Kurukshetra War Story – Chapter 8: The Final Battle and Victory

The Final Battle and Victory

In the previous chapter, we saw how Arjuna defeated Bhishma Pitamah and the war reached a decisive turning point. Now, the Kaurava army was mentally weakened, but Duryodhana was still not ready to surrender. Today was to be the final battle, and it was to be decided whose the land of Kurukshetra would be.

The Challenge of Mace Combat

The sun was reddening Kurukshetra with its last rays. Both armies had retreated, and a quiet anticipation hung in the air. The sound of warriors' breaths echoed in the dusty wind. Yudhishthira, filled with brotherly love, offered Duryodhana one last chance to renounce the war, but Duryodhana was consumed by his ego. His eyes blazed with anger, and clenching his fists, he challenged them to mace combat. "Today, either I die, or these Pandavas! No more compromises!" he roared. Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva were all worried. They knew that both Bhima and Duryodhana were extremely skilled in mace combat.

Yudhishthira took a deep breath. "Duryodhana, do you truly want war? There is still time, calm yourself." Duryodhana let out a scornful laugh. "Calm? I, Duryodhana? This earth will either be mine, or no one's. Call your Bhima! Today, the decision will be made!" Bhima looked at his elder brother, then roared and stepped forward. His massive body was powerful, his eyes blazed, the flame of vengeance burned in his heart.

The End of Duryodhana

Bhima and Duryodhana stood face to face, maces in their hands. Both warriors began to strike at each other. The maces clashed, and their impact echoed throughout Kurukshetra. Duryodhana was not weak either; he fought with full strength, but his speed began to slow against Bhima's might. Krishna smiled. He knew what the end of this battle would be. He signaled Arjuna to remind Bhima of the vow he had taken in the past. Arjuna whispered in Yudhishthira's ear, and Yudhishthira reminded Bhima that he had to break Duryodhana's thigh.

Inspired by Krishna, Bhima struck Duryodhana's thigh with his mace. Duryodhana screamed and fell to the ground. He looked at Bhima with anger. "This is unrighteous! You have broken the rules!" Bhima said, "Yes, I have broken the rules. But what was righteous about what you did to Draupadi? What was righteous about what you did to my brothers?" Duryodhana writhed in pain, but his face still held arrogance. His end was near. Krishna explained to Arjuna that sometimes, to establish righteousness, it is necessary to resort to unrighteousness.

Establishment of Dharma and Victory of the Pandavas

After Duryodhana was felled, the Pandavas declared victory. The land of Kurukshetra, which had turned red with blood, was now under the control of the Pandavas. Yudhishthira bowed to the earth with a heavy heart. This was indeed a victory, but at what a heavy price! Millions of lives were lost, and many of their own family members were separated from them forever. This victory was a bitter truth that would always remind them of how destructive war is.

This was undoubtedly a victory for the Pandavas, but Lord Krishna's contribution was the greatest. He showed Arjuna the right path, explained the importance of dharma, and proved that in the end, truth always triumphs. Now, what will be the future of the Pandavas after this victory? How will they govern this kingdom? And what changes will result from this war, we will see in the next chapter.