The Fateful Evening part 2

Part 113

Kaurava army got frightened on hearing the twang of Gandiv and could not venture to fight with Jishnu.No one could see when he took the arrow,when he fixed it and when he released it.Arjun then wanted to finish off his rival in time and to do that he should clear off the army and the Protection ring.
        Arjun then invoked Aindrastra with due mantras.With the power of that Astra many blazing shafts flew from it.Thousands of Kaurava warriors lost their lives and their bodies covered the earth causing heartbreak to Duryothan.Arjun looked resplendent just like blazing fire with incessant Sparks and rising flames.Jishnu who could not swallow the death of his dearest son fought like never before.The whole battle field is filled with either dead or unconscious soldiers.It looked like the sporting ground of Shiv at the time of the end of yuga.
            Around Dhananjay the river of blood started flowing like Vaitarani river that exists on way to hell.Arjun sent formidable warriors to heaven within seconds by means of his fierce shafts.The speed with which Krishna drove the chariot and the lightness of hand exhibited by Jishnu made every one awestruck with fear.
            The warriors felt Arjun wherever they see around. As Arjun proceeded towards Jayathrath Kuru warriors lost hope of him.Now the protection wing covered Jayathrath desparately and tried to prevent Arjun.But soon they realised they can not stop Arjun that day. Arjun shot fifty arrows on Aswathama twenty on Vrishasen,Karna with thirty two Kripa with nine and Salya with sixteen.Finding a gap Arjun shot sixty arrows on Jayathrath and roared like a lion.
             Jayathrath on his turn boldly shot six arrows on Krishna and six on Arjun.Next moment Arjun killed his charioteer with ten shafts and created terror in the hearts of every one around.Arjun then continuously showered arrows on the protection wing that consisted of Karna,Kripa ,Salya,Vrishasena,Aswathama and Duryothan.He pierced Karna with fifty,Kripa with ten,Duryothan with six,Salya with ten and Vrishasena with twenty.In reply all those warriors showered shafts continuously on Indra's son.With those incessant showers Jishnu became furious and slaughtered them with deadly shafts released from Gandiv.
           The six famous warriors ,hurt severely by Jishnu abandoned Jayathrath and fled away from Arjun.They fled in such a manner that no two persons could be seen flying together.Celestials hailed Jishnu saying that such battle was never fought before and nor would it be fought in future.
            Krishna alerted Jishnu." Parth. Hurry up. Little time only is left for Sunset. I will create illusion by hiding the Sun through my yogic powers. Jayathrath will become visible with that. Take that opportunity and strike him instantly.But don't let the head fall on the ground. I will tell you why."

   Arjun nodded his head and geared up to avenge his son by fulfilling his oath.
( Critical Edition removed covering of Sunset. Arjun was able to kill Jayadrath in time. KMG,Gita press And South Edition got this covering)

Suddenly the Sun is covered creating the feeling of Sunset in the battlefield.The Warriors were in confusion over the sudden change and then realised they won the game.The six warriors protecting Jayathrath relaxed and shouted with joy.Jayathrath had a triumphant smile on his face. He won his life. Arjun lost the game. Duryothan clapped his hands and challenged Arjun." Now keep your promise. Enter the fire. You failed in your mission."
       Krishna smiled at Arjun and said." Go ahead Parth." Arjun 's grip on Gandiv tightened. He pierced Kripa with nine arrows,Karna with fifteen,Salya and Duryothan with twenty and Vrishasena with twenty five.He shot sixty arrows on Jayathrath The protectors of Jayathrath were sorely puzzled.
          The Six warriors showered arrows on Indra's son who was in rage.Arjun slaughtered them and made them run for their lives leaving Jayathrath.Arjun then destroyed Duryothan's army around Jayathrath with his deadly shafts.The protection officers again made their attempt to resist Arjun in vain.Arjun broke Karna and Vrishasena's bows and pierced Kripa and Aswathama severely. He killed the driver of Salya He wounded Duryothan who is fuming with disappointment. Then Jishnu fixed a long shaft on his bow that looked like the thunderbolt of Indra.Krishna instructed him." Let the head of Jayathrath fall on the lap of Vriddhakshatra,Jayathratha's father doing penance outside Samanta Panchaka. When Jayathrath was born Akash Vani predicted that he will be killed by the best warrior of the times in the battle field. Then Vriiddha Kshatra with his power pronounced that whoever makes his son's head fall on the ground his head will break into hundred pieces. So Parth,carefully throw the head on Vriddhakshatra's lap. I know nothing is impossible for you to accomplish. Do it fast."
           Arjun infused the arrow with mantras and shot it with such precision that it neatly severed the head of Jayathrath .Arjun then kept the head in the sky by sending shafts in support and all these while tackled the warriors as well as army.Finally he sent the head away from Kurukshetr with his powerful shafts that carried it outside Samanta Panchak. The head straightly went and fell on the lap of Vridfha Kshatra who is meditating with closed eyes.As the head suddenly fell on his lap,Vrittha kshatra got up without observing what it is. As  soon as the head touched the ground Vriddhakshatra's head cracked into hundred pieces.The sun appeared in the sky shining with evening lustre.

Panchali rushed out of her tent as a certain darkness spread around. The Sun is not seen for a brief while. Panchali trembled sensing it must be over by then as the Sun set.Malini supported her and assured." Princess,be brave. Rajkumar Arjun must have killed Jayathrath." Panchali nodded her head." No Malini. The victory band is not heard. The bards did not start their songs yet. I fear Malini,what must have happened? Arjun ,where are you? Come back to your Krishnaa." Panchali desparately stared into the sky and expressed her anger." Surya Narayan,you should not set before my husband fulfills his vow. How can you do so? My husband is rightfully avenging our Abhi who was killed by fraud. You should stand by him."
            The next moment Panchali could not believe her eyes as Sun appeared in the sky in orange red shining with splendour. Within a moment,the victory band was heard . The bards praises reached Panchali's ears. They are praising the unparalleled warrior with superlatives.Arjun,Phalgun,Parth,Kiriti,Swetavahana,Dhananjaya,Bhibhatsa,Savyasachi,Vijaya,Jishnu conquered the whole Kaurava army and killed Jayathrath.He killed seven Akshouhinis of Kaurava army single handedly defeating the stalwarts like Dron,Kripa,Karna,Aswathama. Salya,Duryothan Vrishasen and Dussasan.Panchali could not control herself. Tears blurred her vision and Subhadra ran to her and hugged her close crying all the while.
On seeing the slain body of Jayathrath Kripacharya attacked Arjun with showers of arrows.Aswathama joined him and exhibited his wrath by fiercely shot shafts .Arjun carelessly responded to them by showering mild shafts.Still they pierced his opponents fatally making Kripa swoon in his chariot.Aswathama fled away from Arjun.on seeing Kripa unconscious Arjun wailed before Krishna." Fie on me Madhav. I struck my teacher like this.I hate my deed Madhav! Why should I be born Kshatriya" Krishna consoled him . " Parth don't grieve like that. You did your duty. Other than that nothing else should matter."
     At that moment again a great battle happened between Karna and Bheema. Karna became careless and ascended another one and dominated Bheema. He again said harsh words to Bheema who reported that to Arjun." Dhananjay I would have killed him but spared him as you vowed to kill him.But I was hurt by his words. Do something." Arjun approached Karna and chided him." Karna you were spared by me,by Bheema and by Satyaki today.Still you boast your own greatness. You are the one who broke my Abhi's bow from behind.Now I again promise. I will kill Vrishasena before your eyes.Then your turn will come. I hope Duryothan will repent seeing you lying in the field. "
       When Arjun said thus clearly the sun set in western horizon.Krishna stood in his chariot and hugged him with love and affection. " Parth you achieved the most difficult task today. You avenged the death of our Abhi. See the battle ground bears testimony for your unparalleled valour."
Arjun had tears in his eyes.He said in a broken voice.' How could you attribute this success to me? Without you I wouldn't have been able to do anything.your grace on me brought success."
Krishna smiled and patted him." Parth,you deserve applause. The way you fought today not even Sankar shiv could have bore your valour. You are outstanding today. You know how much army Duryothan lost today because of you? Seven Akshouhinis. Is it a simple feat? Now don't be too humble. Take the credit. You deserve it."
Arjun stammered with tears. " what is the use? I won't get my Abhi back no? I won't see his smiling face again.I won't see him greet me when I return in the evening."
     Krishna took his face in his hands and wiped his tears. He showed the sky." Parth . He is there. He witnessed your great valour and he is jumping and clapping. Don't you have faith in me?" Krishna stopped unable to continue. He has moisture in his eyes. His dearest nephew whom he brought up like his own son,his Parth's life support left them forever. Krishna closed his eyes and smiled.Even God has emotions,heart break.But he should not show it. For the sake of his Parth,who still has so much to do. He should be calm and composed. God like. Krishna took the reins in hand and said." Let us go Parth,to Eldest.to Subhadra and to Krishnaa." The horses galloped fast,carrying the two Krishnas across the battlefield that stood as the symbol of their triumph,the victory that never seen or happened before.