All discussions had failed. War was certain. The armies were getting ready with seven divisions of the Pandavas and eleven divisions of the Kauravas, each division under a noble warrior, with chariots, elephants and foot-soldiers. The Pandavas had their divisions under Drupada, Virata, Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandin, Satyaki, Chekitana and Bhimasena. Balarama withdrew from the war because […]
Karna’s ear-rings and armour were divine protective gifts from his father, Surya. Indra wished to protect his son Arjuna against Karna. So he went, disguised as a Brahmana, and begged the ear-rings and armour from Karna. Karna had been warned by Surya, but he was unable to turn down the request. So, he gave them
Kunti was very unhappy. How could her sons face the might of the Kaurava army that would be led by Bhishma, Drona and Karna? Even if Bhishma and Drona were gentle with their pupils, Karna would attack fiercely. She decided to appeal to Karna and one day he was surprised to find Kunti waiting for
Draupadi pleaded with Krishna before he left, to avenge the dishonour she suffered. Krishna assured her and left for Hastinapura. He refused Dhritarashtra’s gifts and Duryodhana’s hospitality and stayed with Vidura. He learnt from Vidura that Bhishma and Drona had to remain loyal to the throne of Hastinapura. The next day, Krishna went with Vidura
After Sanjaya had left, the Pandavas and Krishna settled down to discuss the message he had brought. Yudhishthira had finally realized that Dhritarashtra said something nice, but his meaning was always hidden behind the words. Sanjaya, his messenger, had said that Dhritarashtra wanted peace, but he wanted it by the Pandavas giving up their kingdom
The messenger to Hastinapura did not succeed despite Bhishma asking for Indraprastha to be returned to the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra sent Sanjaya to them. He said that Dhritarashtra wanted no war, but he was always led by his son. Yudhishthira said he would be guided by Krishna. He said that they had been cheated out of
Salya told them the stories of Indra and Nahusha, to show that Duryodhana would be destroyed. Indra once insulted Brihaspati, the guru of devas, so he left devalok. Indra was asked to take Vishwarupa, son of Twastha, as the teacher. But in a fit of anger Indra killed Vishwarupa. The angry Twastha sent a demon
The uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva, Madri’s brother, King Salya, was on his way with his huge army to meet the Pandavas. Duryodhana heard of it and decided to take care of him and his army lavishly when they camped. Salya thought all the hospitality was arranged by the Pandavas, so he was very happy
Once the messenger had been sent off to Hastinapura, the Pandavas began preparations. They first informed all the kings and princes who were their friends to be ready for the war. Arjuna went to Dwaraka himself to seek help from Krishna. Duryodhana too reached there the same day. Krishna was sleeping when they arrived. Duryodhana
The Pandavas moved to Upaplavya in the Matsya kingdom. Krishna and Balarama with the Yadava forces, Drupada and Dhrishtadyumna with their armies and several other princes arrived. The marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara was celebrated. Then discussions began about a war to get the Pandavas their kingdom. Some, like Balarama, were not in favour of
When King Virata returned after defeating Susarma, there was no sign of his son Prince Uttar. While searching for him, they got the news of the defeat of the Kaurava army by Uttar. Virata was extremely proud. But when Yudhishthira praised Brihannala, he hit him in anger. Meanwhile Uttar retuned, and told his father to
The elders advised caution. Even Ashwatthama told them not to insult their elders. Bhishma also said that thirteen years had been completed the day before by the Pandavas. They had the right to their kingdom. But Duryodhana and Karna were deaf to all advice. It was decided that Duryodhana would go back while the others
Susarma attacked Matsya. All the Pandavas except Arjuna went with the army. During the battle Susarma captured Virata, but Bhima set him free and made Susarma captive. They returned to the palace jubilant. Meanwhile Duryodhana with the Kaurava army attacked from another side. Young Prince Uttar decided to defend the kingdom. He needed a charioteer.
The sairandhri was feared by everyone in Matsya after it was learnt that her gandharva husband killed Kichaka. She requested Sudeshna to let her stay a month more which would complete the thirteenth year. Sudeshna was too scared to refuse. Duryodhana sent spies to find out where the Pandavas were hiding. So far they had
They went to Matsya and entered the King’s service as planned. Queen Sudeshna’s brother, Kichaka, was the Commander-in-Chief and had immense influence in the kingdom. He was attracted by the beautiful sairandhri. She said her husbands were powerful gandharvas who would kill anyone who troubled her. But Kichaka continued to harass her. He persuaded his