Night 13 - Aftermath of Abhimanyu's Fall

The Pandavas, bloodied and exhausted, retreated to their camp as the sun set, marking the transition between day and night.

The battlefield was strewn with the dead: warriors, chariots, elephants, horses, and all their weapons and ornaments, creating a scene both beautiful and terrifying.

Carrion-eating animals, dogs, jackals, birds, wolves, and Rakshasas descended on the battlefield, feeding on the fallen, adding to the horror.

A river of blood, likened to the Vaitarani, flowed through the field, formed by the bodies and gore of men and beasts, with weapons and debris floating like garlands.

This macabre scene inspired terror even in the living warriors, as they departed, mourning and awed by the death of Abhimanyu, whose body lay amidst the carnage like a sacrificial fire extinguished, marking the immense destruction wrought in that battle. Yudhishthira’s Grief Over Abhimanyu’s Death

After Abhimanyu’s death, the Pandava warriors, overcome with sorrow, set aside their weapons and gathered around King Yudhishthira, who mourned deeply for his slain nephew.

Yudhishthira lamented that Abhimanyu, still a youth, had bravely pierced Drona’s mighty formation, defeating many seasoned warriors including Duhsasana, only to fall in battle against overwhelming odds. He felt personally responsible for sending the boy into such peril, calling it an act born of greed and blindness to danger.

He mourned the grief that would now befall Arjuna and Subhadra, dreading how he could face them after causing such a loss. In sorrow, he described Arjuna’s noble virtues and unmatched heroism, noting the tragedy that even the son of such a great warrior could not be protected.

Finally, Yudhishthira foresaw the wrath of Arjuna, predicting that in vengeance for Abhimanyu, Arjuna would annihilate the Kaurava army, and that Duryodhana, realizing the doom he had brought upon his kin, would ultimately perish in despair.

Day 13 - Abhimanyu's Valour

After a crushing day in which Drona’s force routed many Pandava divisions, the defeated Kaurava troops withdrew in shame and silence. The next morning, Duryodhana angrily reproached Drona for failing to capture Yudhishthira. Drona replied that Arjuna’s presence made it impossible and urged a plan to draw Arjuna away so that Yudhishthira could be seized.

The Samsaptakas (suicidal Trigarta warriors) again lured Arjuna south, and a titanic duel followed. Meanwhile, Drona formed an almost “impenetrable” circular battle-array. Abhimanyu, the young son of Arjuna, broke into that ring and fought brilliantly, slaughtering thousands. Eventually, he was overwhelmed by several veteran Kaurava heroes acting together (including Duhsasana’s son), and Subhadra’s son (Abhimanyu) was slain. Dhritarashtra, horrified that so brave a young warrior was killed, asked Sanjaya to explain exactly how the boy was trapped and slain: Sanjaya first extolled the unmatched virtues, prowess, and character of the Pandavas and Krishna, then praised Abhimanyu as embodying all their combined qualities, equal in firmness to Yudhishthira, conduct to Krishna, valor to Bhima, beauty and skill to Arjuna, and humility to Nakula and Sahadeva.

At Dhritarashtra’s request to know how Abhimanyu was slain, Sanjaya began his account:
Drona arranged a vast and formidable circular battle formation, filled with kings and warriors equal to gods, all adorned in red with golden standards and ornaments. Ten thousand skilled bowmen, led by Duryodhana’s son Lakshmana, advanced against Abhimanyu with unity and resolve. Duryodhana stood at the center, guarded by Karna, Duhsasana, and Kripa, while Drona led the host. On one flank stood Jayadratha, protected by Ashvatthama, Duryodhana’s thirty sons, Shakuni, Shalya, and Bhurisrava.

Thus began the fierce, death-seeking clash between the Kaurava host and Abhimanyu.

Day 12 - Arjuna Slays Bhagdatta

Arjuna saw the chaos caused by Bhagadatta on Supratika and told Shrikrishna that only the two of them can stop him.

He vowed to kill Bhagadatta that very day.

Shrikrishna turned the chariot towards the Pragjyotisha king. The Samsaptaka Challenge

As Arjuna moved to aid his brothers against Drona, Susharma and the Trigartas attacked him from behind.

Torn between fighting them or helping his army, Arjuna chose to engage the Samsaptakas.

The Samsaptakas showered thousands of arrows, obscuring Arjuna, Shrikrishna, and the chariot. Shrikrishna got hurt under the assault.

Arjuna responded with the Brahma weapon, devastating the enemy:
Hundreds of arms, still gripping weapons, were severed.
Heads and standards fell everywhere.
Elephants and horses were slain in heaps.
The battlefield blazed with his fury.

The sheer carnage amazed all onlookers; Shrikrishna himself marveled, saying even the gods (Indra, Yama, Kubera) couldn’t have done better.

Day 1 - The Battle Begins (Bhishma Parva)

As the battle of Kurukshetra was about to begin, Sanjaya described the powerful atmosphere on the battlefield. Arjuna, taking up his bow Gandiva, inspired the Pandava army to shout in triumph. Celestial beings, gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and Rishis, gathered in the sky to witness the momentous war. King Yudhishthira then did something unexpected: he descended from his chariot, removed his armour and weapons, and walked towards the Kaurava army, hands folded.

Startled, his brothers, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva, questioned his actions. ShriKrishna reassured them: Yudhishthira was going to pay his respects to his elders, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and others, before beginning the battle. According to ancient tradition, seeking blessings from elders, even opponents is believed to ensure victory. As Yudhishthira walked through the Kaurava ranks, some warriors mocked him, thinking he was surrendering out of fear. However, he reached Bhishma, bowed at his feet, and requested his permission to engage in battle and his blessing. Bhishma, pleased, blessed him and offered a boon. Yudhishthira asked how Bhishma might be defeated, but Bhishma said he was invincible until the destined time of his death arrived.

Yudhishthira repeated this act with Drona, Kripa, and Shalya. Each elder responded similarly; they must fight for the Kauravas due to loyalty and obligations, but they were moved by Yudhishthira’s humility and promised to pray for his victory. Drona hinted that he could only be defeated if he abandoned his weapons and became mentally detached, which could happen only if he heard something extremely distressing.

When Yudhishthira met Shalya, he asked him to demoralize Karna during their future encounters. Shalya agreed. Meanwhile, ShriKrishna attempted to recruit Karna to the Pandava side until Bhishma fell, but Karna refused, stating unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana.

Finally, Yuyutsu, a son of Dhritarashtra by a Vaishya wife, defected from the Kaurava side to join the Pandavas, gaining their acceptance and honour. The Pandavas then prepared for battle, celebrated and admired by all; kings, soldiers, and even the common people, for their righteousness, humility, and respect for dharma.

Bhagwan Parashuram vs Bhishma

Amba pleaded with Rama (Parashurama) to avenge her humiliation by slaying Bhishma, whom she blamed for her misery. Rama initially refused, stating he only took up arms for Brahmanas and the Vedas, but assured her he would help through persuasion.

Encouraged by the sage Akritavrana, who reminded Rama of his past vows—to protect the helpless and to fight any warrior who defeated all Kshatriyas—Rama agreed to confront Bhishma.

Determined, Rama decided to first attempt peace, but vowed to fight Bhishma if he refused. With Amba and a group of ascetics, Rama set out for Kurukshetra to fulfill his word. When Parashurama arrived near Hastinapura and summoned Bhishma, the grandsire respectfully visited him. Rama angrily questioned why Bhishma abducted Amba and then rejected her, rendering her unmarriageable. He commanded Bhishma to marry her and restore her honor.

Bhishma refused, citing his vow of celibacy and Kshatriya dharma. He insisted Amba had already declared her love for Salva, and he had let her go. Despite Bhishma’s appeals and respectful reasoning, Rama, enraged, insisted on battle.

Bhishma reminded Rama that he is his teacher and a Brahmana, and he would not fight him unless provoked. But since Rama insisted and now acted like a Kshatriya taking up arms, Bhishma accepted the challenge. He warned Rama of his own prowess and vowed to break the pride that Rama had long held from defeating Kshatriyas of the past; declaring himself their equal, even superior.

The conversation between Shurpanakha and Ravana is captured in Sargas 32, 33, and 34 of Shri Valmiki Ramayana. The details offered in the epic leave very little room for any assumption. So here I will attempt to reproduce what is written by Shri Valmiki without any bias for you to judge the whole conversation for yourself.

After Khara and Dushana, along with their army of fourteen thousand rakshasas, were killed by Shriram, Shurpanakha went to Lanka. Before she spoke any words to her brother, Shri Valmiki describes what Shurpanakha saw on her brother, in a way that reflects Shurpanakha's opinion of her brother. After describing Ravana's physical appearance, the epic says the following: सर्व दिव्य अस्त्र योक्तारम् यज्ञ विघ्न करम् सदा |
पुरीम् भोगवतीम् गत्वा पराजित्य च वासुकिम् || ३-३२-१३
तक्षकस्य प्रियाम् भार्याम् पराजित्य जहार यः |

He who is a marksman of every divine missile, and an ever interdictor of Vedic-rituals, and who on going to the city named Bhogavati, the capital of Naga-s, and on defeating Vaasuki, the King of Serpents, has abducted the dear wife of Taksha on molesting her, and Shuurpanakha saw such a molester of others' wives. [3-32-13, 14a]

कैलासम् पर्वतम् गत्वा विजित्य नर वाहनम् || ३-३२-१४
विमानम् पुष्पकम् तस्य कामगम् वै जहार यः |

On going to Mt. Kailash he who has defeated the god who uses humans as his vehicle, namely Kubera, and snatched away his aircraft, namely Pushpaka, which aircraft transits at the wish of its steersman, and Shuurpanakha saw such a grabber of others' possessions. [3-32-14b, 15a]

वनम् चैत्ररथम् दिव्यम् नलिनीम् नंदनम् वनम् || ३-३२-१५
विनाशयति यः क्रोधात् देव उद्यानानि वीर्यवान् |

He who enviously devastated the divine gardens of Kubera, called Caitraratha, along with a divine Lake of Lotuses pertaining to the same Kubera, called Pushkarini, and the gardens of Indra, called Nandana, along with other paradisiacal gardens of gods, Shuurpanakha saw such an envious demon. [3-32-15b, 16a]

Bhishma's Assessment (Ratha-Atiratha Classification)

Bhishma, after invoking the blessings of Kumara Kartikeya, confidently assured Duryodhana that he is fully capable of leading the Kaurava army. He expressed deep knowledge of military science, formations, and tactics, claiming he will defeat the Pandavas.

Duryodhana, elated and confident, stated that he had no fear even if the gods and demons unite against him, since Bhishma and Drona were on his side. He then requested Bhishma to identify who among the warriors of both armies are Rathas (great warriors) and Atirathas (superior warriors). Bhishma began his classification:

Duryodhana and his brothers (like Dussasana) were all skilled Rathas: proficient with weapons, elephants, and chariots, and trained under Drona and Kripa.

Bhishma himself identified as the commander and a warrior beyond the need for self-description.

Kritavarman (Bhoja chief) was an Atiratha, capable of annihilating enemies like Indra does the demons.

Shalya, King of Madra, also an Atiratha, was a mighty archer who compared himself to Shrikrishna in battle prowess.

Bhurisravas, son of Somadatta, was a formidable leader of chariot divisions, well-trained and dangerous.

Jayadratha, King of Sindhu, was considered equal to two Rathas. He harboured deep resentment against the Pandavas for humiliating him during Draupadi’s abduction. Having performed intense austerities, he had received a boon to challenge them and was determined to fight to the death.

Duryodhana Sends Uluka to Taunt Pandava

Duryodhana, on the eve of the Kurukshetra war, sends a provocative and arrogant message through his envoy Uluka (Shakuni's son) to the Pandavas, especially targeting Yudhishthira and Arjuna. He mocks the Pandavas’ past hardships, their exile, and their apparent humiliation, calling out their past servitude and disguises during their time in exile.

Duryodhana ridicules the moral posturing of Yudhishthira, comparing him to a hypocritical cat pretending to be pious while preying on innocent mice (a story borrowed from a tale told by Narada). He accuses the Pandavas of false humility and righteousness, urging them to fight as true Kshatriyas if they desire their lost kingdom. He issues personal taunts to each Pandava:

Yudhishthira is called out for begging for five villages and abandoning Kshatriya conduct.

Bhima is mocked for his vow to drink Dussasana’s blood and called a failed cook.

Nakula and Sahadeva are challenged to demonstrate their loyalty and strength in battle.

Drupada and Virata are derided as former servants now aiming to defeat a king.

Dhrishtadyumna is warned that he is fated to die at Drona’s hands.

Shikhandin is mocked for being born a woman and thus unable to harm Bhishma.

To Shrikrishna, Duryodhana dares him to uphold his own words of giving the Pandavas victory, challenging him to aid Arjuna in battle. He accuses Krishna of relying on illusion and deceit, and boasts that even a thousand Krishnas and Arjunas cannot stand against him.

He questions Arjuna’s bravery, reminding him that he was once a slave won in dice and survived exile only because of Draupadi and Krishna. He accuses him of being all talk and no action, and challenges him to back his boasts with deeds in battle. Duryodhana ends his speech with a scathing and elaborate metaphor, comparing his own army to a vast, invincible ocean filled with legendary warriors, implying that the Pandavas will be consumed by it.

The Armies Prepare

After Shrikrishna returned from his unsuccessful peace mission to Hastinapura, Yudhishthira, preparing for the inevitable war, called upon his brothers to arrange the battle formation. He announced the names of seven mighty warriors to command the seven Akshauhinis of the Pandava army: Drupada, Virata, Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Satyaki, Chekitana, Bhima

Yudhishthira then invited suggestions for the supreme commander (generalissimo) of the army.

Sahadeva recommended Virata, praising his strength, virtues, and support to the Pandavas.

Nakula suggested Drupada, highlighting his royal lineage, learning, and old rivalry with Drona.

Arjuna nominated Dhrishtadyumna, emphasizing his miraculous birth for Drona’s destruction and unmatched skills in warfare.

Bhima supported Shikhandi, citing the prophecy that only Shikhandi could bring down Bhishma, who otherwise is invincible.

Finally, Yudhishthira deferred the decision to Shrikrishna, acknowledging him as their true guide and divine protector.

Shrikrishna praised all the proposed leaders but ultimately named Dhrishtadyumna as the supreme commander, as he was born to slay Drona. He declared the Pandava army mighty and invincible and asserted that war is now the only way to reclaim their rightful share from the obstinate Kauravas. After Shrikrishna named Dhrishtadyumna as the supreme commander of the Pandava army, all the monarchs present erupted in joy, and a great shout of approval echoed across the camp. The Pandava forces began mobilizing with immense energy and excitement. The noise of conches, drums, war cries, the neighing of horses, and roars of elephants created a thunderous din, filling the air like a surging river in flood.

Leading the army were:

Bhima, followed by

Nakula and Sahadeva (sons of Madri),

Abhimanyu (son of Subhadra and Arjuna),

The five sons of Draupadi,

And Dhrishtadyumna, the commander.

Behind them marched the powerful forces of the Panchalas and Prabhadrakas, creating a deafening tumult like the roar of the ocean on a new moon night.

Yudhishthira followed with:

Supply wagons,

Food stores, tents, transport animals,

Camp followers, physicians, and the infirm.

Draupadi and other royal ladies stayed behind in Upaplavya, protected by designated soldiers.

The full army included:

Forty thousand chariots,

Two hundred thousand horsemen,

Four hundred thousand foot soldiers,

And sixty thousand elephants, with support from allies like the Kekayas, Dhrishtaketu, Shikhandi, Chekitana, and Satyaki.

Once they arrived at Kurukshetra, the Pandava army formed up in battle array. They blew their conch shells, led by Shrikrishna’s Panchajanya and Arjuna’s Devadatta, whose thunderous sound filled the heavens and the earth with joy and determination.

Kunti's message for her sons

In the dim corridors of Vidura's palace, where hope clung like the last rays of a dying sun, Shrikrishna stood before Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. His peace mission to Hastinapura had failed. War was now inevitable. But before he returned to Upaplavya, Kunti had one request.

“Tell Yudhishthira a story,” she said. “Tell him of Vidula.” Long ago, in a kingdom now forgotten, there lived a noblewoman named Vidula, renowned for her wisdom and fierce adherence to Kshatriya dharma. She was not gentle, nor did she seek to be. Her words were forged like steel—forged for truth, not for comfort.

Her son, Sanjaya, once a proud prince, returned home defeated from battle. His enemy, the King of Sindhu, had crushed his forces. Broken in spirit, Sanjaya lay in silence, cloaked not in armor, but in shame. He did not speak. He did not rise.

Vidula, however, did not mourn. She burned.

Shrikrishna speaks to Duryodhana

Dhritarashtra acknowledged the wisdom of Narada’s counsel and expressed his agreement with Shrikrishna's virtuous advice. However, he admitted his helplessness in restraining his obstinate son, Duryodhana, who refused to heed anyone’s advice—not his parents, not the wise Vidura, nor elders like Bhishma.

Dhritarashtra pleaded with Shrikrishna to personally persuade Duryodhana to seek peace with the Pandavas. Shrikrishna, wise and persuasive, then addressed Duryodhana directly, urging him to abandon his pride and hostility.

Shrikrishna reminded Duryodhana of his noble birth, his duties, and the wisdom of choosing virtue and peace over desire and destruction. He warned that his current path—fuelled by ego and the influence of wicked advisors—would only lead to ruin, both for himself and the Kaurava dynasty.

Shrikrishna emphasized that the Pandavas, though wronged, had remained generous and righteous. Peace with them would bring prosperity and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. The might of Arjuna (supported by Shrikrishna himself) was unmatched—even by divine beings—and war would only end in disaster for the Kauravas.

He urged Duryodhana to accept peace, share the kingdom with the Pandavas, and thereby secure honour, safety, and lasting happiness for himself and his family. Otherwise, Duryodhana risked becoming the destroyer of his own race. Following Shrikrishna's impassioned plea for peace, the great elders and counsellors of the Kuru court—Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, and finally King Dhritarashtra—all urged Duryodhana to abandon his destructive pride and reconcile with the Pandavas.

Bhishma supported Shrikrishna’s advice and urged Duryodhana to embrace peace for the sake of virtue, prosperity, and family. Pitamaha Warned that by rejecting wise counsel, Duryodhana would destroy the Kuru race, his father’s legacy, and his own life. He urged him not to act out of wrath and arrogance, which would only bring ruin.

Drona reinforced Shrikrishna’s and Bhishma’s advice as wise and beneficial. He warned that the forces led by Krishna and Arjuna were invincible. He advised Duryodhana not to be misled by those who merely flatter him but would abandon him in war. Drona declared that if Duryodhana rejected this guidance, he would regret it but left the final choice to him.

Vidura expressed no sorrow for Duryodhana but pity for his parents, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, who would suffer due to their son's ruinous path. He predicted that after Duryodhana's fall, his parents would be left helpless and disgraced.

Dhritarashtra echoed Shrikrishna’s call for peace, acknowledging its wisdom and benefit. He urged Duryodhana to reconcile with Yudhishthira and the Pandavas through Shrikrishna’s mediation. He warned that if Duryodhana ignored Shrikrishna’s counsel, he would never attain victory.

Matali's Quest for a Son-in-law

After Bhagwan Parashurama spoke, the sage Kanva addressed Duryodhana, urging peace and offering a perspective grounded in spiritual wisdom.

He reminded Duryodhana that Brahman, along with the divine Rishis Nara and Narayana and the deity Vishnu, is eternal and indestructible. All other beings—gods, celestial bodies, humans, animals—are mortal and subject to cyclical creation and destruction. Even powerful kings, after enjoying prosperity, perish and are reborn to reap the fruits of their actions.

Kanva emphasized that one should not rely on mere physical strength, since true strength is found in virtue, wisdom, and humility—qualities the Pandavas possess. He advised Duryodhana to make peace with Yudhishthira and share the earth, as conflict would lead only to ruin.

To illustrate his point, Kanva began the story of Matali, Indra’s charioteer, who sought a worthy husband for his beautiful daughter Gunakesi. Though he searched across all races—gods, demons, Gandharvas, men, and sages—he found no one suitable. In despair, he resolved to search among the Nagas (serpent beings), believing perhaps a worthy match could be found there. Varunaloka

Sage Kanva narrated how Matali, Indra’s charioteer, journeyed to find a suitable husband for his daughter Gunakesi. On the way, he met the great sage Narada, who, after learning of Matali’s quest, decided to accompany him to the netherworld (Patala), where they could seek eligible suitors among the Nagas.

Together, they visited Varuna, the god of waters, who welcomed them warmly. With his permission, they explored the Naga regions, guided by Narada, who described the many marvels of the realm:

Pushkara, Varuna’s wise and handsome son, was highlighted for his virtues and was married to Jyotsnakali, the daughter of Soma.

They passed by golden abodes, celestial wine (Varuni), and legendary weapons once wielded by the Daityas (demons) but now in the possession of the gods.

Among the armaments, Narada showed a great bow created by Brahma, the bow wielded by Arjuna currently—so powerful it could punish wicked kings like Rakshasas.

They also saw Varuna’s mystical umbrella, which emitted invisible, moon-like water.

Narada praised the mystical, divine artifacts and warriors in the realm but reminded Matali that they must not linger too long, or his important mission might be delayed.

Bhagwan Parashuram in Hastinapura Assembly

Following Shrikrishna’s powerful plea for peace, the assembly was stunned into silence, overwhelmed by the depth and gravity of his words. No one dared to respond—until the great sage-warrior Parashurama (Rama, son of Jamadagni) addressed Duryodhana with a parable meant to teach humility and righteousness. Bhagwan Parashurama recounted the story of King Dambhodbhava, a mighty and proud monarch who once ruled the entire earth. Arrogant and boastful, he routinely challenged all classes of people—Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and others—asking if anyone could equal him in battle.

Despite warnings from wise Brahmanas to abandon his pride, he persisted. Eventually, they told him of two unmatched sages—Nara and Narayana—practicing penance in the Gandhamadana mountains.

Shrikrishna's Speech in the Kaurava Assembly

After a solemn silence settled in the royal court, Shrikrishna rose and delivered a powerful, reasoned appeal to King Dhritarashtra, urging peace between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

He reminded the king of his noble lineage and the moral legacy of the Kuru dynasty, which emphasized virtues such as compassion, truth, and justice. Shrikrishna warned that Duryodhana and his brothers, blinded by greed, had abandoned righteousness and placed the entire kingdom on the brink of catastrophic war. Shrikrishna emphasized that peace was still possible and lay within Dhritarashtra’s power. If the king restrained his sons, Shrikrishna promised to ensure the Pandavas' cooperation as well. Uniting both sides, he said, would result in unmatched strength and prosperity. No enemy—earthly or celestial—could defeat such a union.

He stressed that war would only bring widespread destruction and sorrow for both sides, with no true victory. The assembled kings would suffer; civilization itself was at risk. Instead of battle, Shrikrishna envisioned a world where the rival cousins reconciled, dined together, and ruled in harmony.

Chronicles of Brihannala - Part 4

Arjuna asked Uttara to stop the chariot at a distance where his arrows could reach the Kuru ranks. He then scanned the entire formation of the Hastinapur army and saw his grandfather, his preceptors, and the preceptor's son, Radheya, but no Duryodhana. Arjuna suspected that Duryodhana had left with the cattle through the southern road and asked Uttara to ignore the array in front of them and turn the chariot towards where Duryodhana had gone.

Kripa sensing Arjuna's intention urged everyone to rush to Duryodhana's aid before he became a victim of Arjuna's rage.

Meanwhile, Arjuna caught up with the division of the army accompanying Duryodhana. He announced his arrival and started showering them with arrows. Experiencing the shower of arrows from Arjuna, they all froze in fear. The cattle turned back and started moving towards Matsya. After rescuing the cows while Arjuna was looking for Duryodhana, a portion of Hastinapur army arrived in time for his aid. Arjuna instructed Uttara to forget about Duryodhana and look for Karna instead. Uttara swiftly moved the chariot towards Karna. Citrasena, Sangramajit, Satrusaha and Jaya, came in support of Karna. While Arjuna was countering their arrows, Vikarna approached them on his chariot. Arjuna broke Vikarna's bow and cut off his flagstaff making him flee from the battle.

After Vikarna, Shatruntapa attacked Arjuna. He was no match for Arjuna and fell victim to Arjuna's arrows. Arjuna then killed the horses of Karna's brother Sangramajit and then cut off his head with a crescent-shaped arrow.

Pandava Pravesha - Pandava enter Virat's Kingdom

Pandava decided to enter the Matsya kingdom separately to avoid arousing any suspicion. Yudhishthira was the first to enter. He approached the king in his court and said that he was a brahmin, who had lost everything and he had come there seeking livelihood.

King Virat welcomed him and asked him about his background. Yudhishthira told him that he was a brahmin named Kanka and he used to be a companion of king Yudhishthira and would entertain him by playing the game of dice with him.

King Virat was very pleased to have someone skilled in the game of dice in his court. He asked Kanka if he had any conditions for serving in his court. Kanka replied that people should not get into an argument with him and he should be allowed the keep the wealth won during the dice games. The king agreed and allowed Kanka a respectable seat in his court. Next to enter was Bhima, dressed as a cook wearing black clothes. He entered the king's court and introduced himself. He told Virat that his name was Ballava and he was a cook, who was an expert in cooking various dishes. He added that he used to cook for King Yudhishthira in the past and was looking for work. Bhima also told the king that he was an skilled wrestler.

King Virat made him the incharge of his kitchen responsible to oversee the other staff working there.

The Tale of Mudgala: The Sage Who Refused to go to Heaven

Once during Pandava's exile their grandfather Ved Vyasa visited them. His righteous grandchildren's misery made him really sad. He blessed Pandava and taught them about the virtue to charity by narrating the story of Mudgala.

This is that story. The Sage of Kurukshetra

Mudgala, a pious sage, resided in Kurukshetra. He was known for his truthfulness, self-restraint, and generosity. He lived by the Sila and Uncha modes of life, meaning he survived on whatever food was left in the fields after harvest. Despite leading such a humble existence, he remained dedicated to performing sacrifices and feeding guests, never turning anyone away, no matter how little he had.

Kairata Parva - Arjuna's encounter with Mahadeva

Following Indra's advice Arjuna decided to perform penance to Mahadeva. He found a place in the dense forest and started praying to Mahadeva with his hands raised in the air and standing on his toes. For first months he ate only once in three days, next month he ate at the gaps of six days, in the third month he ate only once in 15 days and from fourth month he survived only on air. Seeing Arjuna's severe penance all the other rishis in the forest also prayed to Mahadeva to fulfil the wishes of the son of Kunti. One day Bhagwan Mahadeva disguised as a Kirat (hunter), accompanied by devi Uma, appeared near Arjuna. Around the same time a demon named Mooka, in the form of a boar was ready to charge at Arjuna. Arjuna saw the boar, who was ready to attack him and picked up his bow. As soon as Arjuna drew his bow, the hunter called him out asking him to stop, since he had already aimed at the boar. Arjuna ignored the hunter and the boar was simultaneous struck by two arrows. The boar struck by those arrows regained his original form of a rakshasa and died.

Draupadi - Yudhishthira Conversation

After reaching Dvaitavana Yudhishthira met Markandeya rishi, who advised Yudhishthira to follow the path of Dharma and not use force thinking they were powerful. He asked Yudhishthira to wait for 13 years and then reclaim their kingdom from Dhritarashtra. After this brief meeting Markandeya rishi went North and Pandava sat together and for the first time since the unfortunate game, talked about it.

This conversation between Draupadi, Yudhishthira and Bhima offers a brief window into their respective thought process. Draupadi started with reminding Yudhishthira about the glory days at Indraprastha when he used to sit on a throne made of ivory which was studded with many precious gems. She reminded him of days when he used to be surrounded by kings who were eager to please him. She talked about the lavish food cooked by various chefs they used to enjoy and compared that with the life they were forced to live because of Duryodhana.

She talked about Bhimasena's strength and Arjuna valour and the life they were forced to live now. She talked about how the kindhearted and brave Madreya had to suffer. In the end she mentioned herself and the suffering she had to endure.

She then questioned Yudhishthira why none of this made him angry. She recounted a conversation between Prahlad and Bali about the usage of anger and mercy depending on the circumstances.

The flying city of Salva and how it was destroyed by Shrikrishna

Shrikrishna told Yudhishthira that had he been in Dwaraka and heard about the dice game plan he would have come down to Hastinapura without even an invite and made sure it did not happen. Talking about the ill-effects of Dyuta, he said that he would have tried to convince Dhritarashtra to stop and had he not been convinced he would have used force but made sure that they did not go through the Dyuta game. Hearing about this Yudhishthira asked him about his reason for being away from Dwaraka.

This post is about what kept Shrikrishna away. Salva attacked Dwaraka in Shrikrishna's absence and was faced by Shrikrishna's sons

On Yudhishthira's enquiry Shrikrishna told Yudhishthira that he was fighting Salva away from the coast of Dwaraka. As soon as Salva heard about Shishupal's death at the hands of Shrikrishna he commandeered his flying city towards Dwaraka and caused havoc there, attacking innocent citizens.

Salva brought a large army and laid siege to the city of Dwaraka in Shrikrishna's absence. Yadava army led by Charudeshna, Samba and Pradyuma came of out the city and started fighting Salva's army. Jambavanti's son Samba fought Salva's commander Kshemavriddhi. Kshemavriddhi started attacking Samba with his magical arrows which were countered by Samba. Tormented by Samba's arrows Kshemavriddhi retreated. Then a daitya named Vegavaan attacked Samba, whom Samba faced with his mace. Vegavaan was no match for Samba and lost his life in the duel.

Rukmini's son Charudeshna faced a danava named Vivindhya. After Vivindhya was brought down by Charudeshna in a fierce exchange of arrows, Salva arrived there in his flying city Saubha.

Past Lives of Karna and Arjuna - Padma Purana

Like most of us, Bhishma was also curious about the reason behind the rivalry between Karna and Arjuna. On the surface he would have also been confused considering Arjuna did nothing in his entire life to provoke Karna while Karna despite being many years older felt like competing against Arjuna and proving himself better than him was his sole life goal. He went to the extent that despite knowing that Arjuna was hist brother, he could not let the desire to kill Arjuna go.

So like any curious person, Bhishma wanted to find out and he asked Pulastya rishi for the reason behind this epic rivalry between the two great warriors. Pulastya rishi answered Bhishma's curiosity by narrating the story of their past births, which is recorded in Chapter 14 of Srishti Khanda of Padma Purana. This is that story.
After Mahadeva chopped of one of the heads of Brahmadeva, Brahmadeva in his anger took up the sweat on his forehead and struck it on the ground. From that perspiration emerged a being having rings, arrows, a great bow and one thousand armours.

Brahma ordered this being with thousand armours to kill Rudra. The being picked up the bow and started attacking Maheshwara. Maheshwara went to Bhagwan Vishnu asking him to kill the being emerged from Brahma's sweat.