KURUKSHETRA WAR: (कुरुक्षेत्र युद्ध)The greatest war ever fought. It’s a mythological war but people believe of it being actually fought. Great was the assembly of warriors of that time in that war. It is believed that warriors from almost all kingdoms of Bharat Varsha participated in the war though the war was between Kauravas and Pandavas.
It is believed that millions (sometimes mentioned billions) of warriors took part in the war and only 10 warriors survived the war. The unit of measurement for an army division was called “akshauhini” (अक्षुन्नी). A division (akshauhini) includes 21,870 chariots and chariot-riders, 21,870 elephants and riders, 65,610 horses and riders, and 109,350 foot-soldiers (in a ratio of 1:1:3:5). The Kauravas had 11 while the Pandavas controlled 7.
Weapons used primarily were arrows(वाण) , bows(धनुष) , javelin(भाला) , mace(गदा) and celestial weapons(दिव्य अस्त्र). Lets have a look at the various warriors of Kurukshetra.
I have tried to imagine them and have put a painting of each warrior above his name.
(from left to right: Susharma, Sudakshin and Alambush)
DURYODHAN’S FRIENDS: Susharma, Sudakshin and Alambush Susharma (सुशर्मा) was the ruler of Trigartas (त्रिगर्त). He was a great warrior and an arch rival of Arjun. He formed the Samsaptaka (सम्सप्तक) forces against Arjun in the war. On the 13th day he took the suicidal task to keep Arjun away from the battlefield while Dronacharya formed the “Chakravyuh”(चक्रव्यूह).
Brave Susharma along with his brothers were killed by Arjun during the course of the war.
Sudakshin(सुदक्षिण) was the ruler of Kamboja (कम्बोज) kingdom. His half sister Bhanumati (भानुमति) was married to Duryodhan. Sudakshin was a Maharathi (महारथी).
He was killed by Arjun on the 14th day of the war.
Alambush (अलम्बुष) was a Rakshasa warrior and friend of Duryodhan. He killed Ajun’s son Iravan on the 8th day of the war.
Alambush along with another Rakshasa Alayudh (अलायुध) were killed by Ghatotkach on the 14th night of the war.
Besides, Duryodhan also had friends from Avanti kingdom named Vinda (विंद) and Anuvinda (अनुविन्द) who were killed by Arjun.
(from left to right: vrihadhakshatr, dhrishtaketu yend purujit)
PANDAV ALLIES: The Kuntis, the Chedis and Matsyas Purujit (पुरुजीत) was the ruler of Kuntibhoj (कुन्तिभोज) (somewhere in modern Madhya Pradesh). He was brother of Kunti and maternal uncle of Pandavas. In Kurukshetra war, he along with his sons fought with many warriors. Dhrishtaketu (धृष्टकेतु) was the son of Shishupal and the ruler of Chedi(चेदी) kingdom (somewhere in modern Uttar Pradesh). In Kurukshetra war, he fought with many warriors. He killed Vrihadvahan(वृहदवाहन). Vrihadhakshatra(वृहद्क्षत्र) led the 5 Kekaya brothers of the Kekaya(कैकेय) kingdom (somewhere in modern pakistan). The Kekayas fought with many warriors. Vrihadhakshatra killed Kshemdhurti(क्षेमधुर्ति).
All three of them, Purujit, Dhrishtketu and Vrihadakshatra were killed by Dronacharya on the 14th day of the war. The remaining Kekaya brothers were killed by their siblings fighting from the Kauravas side.
Besides, Pandavas also had as their ally, Magadh King Sehdev, son of Jarasandh (जरासन्ध). He was also killed by Dronacharya
Bhagadatt: The elephant army leader Bhagadatt (भागदत्त्त), the ruler of Pragjyotish(प्रगज्योतिष) (Assam), was son of Narkasur and friend of Indra. He was a great admirer of Arjun but an arch rival of Krishna (कृष्ण).
In Kurukshetra war, he along with his massive elephant army, killed many warriors including Darshana (दर्शन). He on his elephant Sauptika (सौप्तिक) defeated Bheem.
Bhagadatt was the possessor of the mighty “Shakti Astra”(शक्ति अस्त्र) and “Vaishnav Astra”(वैश्नव अस्त्र). His son was killed by Nakul. On 12th day of the war, his Vaishnav Astra was neutralized by Krishna and then he was killed by Arjun.
IRAVAN And CHEKITANA Iravan (इरवन) was the son of Arjun and the Naga princess Uloopi (उलूपी). He was a skilled archer and a master of illusionary weapons.
In Kurukshetra war, he killed six brothers of Shakuni and defeated many warriors.
Iravan was killed by the demon warrior Alambush on the 8th day of the war.
Chekitana(चेकीतन) was a Satwata (शात्वत) warrior and a friend of Pandavas. He was among the few Yadav warrior other than Satyaki who fought for the Pandavas.
In Kurukshetra war, he defeated many warriors and had a great duel with Kripacharya.
Chekitana was killed by Duryodhan on the 18th day of the war.
(from left to right: Bhoorishravas, Somdatta and King Vahlika)
VAHLIKAS: The high souled Kurus Vahlika(वाहलीक) (or Bahleek) was the ruler of kingdom Vahlika (somewhere close to modern Kashmir). He was the son of Pratipa (प्रतीप), brother of Shantanu and uncle of Bheeshm. He was the eldest Kuru warrior in Kurukshetra.
In the war Vahlika along with his sons and grandson fought from the Kauravas side. He killed Senavindu(सेनाविन्दु).
King Valhika was killed by his great grandson Bheem on the 14th night of the war.
Somdatta(सोमदत्त) was the son of King Valhika. He was the cousin of Bheeshm and an arch nemesis of the Sini Yadavas. In Kurukshetra war, Somdatta was killed by Satyaki on the 14th night of the war.
Bhoorishravas (भूरिश्रेवास) was the son of Somdatta and uncle of Kauravas and Pandavas. He was born to defeat Satyaki. He along with his brother Sala (शल) fought with many warriors. Bhoorishravas killed 10 sons of Satyaki and defeated Satyaki himself. Sala was killed by Shrutkarman (Sehdev’s son). Bhooroshravas’s arm was chopped off by his nephew Arjun and then he was killed by Satyaki on the 14th day of the war
DRUPAD And the Panchalas: Drupad (द्रुपद) was the king of Kampillai (कामपिल्लई) (Panchal (पांचाल) somewhere in modern Uttar Pradesh). He was a childhood friend but an arch rival of Dronacharya. He was the father of Draupadi and had 10 brave sons. He once, along with his great army once defeated all the 100 Kaurav brothers.
In Kurukshetra war, Drupad along with his sons Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Yudhamanyu, Uttamanuj, Satyajit, etc. and his grandsons fought from the Pandavas side. Drupad’s son Satyajit (सत्यजीत) was considered to be equivalent to Arjun. Yudhamanyu (युद्धमन्यु) and Uttamanuj (उत्तमानुज) were protector of Arjun’s chariot.
Most of his sons and grandsons were killed by Drona and remaining by Ashwatthama.Drupad was killed by Dronacharya on the 15th day of the war.
SHAKUNI And ULOOK:
Shakuni (शकुनि) was the ruler of Gandhar (गंधार) kingdom (present Kandhar). He was the brother in law of Dhritrashtra and uncle of Kauravas. He was the mastermind behind the evil policy of Duryodhan and one of the main culprits responsible for the war.
His son Ulook (उलूक) was sent as the final messanger to threaten the Pandavas before the war.
In kurukshetra war, all the brothers of Shakuni were killed by Iravan and Arjun. Most of his sons were killed by Abhimanyu.
Both Shakuni and Ulook were brutally killed by Sehdev on the 18th day of the war.
DHRISHTADYUMNA And SHIKHANDI: The vengeful Shikhandi (शिखंडी) was the son of Drupad. He was born as a girl but was later transformed into a man. He was the incarnation of the Kashi princess Amba and was born to avenge Bheeshm, the most powerful warrior of the Kauravas
In Kurukshetra war, Shikhandi along with his son Kshatradharman (क्षात्रधर्मन) fought with many warriors.
Shikhandi along with Arjun slayed Bheeshm on the 10th day of the war.
Kshatradharman was killed by Duryodhan’s son Laxman.
Dhrishtadyumna (धृष्टद्युम्न) was the son of Drupad and brother of Draupadi. He was born to kill Dronachrya. He was the commander-in-chief of the Pandav army for all the 18 days of the war.
In Kurukshetra war he killed many warriors like Daman (दमन), Samyamani’s (सम्यमणि) son, Dhrumsen (ध्रुमसेन)
His sons were killed by Drona.
Dhrishtadyumna killed Dronacharya on the 15th day of the war.
Both Shikhandi and Dhrishtadyumna were brutally killed by Ashwatthama on the night of the 18th day of the war.
JAYADRATH: The Sindhu King
Jayadrath (जयद्रथ) was the ruler of Sindhu (सिन्धु) kindom (somewhere in modern Pakistan) and son-in-law of Dhritrashtra (ध्रितराष्ट्र). He had a boon from Lord Shiva that he could defeat all the four Pandavas other than Arjun once.
In Kurukshetra war, he used that boon to defeat all the 4 brothers in absence of Arjun on the 13th day of the war when son of Arjun, Abhimanyu was killed in the “Chakravyuh” and none of the 4 Pandavas could rescue him. Arjun upon knowing that because of Jayadratha, the other Pandavas could not come to rescue Abhimanyu, he took an oath that he will kill Jayadratha before the sunset of the next day.
On the 14th day of the war more than 7 lakh warriors were killed single handedly by Arjun while they were trying to protect Jayadrath. The 14th day of the kurukshetra war was the bloodiest day.
Jayadrath was slain by Arjun just before the sunset on the 14th day of the war.
VIRATA And his sons:
Virata (विराट) the ruler of Matsya (मत्स्य) kingdom (somewhere in Rajasthan) was a friend of the Pandavas. He had three mighty sons. Shweta (श्वेत), Uttar (उत्तर) and Sankha (शंख). The Matsyas were terrible warriors. Virata was the father in law of Abhimanyu.
In Kurukshetra war, Shweta was killed by Bheeshm, Shankha by Drona and Uttar by Shalya. Virata’s brother was killed by Bheeshm.
Virata was killed by Dronacharya on 15th day of the war.
KRITVARMA: The tiger of Yadav Race Kritvarma (कृतवर्मा), the Bhoja (भोज) King and famous Yadav warrior was the cousin of Krishna and one of the teachers of Abhimanyu. He was the commander of the “Narayani sena” (नारायणी सेना) of Krishna.
In Kurukshetra war, Kritvarma was involved in the killing of Abhimanyu.
On the night of the last day, i.e. 18th day of the war, he aided Ashwatthama in the merciless killing of all the Panchalas and sons of Draupadi.
He was one of the 10 survivors of the war. Kritvarma was killed by Satyaki 36 years after the war in the famous Yaduvanshi slaughter.
SATYAKI: The valorous Sini Yadav Satyaki (सत्यकि); the famous Yadav warior, son of Satyak (सत्याक) and grandson of Sini (सिनी), was the cousin of Krishna and student of Arjun. He was a skilled warrior and great bowman.
In Kurukshetra war, Satyaki broke the bow of Dronacharya 108 times. He killed warriors like Bhoorishravas, King Salwa (शाल्व), Somdatta, Chitrasen (चित्रसेन), Jalasandh (जलासंध) and many others. His ten sons were killed in the war.
He was one of the 10 survivors of the war. He was killed by men from his own clan 36 years after the war in the famous Yaduvanshi slaughter.
99 KAURAV BROTHERS: DUSSHASAN, VIKARN And Others
Duryodhan had 99 brothers. One of them was Dusshasan (दुशासन). On Duryodhan’s command, he insulted Draupadi, the wife of pandavas, and that incidence was the main reason of the Kurukshetra war. In the war, first arrow was shot by Dusshasan. He killed Vrihanta (वृहन्त). His son killed Abhimanyu.
One of the brothers was Vikarn (विकर्ण) . He was a rigteous man and terrible warrior. He killed Chitrayudh (चित्रायुद्ध) and Chitrayodhin (चित्रयोधिन). All the 99 brothers were slain by Bheem in the war, Dusshasan being brutally killed on the 17th day. The sons of all the Kaurav brothers were killed by sons of Draupadi.
GHATOTKACH: The brave Rakshasa
Ghatotkach (घटोत्कच) was the son of Bheem and Hidimba (हिडिम्बा). The brave rakshasa was master of illusionary weapons and could grow in size.
In Kurukshetra war, Ghatotkach destroyed an entire division of the enemy. He had great duel
With Ashwatthama, Bhagdatt and Karna. He defeated warriors like Duryodhan .
Ghatotkach killed the demonsAlambush and Alayudh
Ghatotkach was killed by Karna on the 14th night of the war.
Even while dying he fell on an entire division of the enemy killing more than 4 lakh warriors
DURYODHAN; The Kaurav King
Duryodhan (दुर्योधन), (सुयोधन) the eldest son of Dhritrashtra was the king of Kaurav army. He was the eldest among the 100 kaurav brothers. His hatred towards his cousins resulted in the Kurukshetra war. He was the root cause of all enimosity. He had a brave son named Laxman (लक्ष्मण).
In Kurukshetra war, Duryodhan gets a ‘Brahma armor’ (ब्रह्म कवच) from Dronacharya and a special protection from his mother Gandhari (गान्धारी). He fought with many warriors and killed Chekitana. Laxman killed Shikhandi’s son.
Laxman was beheaded by Abhimanyu on the 13th day. Duryodhan was mortally wounded by Bheem on 18th day and he died the same night.
ABHIMANYU: The bravest among the braves Abhimanyu (अभिमन्यु) was the son of Arjun and Subhadra (सुभद्रा). He was the nephew of Krishna and was a student of Krishna, Balaram (बलराम) and Kritvarma.
Abhimanyu was an exceptional warrior. His bow was called "Raudra" (रौद्र). In Kurukshetra war, he showed the epitome of bravery and skills on the 13th day of the war when Dronacharya formed the military formation “Chakravyuh”.
Abhimanyu only having a knowledge of how to enter in the Chakravyuh without knowing the way to come out, went ahead and fought against the entire Kaurav army. He defeated Duryodhan, Dusshasan and their brothers along with Shakuni. He killed king of Kosala (कोशल), Ashmak (अश्मक -in present Maharashtra), Shalya’s brotherand son, Magadha (मगध) king, Kritvarma’s son and Duryodhan’s son Laxman.
No single warrior could defeat Abhimanyu. He was mortally wounded by combined attack of six warriors: Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Karna, Ashwatthama, Kritvarma and Vrihadbal. Abhimanyu killed Vrihadbal. He killed 10 000 warriors on a single day. Abhimanyu was finally killed by Dusshasan’s son
KRIPACHARYA (कृपाचार्य): The warrior BrahmanSon of Sharadwan (शरद्वान) and grandson of Sage Gautama (गौतम), Kripacharya was the chief Guru of Hastinapur (हस्तिनापुर). He taught Vedas and martial arts to Kauravas, Pandavas and almost all the warriors of Kurukshetra.
He was a born archer. In the war, he killed Suketu (सुकेतु) and was involved in the killing of Abhimanyu. He was one of the 10 survivors of the war. On the night of the last day of the war, he helped his nephew Ashwatthama in the merciless killing of the sons of Draupadi and the remaining Panchals.
He was reinstated as chief Guru after the war and he was the perceptor of grandson of Pandavas and then their great grandson. According to Hindu mythology Kripacharya is one of the eight chiranjeevis (चिरंजीवी) and is believed to be still alive.
SONS OF DRAUPADI:Junior Pandavas
Sons of Draupadi; Prativindya(प्रतिविन्द्य), Sutasoma(सुतसोम), Shrutkirti(श्रुतकीर्ति)/Shrutkarman (श्रुतकर्मन), Satanik(सतनीक) and Shrurasen (श्रुतसेन) killed many warriors including brother of Bhoorishravas. Shataneek, the son of Nakul, killed ShrutaVarma. Shrutasen, son of Sahadev killed Bheemratha of Shalwa and a Kulinda prince fighting from Kaurava side. Shrutakarma the son of Arjun killed king Chitraratha of Abhisara. Prativindhya, the son of Yudhishthir, killed Abhisar king Chitra. The five sons of Draupadi also killed the sons of Duryodhan, Dusshasan and other Kauravas.
All five of them were killed by Ashwatthama on the night of the last day of the war.
SHALYA: The Madra King Shalya (शल्य); the ruler of Madra (मद्र) kingdom (somewhere in modern Punjab) was the brother of Madri (mother of Nakul and Sehdev). He was the maternal uncle of the Pandavas, but was deceitfully compelled to fight from the Kauravas side.
Shalya, along with his sons and brothers and Madra warriors fought the Kurukshetra war. The Madras were the most dreadful warriors of that time.
Shalya killed Uttar on the 1st day of the war. He was the charioteer of Karna on the 17th day of the war. He was the commander-in-chief of the Kauravas on the last day of the war, i.e. 18th day.
Shalya’s son was killed by Sehdev, his brother was killed by Abhimanyu. Shalya was killed by Yudhishthir on the 18th day of the war.
SEHDEV: The skilled swordsman
Fifth among the Pandavas, Sehdev (सहदेव) was the son of Madri begotten by Lord Ashwin (अश्विनि). He was the twin brother of Nakul and a skilled swordsman.
In kurukshetra war, Sehdev defeated many warriors. He killed Shalya’s son, Ulook and Shakuni.
He was one of the 10 survivors of the war.
Sehdev died 36 years after the war during the Pandavas famous journey to Himalayas.
ASHWATTHAMA: The great warrior; definition of vengeance and brutality Ashwatthama (अश्वत्थामा) was the son of Dronacharya and nephew of Kripacharya. He was a brahmin equally versed in both vedas and weapons. He was the possesor of the mighty “Narayan Astra”(नारायण अस्त्र ) and “Bramhashira Astra”(ब्रह्मशिर अस्त्र).
In kurukshetra war, he killed millions of warriors like Neel (नील), and 10 sons of Kuntibhoj. The whole Pandav army dropped weapons before his Narayan Astra. He was involved in the killing of Abhimanyu. He was among the 10 survivors of the war. Dying Duryodhan declares him the commander-in-chief of army, when the war was officially over.
Ashwatthama with the help of Kripacharya and Kritvarma killed the sons of Draupadi, Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Yudhamanyu and Uttamanuj. He was cursed by Krishna to wander on the earth forever alone. His precious gem was given to Yudhishthir
According to Hindu mythology, Ashwattama is one of the 8 Chiranjeevis and is believed to be still alive.
NAKUL: The handsome swordsman Nakul (नकुल), the fourth among the Pandavas was the son of Madri begotten by Lord Ashwin. He was the twin brother of Sehdev, and a skilled swordsman.
In Kurukshetra war, he fought with many warriors. He killed Bhagdatta’s son and three sons of Karna.
He was among the 10 survivors of the war.
Nakul died 36 years after the war during Pandavas famous journey to Himalayas.
DRONACHARYA: The invincible preceptor Dronacharya (द्रोणाचार्य) was the son of Sage Bharadwaj (भरद्वाज), and a student of Parashuram (परशुराम). He was a childhood friend of King Drupad. He taught archery and warfare to Kauravas, Pandavas and many other warriors. In Kurukshetra war, he was the commander-in-chief of the Kaurav Army for 5 days (11th -15th day)
Dronacharya killed millions of warriors. He formed the "Chakravyuh" and was involved in the killing of Abhimanyu. Drona killed Shankha, Magadh king Sehdev, Vrihadakshatra, Dhrishtaketu, Purujit, Satyajit, King Virata and King Drupada and many more….
He destroyed the Panchal and the Matsyas forces.
He dropped his weapons on the 15th day and was killed by Dhrishtadyumna.
YUDHISHTHIR: The Pandav KingAlso known as Ajatshatru (अजातशत्रु) , and Dharmaraj(धर्मराज) , Yudhishthir (युधिष्ठिर), the son of Kunti begotten by Lord Dharma was the eldest among the Pandavas and the king of Pandava army.
He was a skilled javeline fighter. His bow was called “Mahendra” (महेन्द्र). In Kurukshetra war, he fought with various warriors. He killed the Madras king Shalya on the 18th day of the war.
Yudhishthir along with his brothers won the Kurukshetra war. He was one of the 10 survivors of the war.
He was crowned as king of Hastinapur after the war. He ruled for 36 years.
Yudhishthir never died. He was the only Pandav to enter the heaven with his mortal body.
KARNA: The tiger among men
Also known as Vrisha (वृष), Vikartan(विकर्तन) , Suryaputra(सूर्यपुत्र), Dannveer (दानवीर) or Radhey(राधेय) , Karna (कर्ण) was the son of Kunti (कुंती) begotten by Lord Surya (सूर्य). He was abandoned by Kunti and was raised by a charioteer Adirath (अधिरथ). He was the best friend of Duryodhan, student of Parashuram and an arch rival of his half brother Arjun. He was a great archer and possessor of all mighty astras. His bow was called “Vijay” (विजय). His eldest son Vrishasen(वृषसेन) was a skilled archer.
In Kurukshetra war, Karna was not allowed by Bheeshm to participate. After the fall of Bheeshm from 10th day onwards, Karna along with his sons and other sons of Adirath defeated many warriors. Karna killed Ghatotkatch and was involved in the killing of Abhimanyu. He was the commander-in-chief of the Kaurav Army on the 16th and the 17th day. Karna was the only warrior, other than Jayadrath, who defeated all the four Pandavas other than Arjun.
Most of his sons and other sons of Adirath were killed by Nakul, Bheem and Satyaki.
Both Karna and Vrishasen were killed by Arjun on the 17th day.
It is said that dead body of Karna fell on God’s palm.
BHEEM: The fierce PandavAlso known as Vrikodar (वृकोदर), Bheemsen (भीमसेन) or Gadadhar (गदाधर); Bheem (भीम), the second Pandav was the son of Kunti begotten by Lord Vayu (पवन देव). He was the strongest warrior among the Pandavas with strength of 10,000 elephants.
In Kurukshetra war, Bheem killed 100 Kaurava brothres including Duryodhan, Dusshasan, Vikarn. He also killed king Bahleek. He destroyed the Kaling and Magadh forces and killed millions of warriors. He was one of the 10 survivors of the war.
Bheem died 36 years after the war during the Pandavas famous journey to Himalayas.
(In this sketch I have drawn Bheem without moustache but otherwise I have drawn Bheem with moustache, infact, according to many versions, all of the warriors had beard except Bheem)
BHEESHM: The greatest Kuru ever lived
Also known as DevVrata (देवव्रत), Bheeshmacharya (भीश्माचार्य), Pitamah (पितामह्)or Ganga-putra(गंगा पुत्र), Bheeshm (भीष्म) was the son of king Shantanu and Godess Ganga. He was student of Parashuram. He was uncle of Dhritrashtra and grandsire of both Kauravas and Pandavas. Bheeshm was the most powerful warrior of the Kaurav army. He set the rules of Kurukshetra war. He was the commander-in-chief of Kauravas for first 10 days. Each day he killed 10,000 warriors. He was the only warrior against whom Krishna himself took up weapons. Bheeshm had a boon that he may die when he wishes.
He killed Shwet and Virata’s brother.
Bheeshm was mortally wounded by Arjun with the help of Shikhandi on 10th day.
After his fall, all rules he made were broken in the war.
He was on bed of arrows for remaining days of the war.
Bheeshm left his body after the 18 days war was over.
Bheeshm is believed to be incarnation of the 8th Vasu (वसु) God.
ARJUN: The greatest warrior of all timesAlso known as Dhananjay (धनञ्जय), Sabyasachi (सव्यसाची), Kirtin (किर्तिन), Vibhatsu (वीभत्सु), or Partha (पार्थ) ; Arjun was the third among the Pandavas. He was son of Kunti begotten by Lord Indra.
He was master of archery and was the favorite student of Dronacharya. He was possessed with knowledge of all mighty astras and all military formations. His bow was called "Gandeev" (गान्डीव).
Arjun was the hero of Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna himself was his charioteer and gave him the famous teachings of Geeta (श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता) before the war.
Arjun was the warrior the Kauravas feared most. In the war, Arjun killed billions of warriors. With the help of Shikhandi, he slayed Bheeshm. He killed Bhagdatt, Vinda, Anuvinda, Susharma, Sudakshin and Jayadrath.
He destroyed the Trigartas, Kambojas and many other forces in a single day.
On 17th day he killed Karna along with his son Vrishasen.
Arjun was one of the 10 survivors of the war.
He went for an “Ashwamedha Yatra”(अश्वमेध यात्रा) after the war and won all the kingdoms of Bharatvarsh for his brother Yudhishthir.
Arjun died 36 years after the war during the Pandavas famous journey to Himalayas.
Kurukshetra war is often referred to as the war of Arjun.
KRISHNA: The mastermind
Yes, I did left Krishna purposefully. He chose to be the charioteer of Arjun. Though he was the mastermind and the greatest among all but he vowed not to take up weapons in the war. However, he broke his vow against Bheeshm twice.
Also, his strategies helped Pandavas defeat their deadliest foes and some of the greatest warriors who ever walked on the earth.
The story of the war, whether mythical or real, is hair raising, exciting and a great source of knowledge. The story of only the 18 days of Mahabharata is very different from the entire epic itself.
If you want to know more about the story, please read my 1st book of the trilogy "Kurukshetra war". The links are: http://www.flipkart.com/kurukshetra-yuddha-hindi/p/itmddzresspczjwa
There is a video I created to show the art work of the book and also pay tribute to the great souls who twanged their bow on the field of Kurukshetra long ago..
On the occasion of teacher's day, here are some less popular stories from Mahabharat about teachers and their students. Parashuram and Bheeshm: Lord Parashuram was the teacher of DevVrata. DevVrata was the only Kshatriya prince ever taught by Parashuram. Due to a terrible vow of celibacy he has taken, DevVrata becomes "Bheeshm". When the king of Kashi (modern Banaras) brought the proposal of marriage of his sister with Bheeshm, he declines this offer and the Kashi king takes it as serious insult towards his kingdom. Bheeshm's half-brother Vichitraveerya was crowned as the king of Hastinapur. At that time the king of Kashi organises the swayamvar (ritual for bride to choose groom of her choice) for his three daughters, Amba, Ambalika and Ambika; he did not invite anybody from Hastinapur. This infuriates Bheeshm and he attacks the kingdom of Kashi alone and abducts the three princesses for his brother. Ambika and Ambalika agree to marry Vichitraveerya while Amba refuses as she was in love with king of Salwa. When Bheeshm comes to know about this, he apologises to Amba and sends her respectfully to Salwa king but the latter refuses to accept her as she had been abducted by other man. Amba then asks Bheeshm to marry her, who refuses because of his vow. Amba, thus enraged goes to all the powerful kshatriyas present at that time and asks them to fight for her against Bheeshm. But everyone was so afraid of Bheeshm that no one helps her. Then, in the end, Amba goes to Parashuram and complains to him about his student. Furious Parashuram calls Bheeshm for a fight at the famous Kurukshetra.
When Bheeshm comes at Kurukshetra on his charioteer, he see that Parashuram did not have a chariot. He asks his Guru, "How can I fight with you teacher? I am on a chariot and you are on ground." Parashuram replies that the mother earth is his chariot. Bheeshm gets down from his chariot and then the great fight begans. After a terrible fight, the gods from heaven ask Bheeshm to stop the fight as there was no end to that war, as Bheeshm was capable to defeat his own teacher. Parashuram is pleased with his student and says, "O great Bheeshm, you have made me proud today. But I cannot leave the battlefield" to which Bheeshm replies, "And I cannot disgrace my guru by defeating him so I will leave the battlefield". Parashuram is pleased. He blessed Bheeshm but warns him that he had to pay the price of the injustice he had brought upon Amba. Parashuram and Karna: King Shoorsen had a daughter named Pritha whom he gives to his brother, king of Kuntibhoj (somewhere in modern Madhya Pradesh) who had no children. King Kuntibhoj renamed that girl as Kunti. Once the sage Durvasa comes to Kuntibhoj and he is very pleased with the attendance he recieved from Kunti. He gives Kunti a boon that she can call various Gods from heaven and can get children from them. Excited Kunti tries to experiment that boon and calls God Surya (Sun). At once the God appear and grant him a son born with an armour and earrings attached to his body. Kunti gets frightened as she was still unmarried that time. She puts that child in a basket and throws it in the river Ganga. The basket is spotted by Adhirath, a Suta by caste, and who was the charioteer of King Dhritrashtra (elder son of Vichitraveerya) of Hastinapur. He names the child as Radhey, but he later becomes famous as "Karna". Great archery teachers like Dronacharya refuse to teach Karna as he was Suta by caste. Karna then goes to Parashuram to learn warfare skills. He knew that Parashuram hates Kshatriyas. He lies that he is a brahmin and begans his education. Parashuram becomes so impressed with Karna that he starts comparing him with Bheeshm. One day when Parashuram was sleeping with his head on the lap of Karna, a blood sucking insect comes there and starts sucking blood from Karna's thigh. The pain was unbearable for Karna but he still bears it as even a little jerk could disturb his teacher's sleep. When Parashuram wakes up and looks at the blood stained thigh of Karna, he asks him why he didnt defended himself. Karna replies that this could have disturbed your sleep. Parashuram gets furious. He says, "No brahmin can bear such pain. You are definitely a Kshatriya, you lied to me. I curse you that you will forget all what you have learnt when you will need it most"
Kripacharya and Yudhishthir: Kripa was the chief Guru of Hastinapur, but he was never biased towards any of his student. His sister Kripi was married to Dronacharya, but he was not at all partial like Dronacharya was. He taught martial arts and vedas to the 100 Kauravas (sons of King Dhritrashtras) and 5 Pandavas (sons of younger brother of Dhritrashtra, Pandu whose wives were Kunti and Madri) princes alike. Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandav, was the eldest among all 105 brothers. Kripa was very much impressed with his righteousness and his inclination towards Dharma. He later advocated Yudhishthir's right to be the king of Hastinapur.
The eldest Kaurav prince Duryodhana however was jealous of his cousins Pandavas and one day he decietfully humiliates them all and their wife, Draupadi. This results in a war between Kauravas and the Pandavas in Kurukshetra. Bheeshm, Karna and Kripa had to fight from the Kauravas side. Before the war, Yudhishthir goes to all the elders Bheeshm, Dronacharya and Kripacharya. Bheeshm bless him, "Victory will be yours Dharmaraj, ask for a boon" Yudhishthir asks, "How can we defeat the mighty Kuru like you who have defeated his own teacher?" Bheeshm replies that "when my time will come, I myself will tell you how will I die". Yudhishthir then goes to Dronacharya for benediction. Drona says, "Victory shall be yours Yudhishthir, ask for a boon" Yudhishthir asks the same question to him. Drona replies "I can only be killed when I will leave my weapons and when I will hear lie from a man who always speaks truth" Yudhishthir then goes to Kripa. Kripa says "If you hadnt come to me for benediction, eldest son of Pandu, I would have cursed you with defeat. But I am pleased with you, ask for a boon". When Yudhisthir looks up to his first teacher's face, he suddenly feels ashamed of himself. Tears start gushing out from his eyes. He could not speak more.
The wise Kripacharya realising what he was trying to ask, says, "Dear Yudhishthir, I cannot be slain in this battle. I have to fight from Duryodhana's side and also have to obey the commands of our commander-in-chief because our Dharma says so, and you too should follow your dharma. So go ahead and fight against me. With every rising sun I shall pray for your victory"
In the Kurukshetra war, all warriors defeated their teachers (Pandavas-Drona and Kripa, Abhimanyu-Kritvarma), which ultimately means victory of the teachers. For the first ten days, Bheeshm was the commander-in-chief of Kauravas. He did not allow Karna to participate in the war under his command as he was suta by caste. Bheeshm created havoc for nine days as he was invincible. On the tenth day, Arjun, the third among the Pandavs, with Shikhandi (brother of Draupadi) as a shield, attacked Bheeshm as advised by Bheeshm himself on the previous night. Shikhandi was actually reincarnation of the Kashi princess Amba disgraced by Bheeshm long ago. Bheeshm recognises Amba inside Shikhandi and did not attack him as it was against the Kshatriya dharm to fight against a woman. Bheeshm thus paid the debt of Amba as instructed by his teacher and was slain by Arjun.
After Bheeshm's fall, Dronacharya becomes the commander-in-chief and Karna too joined the war. By that time he knew that Pandavas are actually his own brothers but he still had to fight from Duryodhana's side as he was his friend. On the thirteenth day of the war, Drona forms a military formation called Chakravyuh and Abhimanyu, the son of Arjun, is killed mercilessly by six warriors including Drona, Kripa and Karna. Drona himself is killed on fifteenth day.
After Drona's death, Karna becomes the commander-in-chief and decides to take on Arjun on 17th day of the battle. A night before he saw his guru Parashuram in his sleep. He asks his guru, "O teacher, please relieve me from your curse just for one day" to which Parashuram replies, "The coming day is the only day for which I cursed you. Dear Karna, you have already paid the debt of friendship of Duryodhana by asisting in unjustful killing of Abhimanyu. Now you should accept your own fate". The next day, Karna fought against Arjun. But suddenly the wheel of his chariot gets stuck in mud. He gets down from his chariot to lift the wheel. Lord Krishna, the charioteer of Arjun asks him to shoot an arrow at Karna, as he had killed defense less Abhimanyu. Karna realising that Arjun is going to slay him tries to call his Brahma-astra but he forgets it on such a crucial time as he was cursed by his guru. Arjun takes out his Anjalika-astra and chops off Karna's head.
On the eighteenth day of the war, Duryodhana is also killed but before dying he makes Ashwattama, the son of Drona, his commander-in-chief. The only three survivors from the Kauravas side were Aswatthama, Kritvarma (Lord Krishna's cousin) and Kripacharya. Ashwatthama plans to kill the remaining army of Pandavas that night. Though Kripacharya pursuades his nephew not to commit such a horrendous act, he finally had to aide him. The three warriors destroy the remaining army of Pandavas while in their sleep and inform it to dying Duryodhana. Only the five pandavas along with Lord Krishna and his cousin, Satyaki survive.
Lord Krishna curses Ashwatthama to wander on the earth forever alone. Kritvarma is forgiven by Krishna. And Kripacharya not only returns to Hastinapur, he is also made the chief advisor by Yudhishthir after he becomes the king.
Now the question is, what was the learning? 1. Parashuram was a wise and knowledged teacher. He knew that even a Kshatriya like Bheeshm had to pay for his deeds which knowingly or unknowingly had affected somebody else's life. Thats why he fights with him for Amba to show that one of the most important duty of a warrior is to protect the respect of a woman. 2. Parashuram also knew that mighty warrior Karna who lied to him was not aware of the story of his birth at that time but still he cursed him that he will forget his knowledge at the time he will need it most. This is because a true teacher is one who knows his student well. And Parashuram had knowledge that when the war between dharm and adhrama (right and wrong) will happen, Karna may side with adharma. 3. Kripacharya was a wise old teacher. He was accepted by Pandavas as their teacher even after the war and even after being involved in killing of their own sons in the sleep. This is because of the impartiality he showed throughout his life. While he was a teacher of both Kauravas and Panadavas he supported Yudhishthir to become king but while in war, not only he fought fiercely for Duryodhana, he was also involved in killing of Abhimanyu and Draupadi's sons. He was respected throughout for his unbiasness and has been granted immortality. He is believed to be still alive. Great are the true teachers and greater is the aura of knowledge they emit!!
Krishna Radha love story is a unique one. Anyone who knows about their story is also aware that these eternal lovers didn’t marry each other. In some narrations of Krishna’s stories, it is written that Krishna did meet Radha once again, long after he kills Kamsa.
“…when Krishna came face to face with Radha no words were said. No hands stretched to meet each other, no smile played upon lips and no eyes sparkled with delight. Only a million thoughts flashed through each mind and a deluge of tears flowed from each pair of eyes. Radha had promised not to get involved with Krishna's later life and she intended to keep that promise.
Krishna did not want to say or do something that would make things difficult for Radha. They stood staring stonily at each other till all the thoughts were exhausted and the eyes were dry. Though Krishna and Radha had been physically separated, they had been inseparable spiritually and would continue to be so till the end of the world. Radha had seen the splendour in which Krishna's wives lived and the joy he lavished on them. But she knew that his tears were for her alone and that each drop was more valuable than all the riches of the world. Krishna knew that Vrindavan would be enshrined forever because of Radha's sacrifice. Both were assured that they had taken the correct decision many years ago. Without saying anything they said everything and went their separate ways. They never saw each other again…”
That’s the beauty of Radha Krishna’s love. Who said that marriage means a successful love story ? The most successful love story never ended in a marriage.
2. Bhagdatta’s Vaishnav Astra:
In the Kurukshetra war, there was a warrior of very advanced age named Bhagdatta fighting from the kaurava’s side. He possessed a deadly weapon named Vaishnav Astra. He had a mighty elephant. Riding on that elephant he waged a terrible duel with Arjun on the 12th day of the war. When all his weapons failed to hurt Arjun, he called his Vaishnav Astra and threw it towards the brave warrior. It could have killed Arjun, but just on time Krishna stood up and took the weapon on His own chest, and the weapon turned into a garland of lotus around Krishna’s neck. Arjuna asked Krishna that He had promised to be only a charioteer in the battle and to leave the fighting to him, then why He faced the weapon which was destined to kill Arjun. Krishna replied that one of the prime duty of the charioteer is to protect the life of his warrior ‘Rathi’, so He did.
He also said that the weapon was His own belonging which returned to Him.
This showed the respect Lord gave to his own Astra and to the great warrior Bhagdatta. He could have prevented the use of the weapon if he wanted to. But he respected the valor of the great warrior and protected his friend, Arjun
3. Gandhari’s confrontation with Krishna:
At the end of the war, Kaurav Queen Gandhari curses Lord Krishna that his own clan Yadavas will also get extinguished the same way as the Kauravas have been exterminated. So strong was the anger of the aged mother of 100 sons, none of whom survived the war, that she cursed the supreme God. If the Lord wished there could have been no effect of that curse, but since He was determined to exterminate all the Kshatriyas from the earth that he accepted that curse gracefully.
The festival of Rakshabandhan is near. The story presented below is quite famous but still its good to read it on this occasion.
It is said that Lord Krishna came to the swayamvara (ritual, where a girl herself chooses groom for her among various contender) of the daughter of King Drupad and princess of KamPillai, Draupadi. Some say that he regarded Draupadi as her sister. Arjun, the prince of Hastinapur came in the guise of a brahmin and won the challenge of the swayamvara and thus was chosen by Draupadi as her husband. Krishna knew the real identity of Arjun, but he kept it secret.
He said to Arjun, “O Brahmin, you are now husband of my sister. Make sure that you protect her in all adverse circumstances. She is now your responsibility”
Arjun at Draupadi's Swayamvara, Painting from Mrinal Rai's Kurukshetra Yuddha
Draupadi was taken to the hut where Arjun used to live in those times with his four brothers Yudhishthir, Bheem, Nakul and Sehdev and their mother Kunti. They were hiding from the plans of their wicked cousin Duryodhan who wanted to kill them for the kingdom. On the order of Kunti (which was given by mistake, Draupadi became the wife of all the four brothers as well). When asked why, Krishna explained to her that the numerous qualities that she wanted in her husband cannot be fulfilled by one individual, so these five people will be your husband and will protect you.
After the five brothers (called Pandav) returned Hastinapur, the eldest Yudhishthir was made king of a section of the kingdom named Khandavprastha which was later transformed into Indraprastha by the dedicated efforts of the brothers and blessings of Krishna. Then, the eldest of the five brothers, Yudhishthir planned to perform a Rajasuya yagya (A ritual performed by the king to show his superiority over others ). At the time of the yagya, when one of the cousins of Krishna named Shishupal started insulting the elders and everyone present there and crossed limits, Krishna called his discus the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ and killed him. When the discus returned to his finger, he got a cut and a stream of blood flowed. Draupadi tore a piece from her cloth and wrapped it around his finger. Lord saw her in the eyes and told her, “Dear sister, one day I will pay you the debt of each thread of this cloth” and Draupadi smiled.
One day Duryodhan invited all the Pandav brothers to Hastinapur court to play dice with him. By tricks of his evil uncle Shakuni, he made Yudhishthir lose everything including Indraprastha and Draupadi. Duryodhana ordered his brother Dussahasan to bring Draupadi in the court. Draupadi was having her periods that time and was wearing a single sari. But the evil Dussahasan dragged her by hair and brought her in the assembly hall before all the elders and her husbands. Duryodhan asked Dussahasan to strip Draupadi in the hall. Draupadi cried for help to the heroic Pandavas who were the greatest warrior of that time. Though even after becoming Duryodhan’s slave after losing the game, they were still husbands of the lady who was being humiliated at that time, they still didn’t help her. She called the elders present in the assembly, her elder in-laws who should protect her, but everyone was bound to watch that horrific scene either because of some duty or some vow. Draupadi warned Dussahasan not to touch her garment, but the wicked man approaches her cruelly.
When Dussahasana tried to strip Draupadi and pulled her cloth, she joined her hands and prayed to Krishna, “O my brother, all those who swore to protect me have dejected me, now you are the only hope”, and then a miracle happened. As Dussahasan unwrapped layers and layers of her sari, her sari kept on getting extended. Thus Lord Krishna saved the honor of her sister.
Later when the Pandavas accepted 12 years of Vanavasa (living in forest) as a result of another dice game, Krishna came to visit them. Draupadi, who never cried after that incidence, couldn’t stop her tears and told her whatever happened to her. Krishna who had come to pacify the Pandavas anger , after hearing Draupadi’s story said, “Don’t cry sister, now it is the turn of the wives of the people who humiliated you, to cry on the dead bodies of their husbands” and Draupadi could see tears in the eyes of Krishna. “There would be a war, isnt it?” she asked. “There should be…” Krishna replied, and he meant it.
13 years later the famous Kurukshetra war was fought in which all those people who were present in that assembly at that time were either killed or left to live a cursed and humiliated life. Krishna keeps his promise.
This story tells that the most sacred and blessed relationship is between a brother and a sister. A brother has to protect her sister. He is always bound and remains indebted to the love of a sister. Even if the husband of a women dejects her, his brother will not, because he has to pay the debt of every thread of love wrapped around his hand. That’s the beauty of Rakshabandhan. Blessed are those men who have a sister and more blessed are those who make someone a sister.
Friendship day is near. I have a story (again from Mahabharat :)) for this day.
This is a unique story of friendship between Drupad and Dronacharya which, I believe, has always got less attention.
Drupad and Drona became friends in the ashram where they used to study in their childhood. Drupad was the prince of the kingdom Panchal(Kam pillai), while Drona was son of sage Bharadwaj.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
Drupad used to say to Drona, "O Drona, you are my dear friend. And friends should share their belongings equally. So whatever is yours, half of that would be mine and whatever is mine, half of that would be yours. You'll see when I become king, I'll give you half of my kingdom", and Drona used to feel proud of his friendship.
Years passed. Drupad became the king of Panchal, but Drona had to suffer a harsh fate. Poverty struck him. He was so poor that his wife Kripi used to put some water dipped in rice powder over the mouth of their son Ashwatthama, to show others that he is having milk every day.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
It was at that time when Drona remembered the promise of his friend Drupad. He told Kripi, "In these harsh times, only my friend Drupad can help us and he will help us for sure"
Drona went to Drupad and reminded him of his promise. He said that since he owns half of his kingdom as per said during their childhood, he demands nothing but just 1 cow from his kingdom. Drupad laughed at Drona. He said, "You Idiot, you're still struck to the promises made in childhood. O Drona, friendship is always between people who are equal in status. Look at me, I am king of Kam pillai, and look at you, who are you, a poor brahmin. There can be no friendship between us. So don’t demand anything on the basis of friendship. You are a brahmin though, if you beg for something, I can give you even more than a cow".
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
Drona felt humiliated. He said nothing and left.
Fate later turned in favor of Drona when he was invited by the mighty Bheeshma to teach archery and warfare skills to his grandsons the Pandavas and the Kauravas, young princes of kingdom of Hastinapur. Drona imparts all his knowledge he learnt from his guru, the invincible Parashuram, to the five pandavas and 100 kauravas. When he trained all of them, he asked that in Guru-Dakshina (the ritual to give something to the teacher after the education is complete), he wanted them to capture King Drupad. The 100 Kauravas fail to capture the warrior king Drupad, but the five pandavas without any army capture Drupad alive and bring him in front of Drona.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
Drona tells him, "See, now I have filled the gap we had in our positions. Now we can be friends, can't we Drupad? You failed to keep your promise but I will not, my friend. I own your kingdom now, but I will give you your share. You keep half of the kingdom and I will give half to my son Ashwatthama". Drupad felt insulted and decided to take revenge, he was though greatly impressed by the archery skills of Arjun, the third among the pandav and Drona's favorite student.
In rage of vengeance, Drupad performed a yagya and produced a son named Drishtadyumna who was declared as the slayer of Drona.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
He also got a daughter named Draupadi whom later Arjun won in her Swayamvar. But later she was married to all the five pandav brothers. Drupad was happy that he became father-in-law of the greatest warriors.
Though Drishtadyumna was destined to kill Drona, he was sent by his father to Dronacharya himself to learn archery.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
Drupad knew that Drona was the best teacher for archery in the world. Drona, though having full knowledge that Drishtadyumna will kill him one day, accepted him as his student because he was his friend's son.
The eldest Kaurav son, Duryodhan was jealous of his cousins Pandavas and he invited all his pandav brothers once for the game of dice. He wickedly defeats them and wins their kingdom and their wife Draupadi. She was brought in the assembly hall of Hastinapur by dragging through hair. She pleads to Drona, "Hey Acharya Drona, you are my father's friend. Please save me from these evil souls here. Being the closest person to my father, is it not your duty to save me?"
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
But Drona was helpless. He could not oppose the king's sons, even though he was their teacher, because he was indebted by Hastinapur kingdom.
The humiliation of Draupadi brought about a war between Pandavas and the Kauravas in Kurukshetra. This war once again brought Dronacharya along with his son Ashwatthama face to face to confront Drupad and his son Drishtadyumna.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
Drona had to aid the Kuaravas side because of his duty towards Hastinapur while Drishtadyumna was the commander in chief from the pandavas side. After the fall of Bheeshma, Dronacharya became the commander in chief from the Kauravas side.
On the 15th day of the war, the great duel between Drona and Drupad was fought. Before the war, Drona sked Drupad, “This is our final chance to meet each other Drupad, lets greet each other”. But Drupad replied, “You are not even worthy of my greetings, Drona”. Drona destroyed Drupad's bow and mace. They fought with swords then, and after a long battle, Drona struck the sword in the chest of his friend Drupad killing him.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
On the same day, when Drona became invincible in the battle then on the advice of Krishna, the clever charioteer of Arjun, false news of Ashwatthama's death was given to Dronacharya. This made him disheartened and he dropped his weapons. He sat down in the battlefield in yoga position. It was then the vengeful Drishtadyumna came from behind and cut off Drona's head.
Drawn by Mrinal Rai
After the war of that day got over, the dead body of Drupad was lying on the field and his crown dropped a little above his head to match the crownless head of his friend Drona lying very close to his body.
drawn by Mrinal Rai
Thus there remained no difference between the friends. Both were sharing their belongings (of eternal glory of great warriors lying dead in the battlefield) equally as once told by Drupad.
