Section XIII - Battle between Pandavas and Kauravas: Drona and Arjuna Clash

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XIII 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:
The story begins with Drona promising to capture Yudhishthira, leading to the Pandavas and their allies preparing for battle. Yudhishthira, not wanting to be captured, asks Arjuna to fight by his side to prevent Drona from fulfilling his promise. Arjuna refuses to fight against his preceptor, stating that as long as he is alive, Drona will not succeed in seizing Yudhishthira. The two sides clash in a fierce battle, with Drona and Arjuna leading their respective armies, causing havoc and fear among the soldiers.

Despite Drona's prowess in battle, protected by his own skills and Arjuna's presence, the Pandavas and Kauravas find themselves evenly matched. Drona's expert archery skills make him seem like multiple warriors on the battlefield, terrifying the opposing forces. The Pandavas struggle against Drona's onslaught, with their ranks being crushed by his sharp arrows. Despite their best efforts, the Pandava army is unable to withstand Drona's fierce attacks as he single-handedly takes on their forces.

The battle intensifies as Drona continues to dominate the battlefield, causing chaos and destruction among the troops. His skillful use of arrows and strategic maneuvers make it difficult for the Pandavas to counter his attacks. The Kauravas, emboldened by Drona's prowess, push forward against the Pandavas, who are struggling to hold their ground. The outcome of the battle hangs in the balance as both sides fight fiercely for victory, with Drona emerging as a formidable force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Full English translation:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section XIII - Battle between Pandavas and Kauravas: Drona and Arjuna Clash, have a look at the following articles:

Section XIII, 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 XIII:

What was Arjuna's stance on fighting Drona in the battle?

Arjuna refused to fight against his preceptor Drona, prioritizing loyalty over victory.

How did Drona and Arjuna impact the battle between the Pandavas and the Kurus?

Drona crushed the Pandavas' ranks while Arjuna protected them with his prowess.

Daily life: Battle between Pandavas and Kauravas: Drona and Arjuna Clash:

In this story, we see the essence of determination, loyalty, and strategy, as characters navigate challenges in a battlefield scenario. Applying this to daily life, it's about staying committed to our goals and values, even when faced with obstacles. Just like Arjuna vows never to yield or be vanquished, we too can approach our personal and professional challenges with a mindset of resilience and perseverance.

Building a support system, much like Yudhishthira did with his brothers and allies, is crucial in navigating life’s battles. We must communicate our plans and intentions with those who are on our side, seeking advice and support when necessary. Facing adversities with the confidence that you are not alone and that you have a team or support system behind you can make daunting tasks more manageable.

Lastly, even in face of the toughest challenges, as represented by Drona’s prowess on the battlefield, maintaining integrity and staying true to one’s principles, as demonstrated by Arjuna’s refusal to fight his preceptor or betray his king, is paramount. This teaches us the importance of upholding our values, even when it might seem easier to compromise them for short-term gains. Life is full of complex challenges, but with determination, support, and integrity, we can navigate through them.

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