Chapter 83 Duryodhana Was Almost Undefeated Against Arjuna
When Dhritarashtra heard Sanjaya describe Arjuna’s victory, he cried out: “Sanjay, oh! I advised Duryodhana that it was a fantastic chance and that he should seize it when Janardana arrived to Hastinapura looking for a solution. I advised him to settle things with his cousins.”
“Kesava is here to do us a favour. Don’t ignore his counsel, I advised. Duryodhana ignored them, nevertheless. He thought that Karna and Duhsasana’s suggestion was wiser than mine. He saw a vision of The Destroyer and wanted his own destruction. Drona, along with Bhishma, Bhurisravas, Kripa, and others, disapproved of war. My son, though, was disobedient. Due to his excessive desire, he became embroiled in animosity and hatred and incited this destructive conflict ”
In response to Dhritarashtra’s sorrow, Sanjaya said: “What use are your regrets right now? Now that the water that gives life has been completely wasted, you’re trying to close the gap. Why didn’t you stop Kunti’s kid from playing the lottery? All of this terrible suffering might have been avoided if you had acted responsibly at the time. This tragedy may have been prevented even later if you had been stern and dissuaded your son from his terrible deeds. Despite your ability to see evil, you disregarded your better judgement and went along with Karna and Sakuni’s stupid suggestions. You no longer have the respect of Kesava, Yudhishthira, and Drona. Vasudeva is now aware that your virtue is nothing more than hypocrisy. Despite the Kauravas’ best efforts as warriors, they are unable to match Arjuna, Krishna, Satyaki, and Bhima’s power. Duryodhana has not held back. He is exerting all of his strength. It’s inappropriate for you to now blame him or his loyal soldiers ”
“Sanjaya, I apologise for my neglect of duty. Your assertion is accurate. Nobody has the power to alter fate. Tell me what took place. Tell me everything, even if it’s unpleasant.” cried the old monarch, shaking with sorrow.
Sanjaya continued his responsibility of detailing the incidents while listening to the old king’s instructions.
When he observed Arjuna’s chariot riding triumphantly in the direction of the Sindhu king, Duryodhana became very angry. He hurried to Drona and yelled angrily: “Having caused a rift in the vast army, Arjuna has moved closer to Jayadratha’s position. The warriors guarding the Sindhu king would undoubtedly lose hope after witnessing our discomfort. They had previously held the misconception that Arjuna could never defeat you, but that has now been disproved. There was nothing done to stop him from moving forward in front of your eyes. You do appear committed to aiding the Pandavas. My mental state is really distressed. Tell me, sir, how exactly did I insult you. Why are you disappointing me in this manner? I should not have asked Jayadratha to stay here if I had known you would do this. I made a big error by not allowing him to return to his own country as he had requested. In the event that Arjuna strikes him, he will not survive. Pardon me. I’m speaking carelessly because I’m upset. To rescue the Saindhava, go there yourself.”
Drona responded to this desperate request as follows: “King, I won’t be offended by your careless and demeaning statements. To me, you resemble a son. Not even Aswatthama is more expensive! Follow my instructions. Take this suit of armour, put it on, and head forth to stop Arjuna. I am required to be here in this area of the field, thus I am unable to accomplish that. Look at those arrow clouds there! We are under heavy attack from the Pandava army.
Is this not the perfect chance since Arjuna is not supporting Yudhishthira here? Now that our entire scheme has been successful, I must take Yudhishthira prisoner and bring him to you. I can’t abandon my goal and go after Phalguna right now. Our fighting equipment will be completely destroyed if I pursue Arjuna at this time, and we will be doomed. Let me equip you with this armour. Go with assurance. Be not afraid. You possess bravery, talent, and experience. You will be protected from all weapons with this garment. Your body won’t be able to take any blows. Wearing the armour provided by Brahma, Duryodhana should advance into war with the same assurance as Indra did. Success be yours.”
With his self-assurance restored, Duryodhana proceeded to attack Arjuna as the acharya had instructed, donning enchanted armour and leading a sizable army. In order to go to Jayadratha, who had been kept in safety, Arjuna had to traverse the Kaurava army. When Krishna noticed that the horses were getting a little tired, he halted the chariot and prepared to unyoke the weary animals when the brothers Vinda and Anuvinda suddenly appeared and started attacking Arjuna.
Arjuna dispersed their soldiers after they were vanquished and killed both of them. Krishna then released the chariot’s yoke and allowed the horses to roll around in the muck. After a short period of rest, the horses felt renewed. They then carried out their strategy once more.
“Dhananjaya, glance back! The reckless Duryodhana is approaching. Good luck indeed! You’ve been holding back your rage for a while; it’s time to let it out. The person who started all of this trouble is now putting himself in your hands. But keep in mind that he is an excellent archer, knowledgeable in bow lore, and a skilled and powerful fighter ” Krishna stated as much, and they stopped to engage the Kaurava in combat.
Duryodhana came without hesitation. “They claim that you, Arjuna, have performed feats of prowess. I have not personally witnessed this. Let me test if your bravery and ability are actually up to your reputation.” Duryodhana addressed Arjuna as the fight got underway.
In fact, the fighting was ferocious, which astonished Krishna.
“How come your arrows don’t appear to harm Duryodhana, Partha?”
“I am astounded, Partha,” said Krishna. “I have never before observed the shafts emerging from a Gandiva bow striking their targets ineffectively. This is odd. Have your arms lost strength? Or has the Gandiva bow’s quality diminished? Why do your arrows hit Duryodhana yet fail to pierce him, falling to the ground instead? This is quite perplexing.”
Arjuna responded with a smile: “I comprehend. Drona has outfitted this man with armour that contains charms. I was taught the key to this armour by the acharya, yet this man wears it as a bullock might. You will soon see some fun!”
Having said this, Arjuna started to discharge his arrows, first taking Duryodhana’s horses, chariot, and vehicle away from him. Then Arjuna shattered his bow, effectively disarming him. He then launched needle-eye darts that wounded just the exposed body portions of Duryodhana till the latter could take no more and turned and fled.
When Duryodhana became uneasy as a result, Krishna sounded his conch, which terrified Jayadratha’s soldiers. The Sindhu king’s guards were taken aback. They immediately prepared their chariots, and eight of them—Bhurisravas, Chala, Karna, Vrishasena, Kripa, Salya, Aswatthama, and Jayadratha—arranged their troops in opposition to Arjuna.
Keep Mahabharat Book at Home and Read Daily – DO NOT FALL TO FAKE PROPAGANDA and Allow Enemies to Weaken our Dharma and Bharat
This historical epic Mahabharat is known as fifth Veda. It is a common misconception spread by mlecchas; muslims and christian missionaries, and secular Hindus that reading Mahabharat or keeping it at home will likely lead to arguments and fighting. All of this misinformation was spread by illiterate mlecchas and anti-Hindus, and it is completely incorrect. It is done to mentally weaken Hindus so that they avoid reading Mahabharat. Because Mahabharat invokes bravery, pride and sense of confidence in Hindus.
Keep a copy of Mahabharat at home and read it online at the HariBhakt website. Mahabharat is rightly called the fifth Veda for Kaliyuga people because it is a tool and guidance to invoke confidence and bravery in Sanatan Dharmi Hindus.
You can read complete Mahabharat by following Chapter links given below. You can check Glossary of Mahabharat here.
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