The Fears Of Yudhisthira
However, Arjuna’s approach to Jayadratha was not the only point of interest of the day, nor was the Pandava the only one to fight so admirably.
Several kilometers away Drona, after having caused disasters in the opposing front line, had come dangerously close to Yudhisthira, who had courageously accepted his challenge. But that day the acharya, still excited by the sight of Arjuna’s fight, was truly unsurpassable, and in a few moments he was so close that he could jump on him, just as a lion does when he is sure he has caught a gazelle; but at the very last second providentially Satyaki arrived, snatching Pandu’s son from the hands of the enemy, while simultaneously responding to his attacks.
Drona had failed again. Moreover, many good soldiers had lost their lives for that failed attempt.
Among the ranks of the Kauravas was also the mighty Alambusha, who had come to Kurukshetra for a particular reason: when he was still alive, Baka had been a close friend of his, so now he wanted to avenge his death by killing the perpetrator, Bhima.
The clash with Bhima was titanic; then Ghatotkacha intervened. After a furious fight, Bhima’s son killed Alambusha and hurled him many miles away, leaving the Kauravas in awe and terror. No one had ever thought even remotely that the invincible Rakshasa could perish in a duel.
And just to coincide with Alambusha’s death, the Pandavas heard the sound of panchajanya and got worried.
“Why is Krishna playing his conch so vigorously? What happened?”
“Perhaps Arjuna is dead,” someone said, “and now Keshava intends to take up his weapons and destroy the entire universe. The sound of panchajanya seems particularly terrifying today.”
Yudhisthira also became worried and called Satyaki to him.
“Hear these sounds; it is panchajanya. I seem to hear a message, a request for help. Maybe my brother is in trouble and Krishna wants us to understand that they need us. Run, my friend, go and help your teacher, or we will be lost. If Jayadratha does not die before sunset all hope of victory will be in vain.”
Satyaki was not very convinced.
“Arjuna alone can destroy the entire army of the Kauravas,” he retorted, “and besides, with Krishna leading him he is in no danger. On the contrary, we’re the ones at a great risk on this side of the battlefield where Drona wants to capture you at all costs. As long as I am here you are safe, but if I go away, who will stop him?”
“You are not all wrong,” the Pandava replied, “but I am sure that my brother needs you, and that the sound of panchajanya wanted to be a message for us. As far as Drona is concerned, you must not fear, because Bhima is always around me and will protect me. Go, therefore, do not delay any longer.”
Reluctantly, the brave Yuyudhana ordered his charioteer, Daruka’s brother, to spur the horses and head into the enemy ranks.
This is a section of the book “Maha-bharata, Vol. 2”.
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