Kurukshetra War Story – Chapter 6: The Beginning of the War

The Beginning of the War

After hearing the essence of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna's delusion was dispelled. Having attained knowledge, he was now fully prepared to fulfill his duty. The conch shells sounded on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and the war began. Both armies stood facing each other, as if two vast oceans were eager to collide.

Bhishma Pitamah's Leadership

The responsibility of the Kaurava army rested on the shoulders of Bhishma Pitamah. His white beard and calm face conveyed a sense of peace even in the fierce atmosphere of war. He was known for his valor and righteousness. Under his leadership, the Kaurava army was filled with confidence. A palm tree was depicted on his flag, symbolizing his strength in the Mahabharata war. He arranged his army in a formation and ordered the commencement of the battle.

Bhishma Pitamah said in a loud voice, "Warriors, today there is a war between righteousness and unrighteousness. Fight with all your might to protect your lineage, your land, and your dharma! Remember, truth always triumphs!" His words infused enthusiasm into the army, and they advanced with roars.

Abhimanyu's Chakravyuha

On the third day of the war, Dronacharya created a Chakravyuha (a circular military formation) to capture Yudhishthira. Among the Pandavas, only Arjuna and Krishna knew how to penetrate the Chakravyuha, but on that day, Arjuna had been led away from the battlefield. In such a situation, Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu, stepped forward. Abhimanyu showed the courage to enter the Chakravyuha, even though he did not know how to exit it.

Abhimanyu, who had learned the art of penetrating the Chakravyuha in his mother's womb, said to his charioteer, "O charioteer, take the chariot towards the Chakravyuha. Even if I cannot return, I must fulfill my duty." He entered the Chakravyuha and created chaos among the Kaurava army.

Lord Krishna explained to Yudhishthira, "Do not worry, Dharmaraj. Abhimanyu is a brave warrior, and he is capable of defeating the Kaurava army single-handedly. But remember, Abhimanyu should not be left alone. We must support him, no matter what."

Arjuna's Wrath

When Arjuna learned that Abhimanyu was trapped in the Chakravyuha and that the Kauravas had killed him together, his anger reached its peak. His heart was filled with grief and rage. He vowed that before sunset tomorrow, he would kill Jayadratha, or else he would immolate himself. Jayadratha, who had prevented Abhimanyu from exiting the Chakravyuha, was the cause of Arjuna's fury.

Arjuna said in a sharp tone, "O Krishna, this is injustice! They have killed my son by deceit. I vow that before sunset tomorrow, I will kill Jayadratha, or I will give up my life!" Arjuna's anger was so intense that even the gods became concerned. The war was about to take an even more terrible turn. This vow was destined to prove a decisive turning point. This chapter bears witness to the beginning of the fierce war of Kurukshetra, where the conflict between love, duty, and anger is at its peak.