Section VIII - Battle of Kurukshetra: Drona's Last Stand Against the Pandavas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section VIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
In the battle, Drona displayed unmatched skill and ferocity, slaying many of the Pandava warriors and causing their troops to flee in fear. He fought fiercely like Death himself, covering the battlefield with his deadly arrows and causing devastation among the enemy ranks. Despite being old, Drona fought like a young man, cutting down heads and arms of his opponents without mercy. The Pandava warriors, led by Yudhishthira, surrounded Drona with the aim of checking his rampage, but his prowess and determination continued to pose a significant threat.
Drona's chariot, drawn by red steeds, moved swiftly across the battlefield, creating a scene of chaos and destruction as he targeted the Pandava forces with lethal precision. With his bow and arrows, Drona unleashed a relentless assault, causing the earth to become 'miry with blood' and filling the sky with the sounds of war. The Pancalas and the Pandavas, including mighty warriors like Bhima, Arjuna, and Drupada's sons, valiantly confronted Drona, but his skill and power proved formidable. Despite their efforts, Drona's onslaught seemed unstoppable, as he struck down both soldiers and animals with his deadly weapons.
As the battle raged on, Drona targeted specific groups of enemies, including the princes of Kekaya and the ruler of the Pancalas, before turning his attention to Yudhishthira's division. The Pandava warriors fought bravely, unleashing a barrage of arrows in return, but Drona's fury and skill were unmatched. The battlefield became a scene of carnage, with bodies of fallen soldiers and animals littering the ground, as Drona's arrow showers pierced through armor and flesh with deadly precision. Despite facing fierce resistance, Drona continued to wreak havoc, grinding down the enemy forces with his relentless attacks.
With his golden chariot and unparalleled combat prowess, Drona inflicted heavy losses on the Pandava army, crushing their divisions and slaying countless warriors. His defeat seemed inevitable as the Pandavas, led by Dhrishtadyumna, finally managed to overcome his defenses and bring an end to his reign of terror on the battlefield. In the aftermath of Drona's demise, a loud uproar of all creatures resounded through the heavens, marking the end of a mighty warrior who had achieved extraordinary feats in battle but ultimately met his fate at the hands of his foes.
Full English translation:
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Section VIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section VIII:
What feats did Drona achieve in the battle described in the story?
Drona slew numerous warriors, elephants, and steeds, covering the battlefield with arrows. He crushed divisions of Pandava heroes and achieved mighty feats, ultimately being slain by Dhrishtadyumna.
Who were some of the key warriors that fought against Drona in the battle?
Warriors like Bhimasena, Arjuna, Satyaki, Drupada's sons, and the ruler of Kasi joined forces to challenge Drona. Despite their efforts, Drona continued to wreak havoc with his arrows.
How did the battle come to an end for Drona?
After slaying thousands of warriors, Drona was ultimately killed by Dhrishtadyumna. The battlefield echoed with cries of victory from the Pandavas and Pancalas, marking the end of Drona's formidable presence.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: Drona's Last Stand Against the Pandavas:
The story tells of a fierce battle where Drona, a seasoned warrior, faces off against multiple opponents and demonstrates exceptional skill and determination. Despite his age, Drona fights like a young man, showing that perseverance and dedication to one's goals are vital, regardless of challenges or the passage of time. There's a key lesson in the collaboration among the Pandavas to face a formidable opponent; teamwork and pooling resources and strengths can significantly enhance the ability to tackle difficult situations.
Drona's relentless spirit and the strategic unity of the Pandavas underscore the importance of resilience and well-coordinated efforts in overcoming obstacles. The narrative also reflects on the inevitability of change and the transient nature of life and power; despite Drona's mighty feats, he eventually meets his end, reminding us to strive with humility and be prepared for life's unpredictability.
In daily life, this can inspire individuals to approach challenges with courage, work collaboratively towards common goals, and maintain humility and adaptability in the face of success or defeat. It's about giving your best, learning continuously, and understanding that both victories and setbacks are part of the journey, enriching experience and wisdom.