Kurukshetra War Story – Chapter 7: The Turning Point of the War

Turning Points of the War

In the previous chapter, we witnessed the commencement of the fierce battle of Kurukshetra. Both armies stood face to face, and the conch shells signaling the start of the war filled the three worlds with dread. This chapter now leads us towards the decisive turning points of the war, where Bhishma Pitamah lies on a bed of arrows, Dronacharya and Karna are slain, and the Pandavas see a glimmer of hope.

The Farewell of the Son of Ganga

For ten days, Bhishma Pitamah led the Kaurava army. The Pandava army was in disarray under his might and prowess. Arjuna hesitated to raise his bow against him, for his love and respect for his grandfather were immense. Yudhishthira said to Arjuna, "Arjuna, will you not strike your grandfather? Will the word of Dharmaraj be false?" Arjuna's mind was troubled; he was caught between his duty and his devotion to his guru. Tears welled up in his eyes, but duty was paramount.

Arjuna looked towards Shri Krishna, who was acting as his charioteer. Shri Krishna imparted the knowledge of the Gita to Arjuna, showing him the path of Karma Yoga. "Arjuna, this is a war for righteousness. Here, relationships do not matter. You must fulfill your duty." The words of Shri Krishna gave Arjuna strength, and he resolved to shoot arrows at Bhishma Pitamah. Bhishma Pitamah's body was pierced by Arjuna's arrows. He fell from his chariot, but before he could touch the ground, countless arrows laid him upon a bed of arrows.

The Sacrifice of the Guru

After Bhishma Pitamah lay on the bed of arrows, Dronacharya became the commander of the Kaurava army. He devised many formations to defeat the Pandavas. Dronacharya was so powerful and skilled that it seemed impossible to defeat him. Shri Krishna knew that deception would be necessary to defeat Dronacharya. He asked Yudhishthira to lie about the death of Ashwatthama. "Yudhishthira, if Dronacharya is convinced that Ashwatthama is dead, he will lay down his weapons."

Yudhishthira was Dharmaraj, and lying felt like a sin to him. But Shri Krishna explained that lying for the sake of protecting righteousness was not unrighteous. Yudhishthira reluctantly said, "Ashwatthama hato naro va kunjaro," which meant Ashwatthama is dead, but I do not know if he was a man or an elephant. When Dronacharya heard this from Yudhishthira's mouth, he was overwhelmed with grief. He laid down his weapons and became absorbed in meditation. At that very moment, Drupada's son, Dhrishtadyumna, slew Dronacharya. This was a tragic and unjust event. Shri Krishna's act was for the protection of dharma, yet he repented after Dronacharya's death and prayed for his soul's peace.

The End of the Brave Karna

After the slaying of Dronacharya, Karna became the commander of the Kaurava army. Karna was a great warrior, considered equal to Arjuna. A fierce battle ensued between Karna and Arjuna. Both fought with their full might. Karna wounded Arjuna with his powerful arrows, but Arjuna's arrows broke Karna's chariot.

During the battle, the wheel of Karna's chariot got stuck in the earth. Karna pleaded with Arjuna to wait a moment so he could dislodge the wheel. But Shri Krishna knew that if Karna got time, he would defeat Arjuna. He signaled Arjuna to strike Karna. Arjuna shot an arrow at Karna, and Karna was slain. Karna's death was a tragic and unjust event, as he was a great warrior and a generous giver. Shri Krishna allowed Karna to experience the fruits of his past deeds, and his soul attained heaven.

The Path Ahead

After the slaying of Bhishma Pitamah, Dronacharya, and Karna, the Kaurava army was weakened. The Pandavas now saw a glimmer of hope for victory. But the war was not yet over. Shakuni and Duryodhana were still devising new conspiracies to defeat the Pandavas. In the next chapter, we will see how the war reaches its final stage and who ultimately emerges victorious.