The Fourteenth Day,Arjun Kills Jayathrath

Dron was taken aback.' What else did he vow, Tell me completely." Duryothan said with a smirk.' He vowed that before Sunset tomorrow if he can not kill Jayathrath he will enter fire with Gandiv." Karna and Dussasan looked at each other.Karna pointed out.' There is a silver lining here. If we prevent him from killing Jayathrath he will die. And without him Krishna wont live. Then it is so easy for us to defeat the remaining."

Jayathrath fumed at him.' Angraj. Here my life is put in danger. You are telling the impossible to be possible? Who will restrain Arjun? You? You won't even stay long to counter him. Case in point Draupadi Swayamvar and Virat Yudh.I don't have confidence in your boastful words. Dont try to stop me.I know the power of his arrows. When I abducted Draupadi,he struck me and stopped me even without seeing me before. I can't take risk. Here I leave."

Guru Dron tried to convince him.' Jayathrath,Kshatriyas should not leave the battle field in the middle. Yes I know Arjun's valour.But I am his Guru. It will be an insult to my Vidya if I can not fight my desciple. Give me a chance. I will hide you in the middle of two vyuhas . Let all of us protect you from Arjun." Duryothan also supported Dron.Jayathrath halfheartedly agreed to stay back.

Krishna and Arjun are discussing the next day war. While Arjun still is shedding tears thinking of Abhi,Krishna is more worried of Arjun's vow,Hescolded him softly.' Parth,how can you take such a vow in these circumstances? Is it that easy to reach Jayathrath tomorrow ? I got news just now that they already started counter measures to prevent you from fulfilling your vow.You should not be impulsive Parth. Yes. They killed Abhi by fraud. But now we are facing the most difficult task ahead." Arjun glanced at him indifferently and shrugged his shoulders.' Madhav I have put my honour and life at stake to avenge my dearest son's death. I know I will win. You are with me. I have my Gandiv.I will pay my tribute to my Abhi by destroying Duryothan's forces and killing Jayathrath.I am ready to reach Abhi if I fail. " Krishna patted his back and said.' Don't say so.We will win tomorrow . I promise.Now go to sleep for a while. You have a tough task ahead."

Krishna came to his tent and called Daruka his charioteer.' Daruka,get my chariot ready for tomorrow. Keep every weapon inside. If Arjun needs me I will be breaking my vow also. Daruka,my parents,brothers,wives,children no one is as dear to me as Parth. I can't even look at the earth devoid of Parth even for a second. I will smash the Kauravas if anything happens to Parth." Krishna's words resounded in that dark night and made Daruka wonder.' How fortunate Arjun is to enjoy such love from the God himself.Narada's words are true They are Nar Narayan incarnated as Krishna and Arjun."

Krishna laughed mischievously . ' Parth,you can think about it later. First hurry up and get ready. Dont forget to get Vir Tilak done by Panchali.I will wait for you with your chariot and horses.". Krishna went off and Parth took bath in Hiranvati.He then proceeded to the place where he worship Shiv Sankar with Rudra Namakam. As he completed his daily ritual,Panchali came with Aarti Thali.

Arjun reluctantly looked into her lotus eyes swollen and sad.She did Tilak silently and performed Aarti.Arjun understood her suppressed grief for the untimely death of her beloved Abhimanyu.He assured her in a low voice.' I promise I will kill that wretched Jayathrath who is the cause for Abhi's death. Forgive me Krishnaa,I failed to save your beloved child."

Panchali raised her eyes and forcibly stopped her tears from falling down.She lowered her voice and said.' I know fate is inevitable.We are not fortunate enough to have our Abhi with us for a longer time. Don't feel guilty. Proceed ahead and expose your full might. I know you will return victorious. " She then prayed.' Let my husband be successful in fulfilling his oath.Remove all the obstacles from his path."

Arjun nodded his head and took his Gandiv.He then visited his Eldest and touched his feet. Yudhishtir blessed him and addressed Krishna.' You always stood by us in our trials. Today is a crucial day for all of us. You only can make us cross this ocean of grief. Be with your Parth and guide him towards victory." Krishna assured him.' Eldest,you will today see the extraordinary valour of your brother and the way he will crush your rivals. None can come on his way today.

Arjun went round his chariot and ascended with his Gandiv. Before galloping ahead he ordered Satyaki.' Be with my Eldest and protect him from Drona in my absence.If you are with him I will be at peace with myself." Satyaki agreed and marched towards his position.

Drona entered the field and blew his conch.He then called Jayathrath and infused confidence in him. Still he could see the fear in Jayathrath's eyes.He sighed and convinced himself.Who will not fear his beloved descipleArjun? Previous day belonged to his son. Today the wounded father is there to crush them all and kill Jayathrath. Still as the chief commander he should do his best to protect Jayathrath from Arjun. A strange smile appeared on his face.He will challenge his dearest Arjun to penetrate into the most difficult vyuhas that he will arrange.He knew it is a game of sorts for Arjun. The Three worlds will witness the valour of Dron Sishya Arjun today.

Drona arranged Sakata Vyuha with twenty four krosh length and ten krosh width.inside that in western direction he Arranged Chakra(lotus) Vyuha . In the middle of that he arranged Suchi Vyuha that spreads to the face of the army There at the face he kept Kambhoja king along with Duryothan who had one lakh warriors with him.In the centre of the Suchi Vyuha Jayathrarh stood with a protective ring that consisted of Bhurisravas Karna,Aswathama,Salya,Vrishasena,and Kripacharya.Dussasan along with Drona stood at the entrance of the Sakata Vyuha.

Celestials wondered on seeing the skill of Drona in arranging the Vyuhas. Even more exciting is the way it will happen,A single warrior versus The whole Kaurava Army with Stalwarts protecting Jayathrath. The Sun rose above and Indra's son appeared before his rivals with his Madhav holding the reins and Hanuman on his Flag roaring ferociously.

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At that moment one of the Kauravas called Durmarshan arrogantly went forward with his force shouting that he alone can slay Parth with his prowess.Krishna drove the chariot towards him.Arjun struck Durmarshan's elephant force with his shafts and within a moment the heads of elephants and warriors were cut from their bodies with great precision.Herds of elephants fell down looking like heaps of black clouds.Durmarshan who boasted of his prowess ran away from Arjun's sight,unable to bear the arrows released from Gandiv .

On seeing his brother's plight,Dussasan faced Arjun with great force.Arjun got angry on seeing him and fired his arrows continuously,and destroyed his army.Dussasan fled from the battlefield and Arjun followed him and taunted him." Stop Dussasan,You can't escape my arrows even if you ran away You only are responsible for your plight." Arjun then struck Dussasan with ten arrows making him run and hide behind Drona.

Now Arjun faced Drona and folded his hands." He Gurudev. You protected me like Krishna and my father did.I request you to allow me entrance into the Vyuha. With your permission I will destroy the army and penetrate inside. Grace me with your blessings to kill Jayathrath today. You treated me and Aswathama with equal affection." Arjun's words and his humility brought a smile on Drona's face.

Drona taunted Arjun.' How could you enter the Vyuha without defeating me? " Having said thus,GuruDrona covered Krishna and Arjun with many shafts.Drona cut the string of Arjun's bow Arjun tied up the string covered Drona with so many arrows and destroyed the army on his other side.Chariots flew into the sky horses with warriors fell down around Drona's chariot.Drona struck Arjun and Krishna with many arrows .Krishna advised Arjun." Parth don't waste time fighting endlessly with Guru.Let us enter the Sakata Vyuha."Having said so Krishna drove the chariot round Drona as a mark of Pradakshina while Arjun showered arrows on Drona.The chariot of Arjun entered the Sakata Vyuha.Drona went behind him and shouted .' Arjun How can you leave me and enter like that? " Arjun folded his hands and admitted " you are not my Rival,Gurudev. Only Siva can stand before you when you are angry."

Arjun penetrated inside causing destruction every where.Drona again resisted Arjun with his arrows and Arjun responded by suppressing him with his arrows. Drona tried to prevent him invain.Kritavarma resisted Arjun to some extent but Arjun struck him with a sharp shaft and Kritavarma fell on the ground unconscious.

Srutayudh the another King attacked Arjun .Fierce battle followed. Arjun killed the charioteer and the horses.Srutayu furiously took a mace and rushed towards Arjun and Krishna.That mace belongs to Varun Dev ,It should not be used on a non fighting person in the war.In the meanwhile Arjun cut the hands of Sritayu. Since the mace was aimed at Krishna who is not fighting as per Varuna's word it went back and struck Srutayu himself. He fell down and died.

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Srutayu Ayutayu together struck Arjun with Tomar and trident. Arjun leaned back on his flag staff and Krishna also became unconscious for a moment. Before the rivals could celebrate Krishna revived from his stupor and alerted Arjun. The son of Indra released Aindrastr on them. Due to the effect of that Devine Astra Srutayu and Ayutayu got their heads and hands cut and fell on the ground. Along with them five hundred chariot warriors were killed instantly.Arjun killed their sons Niyatayu and Dirghayu when they attacked him with anger.

Duryothan felt dejected and sent his Kalinga ,Anga and Tribal forces to fight with Arjun.The Gandiv sounded relentlessly and within a moment the heads of warriors,the trunks of elephants and chariots rolled on the ground making the field look terrible.Still Yavanas,Sakas and Paradas along with tribals resisted Arjun with multiple weapons.Arjun destroyed all of them just like forest fire burns the trees around.The fire called Arjun burnt Kaurava army persuaded by the wind called Narayan.

Arjun's arrows made the battle ground look like a river of blood.Arjun moved forward and Ambashta king stopped him with a desire to fight.Arjun broke his bow and mace and killed him in a playful manner.

Duryothan felt depressed on seeing Arjun race ahead destroying his forces and kings who came on his way.He rushed towards Drona and blame d him with harsh words.' Your dearest desciple overcame you easily and crushing my army severely.Why did you ignore him? Jayathrath trusted you and stayed in Kurukshetr.But you cheated him like this.Look at the Maharathis around Jayathrath. They were in shock seeing the way Arjun penetrated into the Vyuha and advancing towards them.I remind you it is your duty to save Jayathrath from Arjun."

Drona's face became pale and he replied.' Duryothan,when Krishna drives the chariot faster than the wind,Arjun's arrows strike like lightening and whoever try to follow them will get hurt.You think I will be able to stop them? Never.Moreover I can't run behind him leaving the face of the Vyuha. I am old and he is young and smart.It is better if you go and prevent him now."

Duryothan desparately nodded his head. ' He outsmarted you,defeated Kritavarma,killed Sritayuth,Sudakshin,Sritayu Ayutayu and other kings. And the loss he caused to my army is unthinkable.Not only me but even if Indra comes with his army he can not beat angry Arjun.Tell me an idea so that I won't be a laughing stock before him."

Drona smiled and said.' Ofcourse Arjun is invincible.But I will gift you an armour wearing which you can save yourself from Arjun's arrows." Having said so Drona made Duryothana wear an unpenetratable armour with mantras.Duryothan felt happy and attacked Arjun from backside,

In the meanwhile Arjun advanced towards Jayathrath destroying every one who is around. Binda and Anuvinda attacked him and showered arrows on Arjun and Krishna.Arjun threw a lance with awesome precision and Vinda's head rolled on the ground.Anuvinda furiously struck Krishna with his mace. Arjun got angry and cut his hands,legs and head with one. Single arrow.

Krishna saw Duryothan coming towards them and said.' Parth ,He is the root cause of your miseries. He insulted Panchali in the Dyutasabha and he is venturing to fight with you? How could he come in the range of your Gandiv? Now crush him mercilessly. A great opportunity ahead."

Arjun replied with a smile.' Ofcourse I will tackle him. You know how much torture I experience thinking of Krishnaa's plight on that day.Now see my prowess how I deal with him."

Krishna and Arjun blew their conches.The army around Duryothan lost their hopes for him. But Duryothan challenged Arjun .' If you are the son of Pandu fight with me." He shouted.He then shot ten arrows on Arjun and five on Krishna. Arjun knitted his eyebrows and shot fourteen arrows which could not hurt Dury due to the armour. Krishna expressed his surprise.' What is this Parth? Are you fine? Why are your arrows unable to hurt Duryothan?" Arjun looked at Dury thoroughly and said.' It is the effect of that armour he wore.And he thinks I can't do anything. Foolish Duryothan. Now I will let him know what I can do to him despite that armour."

Arjun then hurled a Divyastr that can pierce any armour given to him by Indra. But Aswathama shot another Divyastr and nullified it. Arjun then told Krishna that he doesn't need Divyastras to crush Duryothan. He killed Dury's horses and charioteer.He then shot sharp small sized shafts into Duryothan's palms and nails . Duryothan wailed loudly unable to bear the pain.Blood oozed from his hands and nails.He retreated back with great pain and eight hundred warriors blocked Arjun's way and shielded Duryothan from Arjun's arrows.

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Duryothan felt deceived on seeing Satyaki also enter the Vyuha successfully. He blamed Drona for looking on while his rivals are progressing rapidly.Drona asked him to be alert with Jayathrath." The protection ring should do their duty properly.As for Satyaki entering the Vyuha,how could you suppose that your rivals won't try to fulfill their purpose.You ask Aswathama,Kripa,Salya,Vrishasena,and Karna to protect Jayathrath from Arjun.I will try to capture Yudhi with the help of Dussasan"

Duryothan came back and asked his Maharathis to stay alert and prevent Arjun from reaching Jayathrath.But Arjun continued his slaughter of Kurus ,Kambhojas,Nishadas,and others who came on his way to Jayathrath.At that time Krishna showed Satyaki at a distance,fighting and crushing his rivals with great force." Parth,your desciple entered the Vyuha,humbled Drona for your sake. Now he is fighting with Bhurisravas who is his strong rival. Having fought vigorously all along,Satyaki looks tired.I am worried on seeing Bhurisravas prevailing over a tired Satyaki," Krishna's words made Arjun worry about Yudhishtir

Arjun expressed his anguish." Madhav! GutuDron took a vow to capture Eldest. I entrusted Eldest to Satyaki's care and asked him not to leave his side.Why should he come here? Right now I can't divert myself from Jayathrath.My whole attention is on him only."

Krishna observed Bhurisravas dominating Satyaki with his prowess. Exhausted Satyaki is trying his best to sustain himself.Suddenly Bhurisravas pressed Satyaki on to the ground and raised. His sword to finish him off.Krishna saw that and agitated addressed Arjun.' Parth! Satyaki is in danger. He will lose his life having come to assist you on the order of Yudhishtir. If that happens it will be a disgrace to you. Protect your dear desciple Parth. You only can save him from death. Make it fast."

Arjun side glanced Satyaki who is crushed on the ground and is about to die. He took a long shaft shining with feathers and shot it fast.The arrow released from Gandiv cut the hand of Bhurisravas with clean precision. The hand with the sword fell on the ground.Bhurisravas was in shock and turned towards Arjun.' Son of Kunti! I am not fighting with you. Still you attacked me from another side? You know the rules of war. Still you did this censurable thing? I wonder at what you had done ." Arjun replied sharply.' I know the rules of war. It is not like one warrior is fighting with one and others are not interfering.If the need is there every one is coming to the rescue of others. I feel bad for you. But Satyaki is dearer to me and at any cost I will save him. I have a vow to save my people who are in danger if they happen to be in my vicinity. I want to ask you what code of conduct is followed in attacking my child Abhi yesterday. All of you together killed him who is weapon less.Today every one will endure the result of that misdeed. Sir! I advise you to try and follow the ways of great people and reach the celestial regions that you deserve. You fulfilled your duty of a Kshatriya already."

Bhurisravas reconciled and sat in meditation to leave his body through yoga.But Satyaki stood erect and with a sword cut the head of Bhrisravas and took revenge.Every one around him,blamed Satyaki for that wretched action.

Yudhishtir called Bheema and said." Your brother penetrated into the Vyuha without support. As I could not hear the notes of Devdutta since a long time I sent Satyaki to reach him and help him.But I could not get any information regarding him also. Your brother Arjun is too handsome,youthful,curly haired and with the gait of infuriated elephant he excels in beauty and wins hearts. Syamo Yuva Gudakeso,...He has copper brown (Hazel) eyes that enhance his beauty a lot. Without that Arjun we are lifeless. He is the boat sailing on which we cross the ocean of our sufferings. Bheem.! I am desparate to know about his well being. You only are capable to achieve this for me. You go to the two Krishna's and roar like a lion. On hearing that I will understand Arjun is safe and sound."

Bheema agreed to go to Arjun and assured his brother." Don't worry. I will let you know of Jishnu who is unconquerable even to gods."

Malini informed Draupadi that Bheem is following the path of Arjun as Satyaki did not return. Panchali felt shattered.' Why is Devdutt not heard? Is her Arjun safe ? Already it is past mid day. Not much time is left for Sunset.What is in store for her today? Arjun,come back safe . Krishnaa waits for you.lives for you.Please come back." Yajnaseni called her Arjun earnestly and prayed to Durga Katyayani.

Bheema faced Drona who is at the entrance of Sakata Vyuha. Drona laughed at him and said.' Your brother Arjun penetrated into the Vyuha with my consent.What would you do?" Bheema got angry and retorted." Arjun never needed anyone's consent to go anywhere.He overpowered you and sped fast, And also I am not Arjun who will be ever obedient to you. I will show you my might for sure."

Bheema defeated Drona and entered the Vyuha much to the dissatisfaction of Duryothan.Afterwards Bheema fought with Karna and made him chariot less.Karna ran away and got into Vrishasen's chariot.Duryothan blamed Drona." How could you allow Satyaki and Bheem inside? Is it not unworthy of a great teacher like you to do so" Drona replied desparately.' Today a different kind of game is played in the battleground.The special stake is Jayathrath.You and Arjun are playing this different game of dice.Your duty is to protect Jayathrath from Arjun.Go and do that well. I will try to capture Yudhi.

Bheema killed seven of Kaurava brothers before Karna's eyes.Karna got furious and again came to fight with Bheema.But unable to pierce Bheema Karna hid from Bheema and again came out and continued his fight.After some time Bheema got exhausted and tried to take respite by hiding behind the dead bodies of elephants.Karna reached him and ridiculed him." You are obsessed with overeating.You should go to the forest and be a sage or sit at home and eat to your heart's fill.Or go to Krishna and Arjun there. But don't try to fight with me."

Krishna observed how Karna insulted Bheema and alerted Arjun.Then Arjun showered so many arrows on Karna and made him run away . Arjun shot fire tipped arrows on Karna but Aswathama saved Karna from them.Arjun threatened Aswathama to stop there but he was afraid and hid behind the heaps of elephants.Bheema got onto his chariot and reached Arjun with a dull face.

Even Satyaki fought with Karna and wounded him severely.Bheema told Arjun the bad words uttered by Karna to him.Arjun pacified him." Bhrata Bheem,if he blamed you it means he blamed me also.I will give him a suitable reply.You just be there." Then Arjun approached Karna and fired him." Karna,just now everyone saw how you were defeated by Bhrata Bheem.You ran away without shame.Did Bheema say anything to you? Why are you so boastful? Even Satyaki defeated you a minute before.You behaved as per your Charecter.You are the one who broke my Abhi's bow from backside.But I will kill your son Vrishasen before your eyes.And not only that Whoever harassed my son I will punish them all that is my word."

Having said so Arjun shot fifteen arrows.Karna shot sixty arrows on Arjun.Arjun then shot hundred arrows and Karna's body got severely wounded and blood stricken.Karna then shot one fifty arrows on Arjun. Jishnu got angry and broke the bow of Karna.With nine arrows he struck on his chest.With another sharp edged arrow Arjun pierced Karna fatally.Duryothan sent his army to assist Karna.Arjun killed Karna's horses and charioteer.He then shot many arrows on Karna and Karna felt severe pain all over his body . Aswathama came to the rescue of Karna and took him away from Arjun.