The fourth-day of the battle was noted for the valour shown by Bheem. Bhishma commanded the Kaurava army to move on the offensive from the outset. While Abhimanyu was still in his mother's womb, Arjun had taught Abhimanyu on how to break and enter the chakravyuha. But, before explaining how to exit the chakravyuha, Arjun was interrupted by Krishna (other story: Abhimanyu's mother falls asleep while Arjun was explaining her). Thus from birth, Abhimanyu only knew how to enter the Chakravyuha but didn't know how to come out of it. When the Kauravas formed the chakravyuha, Abhimanyu entered it but was surrounded and attacked by a number of Kaurava princes. Arjun joined the fray in aid of Abhimanyu. Bheem appeared on the scene with his mace aloft and started attacking the Kauravas. Duryodhan sent a huge force of elephants at Bheem. When Bheem saw the mass of elephants approaching, he got down from his chariot and attacked them single handedly with his iron mace. They scattered and stampeded into the Kaurava forces killing many. Duryodhan ordered an all-out attack on Bheem. Bheem withstood all that was thrown at him and attacked Duryodhan's brothers, killing eight of them. Bheem was soon struck by an arrow on the chest and sat down in his chariot dazed.
Duryodhan was distraught at the loss of his brothers. Duryodhan, overwhelmed by sorrow at the loss of his brothers, went to Bhishma at the end of the fourth day of the battle and asked his commander how could the Pandavas, facing a superior force against them, still prevail and win. Bhishma replied that the Pandavas had justice on their side and advised Duryodhan to seek peace.
YOU ARE READING
Gandivdhari Arjun-The Warrior Prince
Historical FictionArjun was one of the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharat epic. He was born to Kunti and King Pandu with the energy of Indra, the leader of the gods. At a very young age he got acclaim for the sincerity and skill in archery. He was known for his...
