Sanjaya Begins To Tell The Story
Not far from the lake Samanta-panchaka, created in ancient times by the avatara Parashurama, was stationed the great army of the Pandavas. When they left their tents that morning, everyone saw a swarm of banners in the distance and knew that the Kauravas had arrived. Their warrior hearts, always thirsty for battle, rejoiced. Krishna and Arjuna forcefully blew their Devadatta and Panchajanya conchshells to welcome them and the Kauravas, also full of excitement, responded with conchshells, trumpets and drums.
The same morning the generals of the two sides met to establish the rules to be observed during the battle; then the ferment of the last tactical preparations resumed, more feverish than ever.
“We must give our fullest support to Bhishma,” Duryodhana told his brother Duhssasana while they were busy organizing the troops, “Especially during the attacks of Shikhandi, who is predestined to kill Bhishma. In his previous life, he was Amba and due to severe austerities he is reborn as Shikhandi: his heart is more than ever filled with hatred, and in this life he wants nothing more than to see our beloved and old grandfather at his feet. Let’s protect him carefully since in the absence of Karna our victory depends on him.”
Meanwhile Bhishma, at the head of the eleventh phalanx, encouraged the soldiers by awakening their warrior ardor. Everyone was waiting for nothing but the battle to begin, ready to win or die. From the beginning, seven of the best placed their chariots around Bhishma’s to protect it from the attacks of Drupada’s son.
Besides Karna, everyone was out in the field, ready to fight.
On the other hand, the Pandavas watched the immense enemy army. In those moments of subtle tension Krishna, not at all worried, had encouraging and confident words for His friend Arjuna. Then the maneuvers ended and a great silence fell on the boundless plain. There was only the soft breeze and the chirping of birds. But unexpectedly Yudhisthira got off the chariot, took off his armor and threw his weapons on the ground, followed by his brothers. And all five went on foot in the direction of the enemy army, where the white horses of Bhishma could be seen. Everyone was amazed: what did he want to do? What intentions did the son of Dharma have?
“Surely he is afraid and seeks the protection of the elder to avoid defeat and save his life and that of his brothers,” someone said.
“How could such a coward come into being in the Kshatriya race?” Said others. “His patience and righteousness were instead a cover for his cowardice.”
Nobody understood what was happening. Only Bhishma, Drona and Kripa looked on with a smile on their lips.
Arriving in front of the elderly relative, Yudhisthira greeted him with great respect and said:
“I have come to pay you my respects and ask your permission to fight against you. Without your agreement we could not stand before you even for a few moments. Grant us your blessings.”
Bhishma smiled and blessed his grandchildren. At that point the Pandavas went to Drona and Kripa and asked them the same thing too.
The three masters were delighted to see how humble and respectful the sons of Pandu were in observing the subtle principles of religion.
Having obtained the consent of his masters and superiors, Yudhisthira announced in a loud voice that the war would begin immediately.
Turning back, the five began to put on their armor with such vigorous and energetic movements that no one could take their eyes off their figures. It was a sight to see them standing on their chariots, their gaze steady and solemn and shining like five Indras.
Duryodhana, having carefully observed the disposition of the enemies, went to Drona and said:
“Look, oh master, the great army led by your intelligent disciple Dhristadyumna. See how many heroes, all as powerful as Arjuna and Bhima. Also on our side are invincible warriors like Bhishma, yourself and others equally strong. Yet we know that they are equally strong. They will try to strike at elder Bhishma; for this I ask you all to give him maximum protection.”
At that point the son of Ganga, noticing Duryodhana’s concern, thought to cheer him up by playing his conch: all the Kaurava soldiers followed suit. There was a deafening sound. But when the Pandavas answered, the sound of their shells reached the celestial planets, causing a keen terror in the hearts of the Kaurava soldiers.
This is a section of the book “Maha-bharata, Vol. 2”.
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