Vigilance!

 

When Maharāja Yudhisthira became very anxious not seeing either Bhima or Dhrishtadyumna, he ordered 12 great chariot warriors to penetrate the Kaurava army & come to their rescue. A formation called ‘Sucimukha’ (needle-mouthed) was arranged with Abhimanyu at the head, followed by Draupadi’s sons, the Kaikeyas, Dhrstaketu & a large army. Since Kaurava army had already been greatly afflicted by Bhima, this Pāndava force was easily able to penetrate their ranks

 

Drona came to check the Pāndava onslaught & so Bhima had Dhrishtadyumna get onto the chariot of one of the Kekaya kings to oppose him. Dhrishtadyumna rushed impetuously at Drona, but the preceptor immediately broke his bow. He picked up another bow, but as he began to release his arrows, Drona cut it in half & killed his 4 horses. Dhrishtadyumna quickly got down & then got on Abhimanyu’s chariot. After thus vanquishing his adversary, Drona proceeded to route rest of Pāndava army in presence of its commanders

 

Meanwhile, having regained their senses, the Dhārtarāshtrās once again attacked Bhima, who was now riding upon his own chariot. The 12 chariot warriors sent by Yudhisthira came to assist Bhima & so the Dhārtarāshtrās became so alarmed that they gave up fighting & fled. The Pāndava heroes could not bear to see the Dhārtarāshtrās escape & so they angrily chased them. Duryodhana came upon the scene to rally his brothers & thereafter a very fierce battle took place

 

1000’s of mutilated bodies soon covered the ground & at this time the sun began to set, giving the sky a reddish hue. Duryodhana rushed at Bhima. Upon seeing his archenemy before him, the son of Vāyu challenged: Vile wretch! The hour has finally arrived that I have long waited for. Finally, I’ve received the chance to relieve the grief of Kuntidevi & Draupadi and pay back all the insults you heaped upon us. Unless you flee from the battle, you will surely give up your life this very day!

 

Bhima stretched his bow & released numerous arrows that broke Duryodhana’s bow, killed his driver & horses, cut down his royal umbrella & knocked over his royal emblem. After achieving this wonderful feat, Bhima shouted wildly with joy. Kaurava warriors stood shunned, staring at their king’s blazing elephant insignia lying on ground. Bhima proceeded to pierce Duryodhana with more arrows, but then Krpa came & picked him up. As the Kaurava king was severely wounded, Krpa placed him on the floor of his chariot

 

Jayadratha ordered his chariot divisions, consisting of 1000’s of warriors to surround Bhima while Draupadi’s sons & Abhimanyu continued fighting with the Dhārtarāshtrās. The fighting became very intense & just as the sun was setting Bhisma began routing the Pāndava army. Because the enemy was fleeing & sky was already growing dark, Bhisma ordered retirement of his forces for the night. The Pāndavās followed suit

 

Vigilance in war or in daily life consists of safeguarding your weakest link & attacking the strongest pillar of the opposition. If we are not vigilant, we are in for a surprise catching us off-guard and resulting in a premature loss. A good fighter protects his chinks in the armor while simultaneously attacking with all his might. Being aware of our own vulnerability is an important step towards success

 

Thoughts? #gameoflife