Section XVI - Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna's Victory over Drona
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XVI 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 midst of a fierce battle, the valiant Vrishasena of the Kaurava army displayed great skill and bravery, single-handedly protecting his broken army with a dazzling display of his weapons. His arrows pierced through enemies and caused havoc on the battlefield, striking fear in the hearts of his opponents. The sons of Draupadi, led by Nakula's son Satanika, attempted to fight back against Vrishasena, but were quickly overwhelmed until Karna's son came to his aid.
As the battle intensified, the Pandava and Kaurava armies clashed fiercely, with warriors on both sides fighting bravely and fiercely. Drona, the Kaurava commander, engaged Yudhishthira and was temporarily held back by Kumara of the Pancalas, before breaking free and wreaking havoc on the battlefield. Drona targeted Yudhishthira, but was challenged by various Pandava warriors who tried to protect their leader as the battle raged on.
Amidst the chaos, Drona managed to take down many formidable opponents, including Kumara, Singhasena, and Vyaghradatta, causing panic and despair among the Pandava forces. However, Arjuna, with his unparalleled skill and determination, arrived on the battlefield and turned the tide of the battle in favor of the Pandavas. Arjuna's arrival brought a sense of hope and strength to the Pandava army, as he unleashed a relentless assault on Drona's forces, causing a river of blood and carnage to flow on the battlefield.
Arjuna's arrows created a dense darkness that enveloped the battlefield, making it impossible to distinguish friend from foe, leading to Drona and Duryodhana deciding to withdraw their troops. The Pandavas, filled with joy and gratitude for Arjuna's valor, praised him like the Rishis praising the Sun. With the enemy forces retreating and victory within their grasp, Arjuna and his allies, including Krishna, celebrated their triumph and returned to their camp, their spirits high and their resolve stronger than ever.
In the aftermath of the battle, both sides took stock of their losses and victories, with the Pandavas rejoicing in their triumph and the Kauravas reeling from the defeat. The bravery and skill of the warriors on both sides were acknowledged, but it was Arjuna's heroics that stood out amidst the chaos of the battlefield. As night fell and the dust settled, the Pandavas emerged victorious, thanks to Arjuna's unwavering courage and divine skill in battle, paving the way for their ultimate triumph in the Kurukshetra war.
Full English translation:
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Section XVI, 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 XVI:
What was Vrishasena's role in the battle described by Sanjaya?
Vrishasena protected the army and displayed great fighting skills, felling enemies single-handedly.
How did Drona engage in the battle against Yudhishthira?
Drona fought fiercely against Yudhishthira, piercing him with arrows and cutting off his bow.
Who came to Yudhishthira's rescue during the battle?
Arjuna arrived, filling the battlefield with carnage, routing the Kurus and confounding Drona's divisions.
How did the battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas conclude?
The Pandavas, led by Arjuna, vanquished their foes and withdrew, filled with joy.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna's Victory over Drona:
The story, woven with themes of bravery, strategy, loyalty, and perseverance, offers numerous lessons that can be adapted into our daily lives. At its core, the narrative stresses the importance of facing challenges head-on, akin to how the warriors, despite the might of their opponents, stood their ground and fought valiantly. This can be translated into a call for confronting personal and professional obstacles with courage and determination, never succumbing to fear or adversity.
Another key takeaway is the essence of teamwork and unity, as exhibited by the collective efforts of the Pandavas and their allies to stand against a formidable foe. Their bond and mutual support underscore the value of collaboration; that when individuals come together, pooling their strengths and supporting one another, they can overcome even the most daunting challenges. This principle is applicable in various aspects of life, whether it's working on a group project, being part of a team, or merely supporting friends and family through tough times.
Furthermore, the narrative highlights the inevitable presence of conflict and how resilience can turn the tide. The warriors did not achieve victory through strength alone but through persistence, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Similarly, in our lives, resilience in the face of setbacks, an adaptable mindset, and strategic planning in personal and professional endeavors can pave the way for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
In essence, the story teaches that courage, unity, perseverance, and strategic thinking are invaluable in navigating life's battles. By embodying these virtues, we can confront our challenges, unite with those around us for a common cause, and persistently strive towards our goals, ultimately paving our path to triumph.