hear that revenge had been taken.

But this would be one of the final moments of his life.

The great Kurukshetra War had ended in enormous tragedy.

9. The Pandavas Learn the Truth

The Pandavas were devastated when they learned what had happened.

Draupadi was heartbroken after learning about the deaths of her sons.

The victory that had once seemed so important now felt meaningless.

She demanded justice.

The Pandavas decided to find Ashwatthama.

10. Ashwatthama Flees

Ashwatthama realized that the Pandavas were coming after him.

He fled toward the forest.

Eventually, he reached the place where Vyasa was present.

The Pandavas followed him.

Ashwatthama knew that he could not easily defeat them in an ordinary battle.

So he decided to use a powerful divine weapon.

11. Ashwatthama Uses the Brahmastra

Ashwatthama released the Brahmastra, a powerful divine weapon.

Arjuna responded by releasing a Brahmastra of his own.

The two weapons threatened terrible destruction.

Sage Vyasa intervened.

He ordered both warriors to withdraw their weapons.

12. Arjuna Withdraws His Weapon

Arjuna was able to withdraw his Brahmastra.

Ashwatthama could not.

Instead, he directed the weapon toward the womb of Uttara, who was carrying the child of Abhimanyu.

That unborn child was Parikshit.

13. Krishna Protects Parikshit

Krishna protected the unborn child.

The weapon could not destroy Parikshit.

The child survived.

This was extremely important for the future of the Kuru dynasty.

Parikshit would later become an important king.

14. Ashwatthama Is Punished

Ashwatthama was punished for his actions.

The jewel on his forehead, according to the traditional account, was taken from him.

He was also cursed to wander the earth for a very long time, suffering from the consequences of his actions.

His revenge had brought him no true victory.

Instead, it left him with punishment and sorrow.

The War Is Truly Over

The Kurukshetra War had finally come to an end.

But the Pandavas had lost almost everyone they loved.

The Kauravas were gone.

Bhishma was on his arrow bed.

Drona was dead.

Karna was dead.

Abhimanyu was dead.

Ghatotkacha was dead.

The sons of Draupadi were dead.

The Pandavas had won the kingdom, but their hearts were filled with grief.

The next chapter would not be about war.

It would be about how Yudhishthira would rule the kingdom after such enormous destruction.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 25 – Yudhishthira Becomes King and the Pandavas Face the Aftermath of War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who attacked the Pandava camp at night?

Ashwatthama, accompanied by Kripacharya and Kritavarma.

Who were the Upapandavas?

They were the five sons of Draupadi, one son from each of the five Pandavas.

What weapon did Ashwatthama use against Arjuna?

Ashwatthama used the Brahmastra.

Who was Parikshit?

Parikshit was the unborn son of Abhimanyu and Uttara.

Who protected Parikshit?

According to the traditional story, Krishna protected the unborn Parikshit from the Brahmastra.

What happened to Ashwatthama?

He was punished and cursed to wander the earth, according to the traditional Mahabharata account

August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 23
Duryodhana’s Final Battle – Bhima vs Duryodhana

Karna had fallen.

The Kaurava army had lost one of its greatest warriors.

Duryodhana was now almost alone.

The Kurukshetra War had destroyed nearly the entire Kuru army.

But Duryodhana still refused to surrender.

The final confrontation between the Pandavas and Duryodhana was approaching.

1. Duryodhana Leaves the Battlefield

After Karna’s death, Duryodhana realized that his army had almost completely collapsed.

He left the battlefield and went to a nearby lake.

Using his powers, he hid beneath the water.

The Pandavas searched for him.

They knew that the war could not truly end while Duryodhana remained alive.

2. The Pandavas Find Duryodhana

Eventually, the Pandavas discovered where Duryodhana was hiding.

They called him out.

Yudhishthira told Duryodhana that hiding would not save him.

Duryodhana finally came out of the water.

He was still proud and confident.

Even after losing his entire army, he believed he could defeat the Pandavas.

3. Duryodhana Chooses a Mace Fight

Duryodhana challenged the Pandavas to choose one warrior to fight him.

He wanted a mace duel.

Bhima immediately stepped forward.

For many years, Bhima and Duryodhana had been enemies.

Their rivalry had begun during their childhood.

Now their final confrontation was about to take place.

4. Bhima and Duryodhana Prepare

Both warriors were experts in fighting with the mace.

They had trained under Balarama, Krishna’s elder brother.

Balarama had taught them the techniques of mace fighting.

Duryodhana was extremely skilled.

Bhima was enormously powerful.

The two warriors stood facing each other.

5. The Mace Duel Begins

Bhima and Duryodhana attacked each other.

Their maces struck with tremendous force.

Each warrior was strong enough to cause serious damage with a single blow.

The battle continued for a long time.

Neither warrior could easily defeat the other.

The Pandavas watched anxiously.

6. Duryodhana Shows His Skill

Duryodhana’s training under Balarama was evident.

He moved quickly and defended himself effectively.

He attacked Bhima repeatedly.

For a moment, it appeared that Duryodhana might win.

Bhima became increasingly determined.

He remembered the humiliation of Draupadi and the many injustices committed against the Pandavas.

7. Bhima Remembers His Vow

Bhima had made a terrible vow years earlier.

During the dice hall incident, Duryodhana had insulted Draupadi.

Bhima had sworn that one day he would defeat Duryodhana.

That memory remained in his mind.

During the mace fight, Bhima saw his opportunity.

8. Krishna Gives a Sign

The mace duel had rules.

A warrior was not normally supposed to attack below the waist.

But Duryodhana was extremely difficult to defeat.

Krishna knew that Bhima needed an opening.

Krishna gave Bhima a subtle signal toward Duryodhana’s thigh.

Bhima understood the message.

9. Bhima Strikes Duryodhana

Bhima attacked with tremendous force.

He struck Duryodhana on the thigh.

Duryodhana fell to the ground.

The great mace duel had ended.

Bhima had fulfilled his long-standing vow.

But the strike was controversial because it violated the traditional rules of mace combat.

10. Balarama Becomes Angry

Balarama witnessed what had happened.

He was furious because Bhima had struck Duryodhana below the waist.

Balarama considered the move unfair.

He wanted to punish Bhima.

Krishna intervened and explained the history of Duryodhana’s actions and the circumstances that had led to the war.

Balarama eventually left.

11. Duryodhana’s Fall

Duryodhana lay wounded on the battlefield.

His kingdom was lost.

His brothers were dead.

His greatest warriors were gone.

Yet he remained proud.

He believed that he had lived according to his own choices and had achieved greatness as a king.

His fall marked the practical end of the Kaurava side’s resistance.

12. The Pandavas Have Won

The Pandavas had finally defeated Duryodhana.

The Kaurava army was destroyed.

The Pandavas had technically won the war.

But there was very little happiness.

Almost everyone they loved had been lost.

Their victory had come at an enormous cost.

13. The War Seems to Be Over

The Pandavas believed the war was finally finished.

They had defeated the Kaurava army.

Duryodhana was lying wounded.

The battlefield had become silent.

But one final tragedy was waiting.

Three important Kaurava warriors were still alive:
- Ashwatthama
- Kripacharya
- Kritavarma
Ashwatthama was filled with anger over his father’s death.

14. Ashwatthama Takes a Terrible Decision

Ashwatthama saw Duryodhana lying wounded.

He was devastated by the destruction of the Kaurava army.

He decided that the Pandavas must pay for everything that had happened.

That night, Ashwatthama would make a decision that would bring one final tragedy to the war.

The Kurukshetra battlefield had already witnessed enormous destruction.

But the war’s darkest night was still ahead.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 24 – Ashwatthama’s Revenge and the Night Attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who fought Duryodhana in the final mace duel?

Bhima fought Duryodhana.

Who trained Bhima and Duryodhana in mace fighting?

Balarama, Krishna’s elder brother, trained both warriors.

How did Bhima defeat Duryodhana?

Bhima struck Duryodhana on the thigh during the mace duel.

Why was the strike controversial?

Traditional mace-fighting rules prohibited attacking below the waist.

Did the Pandavas feel happy after defeating Duryodhana?

Their victory was overshadowed by the enormous loss of relatives, teachers, friends and warriors during the war.

Was the war completely over after Duryodhana fell?

The main battle was effectively over, but Ashwatthama’s revenge was still to come
August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 22

Karna vs Arjuna – The Greatest Duel of Kurukshetra

The Kurukshetra War had reached its final stages.

Bhishma had fallen.
Drona had fallen.
Abhimanyu was gone.
Ghatotkacha had sacrificed himself.
Jayadratha had been killed.

Now Karna had become the commander of the Kaurava army.

For years, Karna and Arjuna had been rivals.

Both were extraordinary archers.

Both possessed powerful divine weapons.

And now, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, their long-awaited confrontation was finally about to happen.

1. Karna Prepares for Battle

Karna entered the battlefield with complete determination.

He knew that his greatest opponent was Arjuna.

Duryodhana had placed enormous trust in Karna.

Karna wanted to repay that friendship by defeating the Pandavas.

His loyalty to Duryodhana remained strong until the very end.

2. Shalya Becomes Karna’s Charioteer

King Shalya became Karna’s charioteer.

Karna was a powerful warrior, but the battle required a skilled charioteer as well.

Shalya guided Karna’s chariot across the battlefield.

Their relationship was complicated, and Shalya did not always encourage Karna.

Nevertheless, Karna remained focused on his goal.

He wanted to face Arjuna.

3. Arjuna Faces Karna

Arjuna entered the battlefield with Krishna beside him.

When the two chariots came face to face, the atmosphere became intense.

Karna and Arjuna raised their bows.

The warriors around them watched carefully.

Everyone knew that this duel could change the outcome of the war.

4. The Duel Begins

Karna and Arjuna began firing arrows at each other.

Their weapons moved across the battlefield with incredible speed.

Each warrior countered the other’s attacks.

Their skill was almost equal.

The battle between them became one of the greatest contests of archery in the Mahabharata.

5. Divine Weapons Are Used

Both warriors possessed powerful weapons.

Karna used extraordinary celestial weapons.

Arjuna also responded with his own divine weapons.

The battlefield was filled with the sound of arrows and powerful astras.

Krishna carefully watched every move.

He knew that Karna was one of the few warriors capable of seriously challenging Arjuna.

6. Karna’s Past Begins to Affect Him

Karna’s life had been filled with difficult events.

He had been separated from his mother Kunti at birth.

He had grown up in the family of a charioteer.

He had faced rejection and humiliation because of his perceived birth.

Later, he became one of Duryodhana’s closest friends.

But Karna had also received several curses during his life.

These curses would become important during his final battle.

7. Karna’s Chariot Wheel Gets Stuck

During the battle, something unexpected happened.

Karna’s chariot wheel became stuck in the ground.

Karna climbed down from the chariot and tried to free it.

He asked Arjuna to pause while he lifted the wheel.

The situation had suddenly changed.

8. Karna Reminds Arjuna of Dharma

Karna asked Arjuna to follow the rules of warfare.

He argued that it was unfair to attack a warrior who was struggling with his chariot.

For a moment, the battle appeared to pause.

But Krishna reminded Arjuna of the many events that had already broken the rules of war.

He reminded Arjuna of the suffering caused to the Pandavas and the killing of Abhimanyu.

9. Karna’s Curses Take Effect

Karna had once learned the use of powerful weapons from Parashurama.

But Parashurama later discovered that Karna had hidden his true identity.

Karna was cursed that he would forget the knowledge of a powerful weapon when he needed it most.

Another curse was connected to an incident involving a Brahmin’s cow.

These events now became part of Karna’s tragic destiny.

During the final battle, Karna struggled to remember the weapon he needed.

10. Krishna Tells Arjuna to Attack

Karna was still struggling with his chariot wheel.

Krishna urged Arjuna to act.

Arjuna raised the Gandiva.

He prepared his final attack against Karna.

The moment was filled with tension.

Karna knew that the battle had reached its final stage.

11. Karna Falls

Arjuna released his powerful arrow.

It struck Karna.

The great warrior fell on the battlefield.

One of the greatest warriors of the Mahabharata had finally been defeated.

Karna’s death was tragic because the truth about his birth had never been fully revealed to the Pandavas before the war.

12. The Truth About Karna

After Karna’s death, the Pandavas learned the truth.

Kunti revealed that Karna was her firstborn son.

He was therefore the elder brother of the Pandavas.

The news shocked them.

Yudhishthira and his brothers were devastated.

They realized that they had fought and killed their own brother without knowing his true identity.

13. Yudhishthira’s Grief

Yudhishthira was deeply saddened.

Karna had been an enemy on the battlefield, but he was also their elder brother.

The revelation added another layer of tragedy to the war.

The Pandavas had won many battles, but victory had come at an enormous cost.

So many relatives, friends and teachers had died.

14. Duryodhana Loses His Greatest Friend

Karna’s death was devastating for Duryodhana.

Karna had remained loyal to him when many others questioned his decisions.

Duryodhana had trusted Karna completely.

Now his closest friend and greatest warrior was gone.

The Kaurava army was becoming weaker with every passing day.

Karna’s Story

Karna’s life is one of the most tragic stories in the Mahabharata.

He was born with extraordinary abilities.

He faced rejection because of circumstances surrounding his birth.

Duryodhana gave him respect and friendship when others did not.

Because of that loyalty, Karna stood with Duryodhana until the end.

But his loyalty ultimately placed him against his own brothers.

His death marked the beginning of the final stage of the Kurukshetra War.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 23 – Duryodhana’s Final Battle with Bhima.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Karna Arjuna’s brother?

Yes. Karna was Kunti’s firstborn son, making him the elder brother of the Pandavas.

Who was Karna’s charioteer?

Shalya was Karna’s charioteer during his final battle with Arjuna.

Why did Karna’s chariot wheel get stuck?

According to the traditional story, Karna’s chariot wheel became stuck in the ground during the final duel.

Who killed Karna?

Arjuna killed Karna during their final battle.

Why is Karna’s story considered tragic?

Karna lived with difficult circumstances, remained loyal to Duryodhana, and ultimately fought against his own brothers without the Pandavas knowing his true identity

August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 21

Drona’s Fall – The Strategy That Changed the War

The Kurukshetra War had entered one of its darkest stages.

Bhishma had fallen.

Abhimanyu had been killed.

Jayadratha had been defeated.

Ghatotkacha had sacrificed himself.

Now Drona, the teacher of both Pandavas and Kauravas, was commanding the Kaurava army.

Drona was an extremely powerful warrior, and the Pandavas were struggling to stop him.

1. Drona Becomes Nearly Unstoppable

Drona fought with extraordinary skill.

He knew the weapons and techniques of the Pandavas because he had personally trained many of them.

On the battlefield, he became extremely difficult to defeat.

He attacked the Pandava army repeatedly.

Yudhishthira was especially worried because Drona wanted to capture him.

2. The Pandavas Search for a Way to Stop Drona

The Pandavas realized that defeating Drona through ordinary combat would be extremely difficult.

Even Arjuna found it difficult to stop his teacher.

Krishna understood that Drona had one great emotional weakness.

His greatest attachment was to his son Ashwatthama.

If Drona believed that Ashwatthama was dead, his desire to fight might disappear.

A difficult strategy was therefore discussed.

3. Ashwatthama the Elephant

There was an elephant in the Pandava army named Ashwatthama.

Bhima killed the elephant.

Afterward, Bhima loudly announced:

“Ashwatthama is dead!”

Drona heard the statement.

But he did not immediately believe it.

He knew that his son Ashwatthama was a powerful warrior.

Drona wanted confirmation from someone he trusted.

4. Drona Asks Yudhishthira

Drona approached Yudhishthira.

He knew Yudhishthira was famous for his commitment to truth.

Drona asked him whether Ashwatthama was really dead.

Yudhishthira answered carefully.

He said:

“Ashwatthama is dead…”

Then he added that it was the elephant.

According to the traditional account, the sound of battle drowned out the second part of his statement.

Drona therefore believed that his son had died.

5. Drona Loses His Will to Fight

When Drona believed that Ashwatthama was dead, he was devastated.

His attachment to his son was stronger than his desire for victory.

He put down his weapons and became deeply absorbed in grief.

This created the opportunity the Pandavas had been waiting for.

6. Drishtadyumna Attacks Drona

Drishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava army, had a special reason for fighting Drona.

He had been born with the destiny of defeating Drona.

When Drona put down his weapons, Drishtadyumna approached him.

The battle between them came to an end.

Drona was killed.

The great teacher who had trained both sides was no longer on the battlefield.

7. Ashwatthama Learns About His Father’s Death

Ashwatthama eventually learned that his father had been killed.

He was filled with rage.

He believed that the Pandavas had used deception to bring about Drona’s death.

His anger became uncontrollable.

Ashwatthama decided that he would take revenge.

8. Karna Becomes Commander

After Drona’s death, the Kaurava army needed another commander.

Duryodhana turned to his closest friend and greatest supporter:

Karna.

Karna accepted the responsibility.

He had been waiting for the opportunity to face Arjuna directly.

Now the war had entered its final and most dangerous phase.

9. Karna’s Final Battle Approaches

Karna was one of the greatest warriors on the Kaurava side.

He had a deep rivalry with Arjuna.

For years, both warriors had wanted to prove who was superior.

Now they were finally moving toward their inevitable confrontation.

Karna knew that the battle against Arjuna could decide the course of the war.

10. Krishna Reminds Arjuna

Krishna knew that Karna was an extremely dangerous opponent.

He also knew secrets about Karna’s birth that Arjuna did not fully understand at the beginning of the war.

Karna was actually Kunti’s firstborn son.

That meant he was the elder brother of the Pandavas.

But Karna had chosen to remain loyal to Duryodhana.

The coming battle would therefore be filled with tragedy.

11. Karna and Shalya

Karna needed a skilled charioteer.

King Shalya eventually became his charioteer.

The relationship between Karna and Shalya was not always peaceful.

Yet Karna entered the battlefield determined to fight.

His goal was clear:

Defeat Arjuna.

12. The Final Duel Is Near

The battlefield was now filled with exhausted warriors.

The war had already taken the lives of countless soldiers and great heroes.

But one major confrontation remained.

Arjuna versus Karna.

Both warriors were extraordinary archers.

Both had powerful weapons.

Both had personal reasons for fighting.

Their meeting would become one of the most famous duels in the Mahabharata.

The Final Battle Is Coming

Drona had fallen.

Karna was now leading the Kaurava army.

Arjuna was preparing for the battle he had awaited for years.

But Karna’s destiny was already complicated by several curses and events from his past.

During his final battle with Arjuna, those past events would come back to him.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 22 – Karna vs Arjuna: The Final Duel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who killed Drona?

According to the traditional Mahabharata account, Drishtadyumna killed Drona after Drona laid down his weapons.

Why did Drona stop fighting?

Drona believed that his son Ashwatthama had died and became overwhelmed by grief.

Was Ashwatthama actually dead?

No. The Ashwatthama who was killed was an elephant. Drona misunderstood the statement because of the way the information was conveyed.

Who became commander after Drona?

Karna became commander of the Kaurava army.

Who was Karna?

Karna was secretly Kunti’s firstborn son, making him the elder brother of the Pandavas, but he remained loyal to Duryodhana.

What happens next?

The great duel between Karna and Arjuna is about to take place

August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 21

Drona’s Fall – The Strategy That Changed the War

The Kurukshetra War had entered one of its darkest stages.

Bhishma had fallen.

Abhimanyu had been killed.

Jayadratha had been defeated.

Ghatotkacha had sacrificed himself.

Now Drona, the teacher of both Pandavas and Kauravas, was commanding the Kaurava army.

Drona was an extremely powerful warrior, and the Pandavas were struggling to stop him.

1. Drona Becomes Nearly Unstoppable

Drona fought with extraordinary skill.

He knew the weapons and techniques of the Pandavas because he had personally trained many of them.

On the battlefield, he became extremely difficult to defeat.

He attacked the Pandava army repeatedly.

Yudhishthira was especially worried because Drona wanted to capture him.

2. The Pandavas Search for a Way to Stop Drona

The Pandavas realized that defeating Drona through ordinary combat would be extremely difficult.

Even Arjuna found it difficult to stop his teacher.

Krishna understood that Drona had one great emotional weakness.

His greatest attachment was to his son Ashwatthama.

If Drona believed that Ashwatthama was dead, his desire to fight might disappear.

A difficult strategy was therefore discussed.

3. Ashwatthama the Elephant

There was an elephant in the Pandava army named Ashwatthama.

Bhima killed the elephant.

Afterward, Bhima loudly announced:

“Ashwatthama is dead!”

Drona heard the statement.

But he did not immediately believe it.

He knew that his son Ashwatthama was a powerful warrior.

Drona wanted confirmation from someone he trusted.

4. Drona Asks Yudhishthira

Drona approached Yudhishthira.

He knew Yudhishthira was famous for his commitment to truth.

Drona asked him whether Ashwatthama was really dead.

Yudhishthira answered carefully.

He said:

“Ashwatthama is dead…”

Then he added that it was the elephant.

According to the traditional account, the sound of battle drowned out the second part of his statement.

Drona therefore believed that his son had died.

5. Drona Loses His Will to Fight

When Drona believed that Ashwatthama was dead, he was devastated.

His attachment to his son was stronger than his desire for victory.

He put down his weapons and became deeply absorbed in grief.

This created the opportunity the Pandavas had been waiting for.

6. Drishtadyumna Attacks Drona

Drishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava army, had a special reason for fighting Drona.

He had been born with the destiny of defeating Drona.

When Drona put down his weapons, Drishtadyumna approached him.

The battle between them came to an end.

Drona was killed.

The great teacher who had trained both sides was no longer on the battlefield.

7. Ashwatthama Learns About His Father’s Death

Ashwatthama eventually learned that his father had been killed.

He was filled with rage.

He believed that the Pandavas had used deception to bring about Drona’s death.

His anger became uncontrollable.

Ashwatthama decided that he would take revenge.

8. Karna Becomes Commander

After Drona’s death, the Kaurava army needed another commander.

Duryodhana turned to his closest friend and greatest supporter:

Karna.

Karna accepted the responsibility.

He had been waiting for the opportunity to face Arjuna directly.

Now the war had entered its final and most dangerous phase.

9. Karna’s Final Battle Approaches

Karna was one of the greatest warriors on the Kaurava side.

He had a deep rivalry with Arjuna.

For years, both warriors had wanted to prove who was superior.

Now they were finally moving toward their inevitable confrontation.

Karna knew that the battle against Arjuna could decide the course of the war.

10. Krishna Reminds Arjuna

Krishna knew that Karna was an extremely dangerous opponent.

He also knew secrets about Karna’s birth that Arjuna did not fully understand at the beginning of the war.

Karna was actually Kunti’s firstborn son.

That meant he was the elder brother of the Pandavas.

But Karna had chosen to remain loyal to Duryodhana.

The coming battle would therefore be filled with tragedy.

11. Karna and Shalya

Karna needed a skilled charioteer.

King Shalya eventually became his charioteer.

The relationship between Karna and Shalya was not always peaceful.

Yet Karna entered the battlefield determined to fight.

His goal was clear:

Defeat Arjuna.

12. The Final Duel Is Near

The battlefield was now filled with exhausted warriors.

The war had already taken the lives of countless soldiers and great heroes.

But one major confrontation remained.

Arjuna versus Karna.

Both warriors were extraordinary archers.

Both had powerful weapons.

Both had personal reasons for fighting.

Their meeting would become one of the most famous duels in the Mahabharata.

The Final Battle Is Coming

Drona had fallen.

Karna was now leading the Kaurava army.

Arjuna was preparing for the battle he had awaited for years.

But Karna’s destiny was already complicated by several curses and events from his past.

During his final battle with Arjuna, those past events would come back to him.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 22 – Karna vs Arjuna: The Final Duel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who killed Drona?

According to the traditional Mahabharata account, Drishtadyumna killed Drona after Drona laid down his weapons.

Why did Drona stop fighting?

Drona believed that his son Ashwatthama had died and became overwhelmed by grief.

Was Ashwatthama actually dead?

No. The Ashwatthama who was killed was an elephant. Drona misunderstood the statement because of the way the information was conveyed.

Who became commander after Drona?

Karna became commander of the Kaurava army.

Who was Karna?

Karna was secretly Kunti’s firstborn son, making him the elder brother of the Pandavas, but he remained loyal to Duryodhana.

What happens next?

The great duel between Karna and Arjuna is about to take place

August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 20

Arjuna’s Vow – The Fall of Jayadratha

Abhimanyu’s death had changed the entire course of the Kurukshetra War.

Arjuna was filled with grief and anger.

He had made a powerful vow:

Before sunset, Jayadratha must die.

The Kauravas knew about the vow.

They understood that if they could protect Jayadratha until sunset, Arjuna would have to fulfil the second part of his promise.

So Drona and the Kaurava warriors created an extremely strong defence around Jayadratha.

1. The Kauravas Protect Jayadratha

Jayadratha was terrified.

He knew Arjuna was coming for him.

Duryodhana assured him that the Kaurava army would protect him.

Drona created several layers of warriors around Jayadratha.

Great fighters stood between Arjuna and his target.

The plan was simple:

Keep Arjuna away from Jayadratha until sunset.

2. Arjuna Enters the Battlefield

Arjuna arrived on the battlefield with Krishna as his charioteer.

His mind was completely focused.

He had only one goal.

He had to reach Jayadratha before the sun set.

Krishna drove the chariot through the battlefield.

Arjuna began fighting through the Kaurava formations.

3. Drona Tries to Stop Arjuna

Drona stood in Arjuna’s path.

He was one of the greatest warriors on the battlefield.

Arjuna respected Drona deeply.

But there was no time for hesitation.

Arjuna fought his teacher and moved forward.

He could not allow anyone to stop him from reaching Jayadratha.

4. The Battle Becomes Fierce

Warriors attacked Arjuna from every direction.

Arjuna released countless arrows.

Krishna skillfully guided the chariot through the battlefield.

The Pandava warriors also fought hard to support Arjuna.

Bhima and Satyaki helped clear the path.

Every moment was important.

The sun was slowly moving toward the horizon.

5. Satyaki Follows Arjuna

Satyaki was a great warrior and a loyal supporter of Krishna and the Pandavas.

He followed Arjuna into the battlefield.

Satyaki fought several powerful Kaurava warriors.

His purpose was to help Arjuna continue toward Jayadratha.

The battle became increasingly difficult.

But the Pandava warriors refused to give up.

6. Bhima Joins the Battle

Bhima also fought fiercely.

He broke through enemy formations and defeated many warriors.

The Kaurava army struggled to contain the Pandava attack.

Arjuna continued moving toward Jayadratha.

But the sun was getting lower.

Time was running out.

7. Jayadratha Remains Hidden

Jayadratha was kept safely behind several layers of warriors.

Drona and other commanders protected him.

Arjuna had to defeat or bypass one obstacle after another.

The Kauravas believed their strategy was working.

The sun was approaching the horizon.

They began to think that Arjuna might fail.

8. The Sun Appears to Set

As evening approached, the battlefield became darker.

The Kaurava warriors believed that sunset had arrived.

They thought Arjuna had lost.

Jayadratha came out from his protected position.

He believed that he had survived Arjuna’s vow.

The Kaurava army began celebrating.

But Krishna knew exactly what was happening.

9. Krishna Reveals the Opportunity

The traditional account describes Krishna using his divine power to obscure the sun, creating the appearance of sunset.

When Jayadratha emerged, Krishna told Arjuna to act quickly.

The opportunity had appeared.

Arjuna immediately prepared his bow.

The Kauravas suddenly realized that they had been deceived.

The sun was still visible.

The day had not truly ended.

10. Arjuna’s Final Attack

Arjuna drew his Gandiva.

He released a powerful arrow toward Jayadratha.

The arrow struck its target.

Jayadratha fell.

Arjuna had fulfilled his vow before the actual sunset.

The Pandavas were relieved.

The death of Jayadratha was a major turning point in the war.

11. Arjuna’s Vow Is Fulfilled

Arjuna had promised that Jayadratha would die before sunset.

He had succeeded.

The Pandavas had avenged Abhimanyu’s death.

But the war was becoming increasingly brutal.

The death of one warrior only led to another battle.

The Kauravas were filled with anger.

Drona continued to command the army.

12. The Night Battle

The fighting did not immediately stop.

The battle continued into the night.

This was unusual and extremely dangerous.

The battlefield was illuminated by torches and weapons.

Warriors continued fighting despite exhaustion.

The night battle would bring another major tragedy.

A powerful warrior named Ghatotkacha would enter the battlefield.

13. Ghatotkacha Enters the Battle

Ghatotkacha was the son of Bhima and Hidimbi.

He possessed extraordinary powers and was especially dangerous during night battles.

He entered the battlefield and attacked the Kaurava army.

The Kaurava warriors struggled to stop him.

His supernatural abilities created enormous confusion among the enemy forces.

14. A Dangerous Weapon Is Saved for Arjuna

Karna possessed a powerful divine weapon known as the Vasava Shakti.

He had received it from Indra.

But the weapon had one important limitation:

It could be used only once.

Karna had been saving it for Arjuna.

But Ghatotkacha’s attack became so devastating that Karna was forced to use the weapon against him.

The weapon struck Ghatotkacha.

15. Ghatotkacha’s Sacrifice

Ghatotkacha fell in battle.

Bhima was devastated by the loss of his son.

But Krishna understood something important.

Karna had used his most powerful weapon.

The weapon that could have been used against Arjuna was now gone.

Krishna understood that this would greatly help the Pandavas in the future.

Ghatotkacha’s death therefore became both a tragedy and an important turning point in the war.

The War Becomes More Dangerous

The Kurukshetra War had now reached an extremely brutal stage.

Abhimanyu had fallen.

Jayadratha had fallen.

Ghatotkacha had fallen.

And the Kaurava army still had powerful warriors.

Drona continued his attack on the Pandavas.

Soon, the Pandavas would have to face one of the most difficult decisions of the entire war.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 21 – Drona’s Fall and the Truth About Ashwatthama.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Arjuna vow to kill Jayadratha?

Jayadratha had prevented the Pandavas from entering the Chakravyuha and supporting Abhimanyu. After Abhimanyu’s death, Arjuna vowed to kill Jayadratha before sunset.

Who helped Arjuna reach Jayadratha?

Krishna guided Arjuna, while warriors such as Bhima and Satyaki helped fight through the Kaurava forces.

How did Arjuna kill Jayadratha?

After Krishna created an opportunity by obscuring the sun, Arjuna attacked Jayadratha before the actual sunset.

Who was Ghatotkacha?

Ghatotkacha was the son of Bhima and Hidimbi and possessed extraordinary powers.

Why was Ghatotkacha’s death important?

Karna was forced to use the Vasava Shakti, the powerful weapon he had been saving for Arjuna. After using it against Ghatotkacha, Karna could no longer use it against Arjuna

August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 19

Abhimanyu and the Chakravyuha – A Heroic Battle

The great warrior Bhishma had fallen on the tenth day of the Kurukshetra War.

The Kauravas now had a new commander.

Drona, the teacher of both the Pandavas and Kauravas, took command of the Kaurava army.

Drona was an extraordinary warrior and strategist.

Under his leadership, the battle became even more dangerous.

And during this period, a young warrior would enter one of the most difficult battle formations in the Mahabharata.

His name was Abhimanyu.

1. Drona Becomes Commander

After Bhishma fell, Drona became the commander of the Kaurava army.

Drona wanted to capture Yudhishthira.

He knew that if Yudhishthira were captured, the Pandavas would be placed in a very difficult position.

Drona therefore created powerful battle formations to separate Yudhishthira from the other Pandava warriors.

The Pandavas understood that protecting Yudhishthira was extremely important.

2. The Chakravyuha

Drona created a highly complicated military formation known as the Chakravyuha.

It was a circular formation with layers of warriors arranged in a way that made entering and escaping extremely difficult.

Breaking through the outer layers required exceptional skill.

The Pandavas needed someone capable of entering the formation.

At that moment, Abhimanyu stepped forward.

3. Who Was Abhimanyu?

Abhimanyu was the son of Arjuna and Subhadra.

He was a young but exceptionally talented warrior.

He had learned many skills from his father.

Abhimanyu was brave, confident and determined.

Although he was young, he was capable of fighting experienced warriors.

He was also the nephew of Krishna.

4. Abhimanyu Knows How to Enter

Abhimanyu explained that he knew how to enter the Chakravyuha.

However, he did not know the complete method of coming out of the formation.

The Pandava warriors assured him that they would follow him and support him.

With confidence, Abhimanyu entered the formation.

He was determined to fight for the Pandava army.

5. Abhimanyu Breaks Through the Formation

Abhimanyu entered the Chakravyuha with incredible courage.

He fought through the warriors standing in his path.

He defeated many powerful soldiers and continued moving deeper into the formation.

His skill surprised the Kaurava warriors.

The young warrior fought as if he had years of battlefield experience.

6. The Pandavas Are Prevented From Following

The Pandavas attempted to follow Abhimanyu into the formation.

But Jayadratha managed to stop them from entering.

This was a crucial moment.

Abhimanyu had entered the Chakravyuha alone.

The warriors who were supposed to support him could not reach him.

Abhimanyu was now surrounded by powerful enemies.

7. Abhimanyu Fights Many Warriors

Inside the formation, Abhimanyu continued fighting.

He faced numerous warriors.

He broke their weapons and defeated many soldiers.

The Kaurava commanders realized that allowing Abhimanyu to continue would be dangerous.

They therefore surrounded him.

The battle became extremely intense.

8. Abhimanyu’s Chariot Is Destroyed

The Kaurava warriors attacked Abhimanyu from different directions.

His chariot was destroyed.

His horses were killed.

His bow was broken.

But Abhimanyu refused to surrender.

He picked up another weapon and continued fighting.

Even when his equipment was destroyed, his courage did not disappear.

9. Abhimanyu Takes Up a Wheel

With his weapons gone, Abhimanyu picked up a broken chariot wheel.

He used it as a weapon.

The young warrior continued fighting against the surrounding enemies.

His courage became one of the most remembered moments of the Kurukshetra War.

Even surrounded by powerful warriors, Abhimanyu refused to give up.

10. Abhimanyu’s Final Battle

The battle around Abhimanyu became overwhelming.

He was attacked by several experienced warriors.

His weapons were gradually destroyed.

Finally, Abhimanyu was defeated.

His death deeply shocked the Pandavas.

A young warrior who had entered the Chakravyuha with extraordinary courage had fallen on the battlefield.

11. Arjuna Learns What Happened

Arjuna was away from the main battlefield when the tragedy occurred.

When he returned, he learned that Abhimanyu had been killed.

Arjuna was devastated.

He wanted to know how Abhimanyu had been trapped inside the formation.

He learned that Jayadratha had prevented the other Pandavas from entering.

Arjuna’s grief turned into determination.

12. Arjuna Makes a Terrible Vow

Arjuna vowed that he would kill Jayadratha on the following day before sunset.

If he failed, he would enter the fire.

The vow became a major turning point in the war.

The Kauravas now knew that Jayadratha had become Arjuna’s target.

They would do everything possible to protect him.

13. Krishna Stands Beside Arjuna

Krishna understood the seriousness of Arjuna’s vow.

The next day would be extremely difficult.

The Kauravas would create strong defensive formations around Jayadratha.

Arjuna would have to break through them before sunset.

Krishna promised to guide Arjuna through the battlefield.

The battle would become one of the fiercest days of the entire war.

The Tragedy of Abhimanyu

Abhimanyu’s story is remembered for his courage, determination and sacrifice.

He knew that entering the Chakravyuha was dangerous.

Yet he stepped forward when the Pandava army needed a warrior.

His story became one of the most emotional episodes of the Mahabharata.

But his death also changed Arjuna.

The next day, Arjuna’s entire focus would be on one goal:

Jayadratha must fall before sunset.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 20 – Arjuna’s Vow and the Fall of Jayadratha.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Abhimanyu?

Abhimanyu was the son of Arjuna and Subhadra and a nephew of Krishna.

What is Chakravyuha?

Chakravyuha was a complex circular battle formation designed to make entry and escape extremely difficult.

Did Abhimanyu know how to enter the Chakravyuha?

Yes. He knew how to enter the formation, but according to the traditional story, he did not know the complete method of escaping from it.

Who stopped the Pandavas from following Abhimanyu?

Jayadratha prevented the Pandavas from entering the formation.

What happened to Abhimanyu?

He fought bravely inside the Chakravyuha but was eventually defeated after being surrounded by Kaurava warriors.

What vow did Arjuna make?

Arjuna vowed to kill Jayadratha before sunset the following day, or else enter the fire.

August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 18

Bhishma Leads the Kaurava Army – The First Days of Kurukshetra

The Bhagavad Gita had ended.

Arjuna had picked up his Gandiva.

Krishna was ready to guide him.

Now there was no turning back.

The great Kurukshetra War had begun.

On the Kaurava side, the first commander of the massive army was Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kuru dynasty.

1. Bhishma Becomes Commander

Duryodhana had great confidence in Bhishma.

Bhishma was one of the greatest warriors of his time.

He had immense experience and knew the strengths and weaknesses of the Kuru warriors.

Duryodhana therefore appointed Bhishma as the commander of the Kaurava army.

Bhishma accepted the responsibility.

But there was one important condition.

He would fight for the Kaurava side, yet he would not kill the Pandavas.

2. The First Day of War

The armies formed their battle formations.

Warriors blew their conches.

The battlefield shook with the sound of weapons, horses and war elephants.

The first day of the Kurukshetra War began.

Arjuna, Bhima and the other Pandava warriors entered the battle.

Bhishma fought with extraordinary power.

His arrows moved across the battlefield like a storm.

3. Bhishma’s Power on the Battlefield

Bhishma was extremely difficult to stop.

He attacked the Pandava army with great speed.

Many soldiers were defeated by his weapons.

The Pandavas realized that Bhishma’s presence was going to be one of their greatest challenges.

Even though Bhishma loved the Pandavas, he was bound by his duty to the Kuru throne.

He continued fighting.

4. Arjuna Faces Bhishma

Arjuna was forced to fight the grandfather he respected deeply.

This was emotionally difficult for him.

Bhishma also loved Arjuna.

Yet both warriors understood their responsibilities on the battlefield.

Their arrows clashed.

The battlefield became filled with the sound of their weapons.

Krishna guided Arjuna’s chariot through the intense battle.

5. Krishna Becomes Angry

During the battle, Bhishma fought with tremendous power.

Arjuna was not attacking Bhishma with his full strength because of his emotional attachment to him.

Krishna became frustrated.

He felt that Arjuna needed to fight with determination.

At one point, Krishna became so angry that he jumped from the chariot and moved toward Bhishma.

He appeared ready to attack.

6. Bhishma Welcomes Krishna

Bhishma was not frightened.

Instead, he was filled with devotion.

He welcomed the sight of Krishna approaching him.

Bhishma had immense love and devotion toward Krishna.

Arjuna quickly stopped Krishna and requested him to return to the chariot.

Krishna calmed down.

The moment demonstrated the intense emotions surrounding the war.

7. The Battle Continues

The fighting continued for several days.

Both sides suffered enormous losses.

The Pandavas fought with determination.

The Kauravas fought under Bhishma’s leadership.

Duryodhana became increasingly concerned.

Although the Kaurava army was larger, the Pandavas were fighting with great skill.

Duryodhana wanted Bhishma to defeat the Pandavas quickly.

8. Duryodhana Questions Bhishma

Duryodhana became frustrated with the progress of the war.

He believed that Bhishma was not fighting with enough determination against the Pandavas.

Bhishma was deeply offended by this accusation.

He reminded Duryodhana that he was fighting with all his strength.

Bhishma then promised to fight even more fiercely.

9. Bhishma’s Devastating Attack

Bhishma entered the battlefield with renewed determination.

He attacked the Pandava forces with tremendous power.

The Pandava army struggled to withstand him.

Many warriors were defeated.

The Pandavas understood that they needed a strategy to stop Bhishma.

Simply fighting him directly was not enough.

10. The Secret About Bhishma

The Pandavas knew that Bhishma had an important weakness.

He had taken a vow that he would not fight a person whom he considered a woman.

There was a warrior named Shikhandi who had a connection to Bhishma’s past.

The Pandavas realized that Shikhandi could play an important role in defeating Bhishma.

A plan began to form.

11. The Tenth Day Approaches

The battle continued.

By the tenth day, Bhishma had become the greatest obstacle for the Pandavas.

The Pandavas needed to stop him.

Krishna and the Pandavas discussed the plan.

Arjuna would stand behind Shikhandi.

Bhishma would refuse to fight Shikhandi directly.

This would give Arjuna an opportunity to attack.

12. Bhishma Falls

On the tenth day, the plan was carried out.

Shikhandi stood before Bhishma.

Bhishma lowered his weapons.

Arjuna then released a powerful shower of arrows.

The arrows struck Bhishma.

The great warrior finally fell from his chariot.

But he did not touch the ground.

His body was supported by the countless arrows that had pierced him.

This became known as the Arrow Bed of Bhishma.

13. Bhishma Chooses His Time of Death

Bhishma possessed a special boon that allowed him to choose the time of his death.

Therefore, even after falling onto the arrow bed, he remained alive.

The Pandavas approached him with respect.

The Kauravas also came to see him.

Bhishma continued to give valuable advice.

He would remain alive until the appropriate time came for him to leave the world.

14. A New Commander Takes Charge

With Bhishma no longer able to fight, the Kauravas needed another commander.

Drona, the teacher of both the Pandavas and Kauravas, became the next commander of the Kaurava army.

The war was far from over.

In fact, the battles were about to become even more dangerous.

Drona had his own strategies.

And one of those strategies would lead to one of the most tragic events of the entire Mahabharata.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 19 – Abhimanyu and the Chakravyuha.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first commander of the Kaurava army?

Bhishma was the first commander.

How many days did Bhishma command the Kaurava army?

Bhishma commanded the Kaurava army for the first ten days of the Kurukshetra War.

Why did Bhishma fall?

Arjuna attacked Bhishma while Shikhandi stood before him. Bhishma chose not to fight Shikhandi directly.

Did Bhishma die immediately?

No. Because of his boon, Bhishma remained alive on his bed of arrows and could choose the time of his death.

Who became commander after Bhishma?

Drona became the next commander of the Kaurava army.

August 26, 2026
MAHA BHARATHAM – PART 17
Kurukshetra War Begins – Arjuna’s Crisis and the Bhagavad Gita

The peace mission had failed.

The Pandavas and Kauravas were now ready for war.

The armies of both sides gathered at Kurukshetra.

The battlefield was filled with great warriors, powerful weapons and thousands of soldiers.

But just before the battle began, Arjuna faced a deep emotional crisis.

He looked across the battlefield and saw his own relatives, teachers and friends standing against him.

He could no longer think about victory.

He only thought about the terrible destruction the war would cause.

1. The Armies Gather at Kurukshetra

The two armies assembled on the battlefield.

The Pandavas had a powerful army.

The Kauravas had an even larger army.

Great warriors stood on both sides.

On the Kaurava side were warriors such as:
- Bhishma
- Drona
- Karna
- Kripacharya
- Ashwatthama
- Duryodhana
On the Pandava side were:
- Yudhishthira
- Bhima
- Arjuna
- Nakula
- Sahadeva
- Drishtadyumna
- Shikhandi
- Satyaki
The battlefield was ready.

2. Duryodhana Looks at the Pandava Army

Duryodhana looked at the Pandava army.

He saw many powerful warriors standing against him.

He went to his teacher Drona and pointed out the important warriors on the opposing side.

Duryodhana knew that the battle would be extremely difficult.

The armies were waiting for the signal to begin.

3. Bhishma Blows His Conch

Bhishma, the great elder of the Kuru dynasty, gave the signal for the battle.

He blew his mighty conch.

The sound echoed across the battlefield.

Other warriors then blew their own conches and sounded their war instruments.

The entire battlefield became filled with a tremendous sound.

The war was about to begin.

4. Krishna Drives Arjuna’s Chariot

Arjuna’s chariot was driven by Krishna.

Arjuna asked Krishna to take the chariot between the two armies.

He wanted to see the warriors he would have to fight.

Krishna moved the chariot to a position where Arjuna could clearly see the Kaurava army.

Arjuna looked carefully at the people standing before him.

Then his heart began to change.

5. Arjuna Sees His Family

Arjuna saw Bhishma.

He saw Drona.

He saw his cousins.

He saw relatives, friends and other people he respected.

These were not strangers.

They were members of his own family.

Arjuna suddenly understood the enormous cost of the war.

His confidence disappeared.

He no longer wanted victory.

6. Arjuna’s Bow Slips From His Hands

Arjuna became overwhelmed with emotion.

His body began trembling.

His famous bow, Gandiva, slipped from his hands.

He told Krishna that he could not fight.

How could he kill his own relatives?

How could he fight the teachers who had taught him?

What would victory mean if the people he loved were dead?

Arjuna was caught between his emotions and his duty.

7. Arjuna Questions the Meaning of Victory

Arjuna told Krishna that he did not desire a kingdom obtained through the deaths of his own family.

He questioned whether victory was worth such suffering.

He feared the destruction of families and traditions.

His mind was filled with doubt.

Finally, Arjuna told Krishna that he did not know what the right decision was.

He asked Krishna to guide him.

This moment marked the beginning of one of the most famous spiritual conversations in Indian tradition.

8. Krishna Begins His Teaching

Krishna began explaining the deeper meaning of life, duty and the self.

He reminded Arjuna that the body is temporary, while the Atman, the inner self, is eternal.

Death does not destroy the eternal self.

Krishna therefore asked Arjuna to understand life beyond the physical body.

Arjuna listened carefully.

His confusion had not disappeared yet.

But Krishna’s teaching had begun to change his understanding.

9. The Path of Karma Yoga

Krishna explained the importance of Karma Yoga.

A person should perform their duty without becoming attached to the results.

Arjuna’s responsibility was to perform his duty as a warrior.

He should not fight because of hatred or personal desire.

He should act according to dharma.

This teaching helped Arjuna understand that action and intention were both important.

10. The Importance of Dharma

Krishna explained that every person has responsibilities.

Avoiding one’s duty simply because it is difficult is not always the path of righteousness.

Arjuna had to understand his role.

His challenge was not simply to win a war.

He had to act according to dharma while remaining free from selfish attachment.

This was one of the central ideas of Krishna’s teaching.

11. The Path of Knowledge

Krishna also explained the importance of knowledge.

A person who understands the difference between the temporary body and the eternal self can overcome fear and confusion.

True knowledge helps a person understand reality more clearly.

Arjuna slowly began to see his situation from a deeper perspective.

His mind became calmer.

12. Krishna’s Divine Form

As the teaching continued, Arjuna wanted to understand Krishna’s true nature.

Krishna granted him divine vision.

Arjuna then witnessed the Vishwaroopa, the cosmic form of Krishna.

He saw an immense divine manifestation beyond ordinary human understanding.

The vision filled Arjuna with wonder and fear.

He realized that Krishna was far more than an ordinary friend or charioteer.

13. Arjuna’s Confusion Begins to Disappear

After listening to Krishna’s teachings, Arjuna’s mind became clearer.

He understood that he could not simply run away from his responsibility.

He had to act according to dharma.

Krishna did not force Arjuna to make a decision.

Instead, he explained different paths and allowed Arjuna to understand them.

Arjuna eventually regained his determination.

He picked up his Gandiva again.

14. The Bhagavad Gita Ends and the War Begins

The great conversation between Krishna and Arjuna had come to an end.

Arjuna was ready.

His doubts had been overcome.

He accepted his responsibility and prepared to fight.

The armies stood waiting.

The conches sounded again.

The Kurukshetra war was about to begin.

The teachings Krishna gave Arjuna would become known as the Bhagavad Gita.

The Great War Begins

The conflict that had been building for years had finally reached the battlefield.

The Pandavas were fighting for their rightful kingdom.

The Kauravas were determined to hold their power.

The first warrior to command the Kaurava army would be Bhishma.

His presence would make the first days of the war extremely difficult for the Pandavas.

The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 18 – Bhishma’s Command and the First Days of Kurukshetra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Arjuna refuse to fight?

Arjuna became overwhelmed after seeing his relatives, teachers and friends on the opposing side.

Who was driving Arjuna’s chariot?

Krishna was Arjuna’s charioteer.

What is the Bhagavad Gita?

The Bhagavad Gita is the spiritual dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

What did Krishna teach Arjuna?

Krishna taught Arjuna about dharma, karma, knowledge, devotion, the eternal self and the proper way to perform one’s duty.

What is Vishwaroopa?

Vishwaroopa is the cosmic form of Krishna that Arjuna was allowed to witness through divine vision.

Did Arjuna finally agree to fight?

Yes. After Krishna’s teachings, Arjuna overcame his confusion and prepared to perform his duty.
August 26, 2026