The Mahabharata battle which took place in Kurukshetra is also known as Kurukshetra war. This battle lasted for 18 days and is one of the most important and conclusive parts of the Mahabharata. Let’s go through each day of this epic battle:
Day 1: The Beginning of Mahabharata Battle
On the first day of the Mahabharata battle, both sides, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, got ready to fight. They were on the battlefield, all set with their weapons and armor facing each other. The atmosphere was tense and filled with anticipation.
Bhishma Announcement
In the meantime before the start, Bhishma Pitamah, the commander of the Kaurava army, made an important announcement. He declared that the fight was about to start and gave a chance for any warrior to change sides if they wanted to. It was a moment of decision, allowing warriors to choose where their loyalty lay. This announcement set the tone for the upcoming battle and marked a crucial moment in the unfolding epic saga.
Reactions to Bhishma’s Announcement
After Bhishma’s announcement, Yuyutsu, one of Dhritarashtra’s sons, made the significant decision to change sides. Despite being aligned with the Kauravas, Yuyutsu chose to join the Pandavas, thus altering the dynamics of the battlefield. His decision to switch sides demonstrated the complexity of alliances and the individual choices made amidst the turmoil of war.
Beginning
Conch shells were blown, and prayers were chanted to begin the battle. The sound echoed across the battlefield, signaling the start of the fight. Warriors from both sides were ready to face each other in combat.
Arjuna’s Dilemma
But as the battle began, something happened. Arjuna was standing between the two armies, ready to fight, but he felt troubled. Arjuna looked at the soldiers on both sides and realized that he would have to fight against his own family and friends. This made him feel sad and confused. Arjuna wasn’t sure if fighting in the battle was the right thing to do. He turned to his charioteer, Lord Krishna, for guidance, seeking answers to his inner conflict.
The teachings of Bhagavad Gita
After Arjuna expressed his dilemma to Lord Krishna, Krishna began to impart the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to him. Throughout their conversation, Krishna explained the concepts of duty, righteousness, and the nature of life and death. He guided Arjuna to understand his role as a warrior and encouraged him to fulfill his duty without attachment to the outcome. Krishna’s wise counsel helped Arjuna overcome his confusion and find clarity in his path.
Arjuna understood that it was his duty as a warrior to fight in the battle, regardless of his personal feelings or the outcome. Krishna explained that it was important for Arjuna to do his duty without attachment to success or failure. He helped Arjuna see that fulfilling his responsibilities was more important than his own desires or fears. Arjuna realized that he needed to overcome his doubts and fight for what was right, trusting in Krishna’s guidance and the path of righteousness. Arjuna picked up his bow and arrows, ready to face the challenges ahead with courage and determination. With Krishna by his side, Arjuna embarked on the path of righteousness, ready to fulfill his role in the epic battle of the Mahabharata.
The Conch Blown
After receiving the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita from Lord Krishna and resolving his doubts, Arjuna blew his conch shell named Devadatta to signal the beginning of the battle. This marked the official start of the epic war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
On the first day of the big fight, almost 10000 soldiers and two brave brothers, Uttar and Sweta, who were sons of King Virata, got killed. Uttar was defeated by Shalya, and Sweta was defeated by Bhishma.
This day belonged to Kauravas
Day 2:
Arjuna and Bhishma Fight
On the second day of the big fight, Arjuna and Bhishma had a really tough battle. Bhishma attacked Arjuna many times using his strong fighting moves. Arjuna, with his friend Lord Krishna beside him, bravely faced these attacks. Even though Arjuna got hurt many times, he didn’t give up. Bhishma was very strong, but Arjuna’s determination and skill stopped him from hurting their army too much. They kept hitting each other hard, but Arjuna stayed strong and brave against Bhishma’s attacks.
Dhrishtadyumna and Drona Fight
Drona, a skilled warrior fighting for the Kauravas, faced Dhrishtadyumna, who was fighting for the Pandavas. Drona, with his powerful fighting skills, engaged in combat against Dhrishtadyumna, who tried his best to fight back. However, Drona proved to be too strong, defeating Dhrishtadyumna multiple times and breaking his bows. It was a challenging confrontation between the two warriors, with Drona emerging as the more skilled fighter.
Satyaki Fight
Satyaki, a brave warrior fighting for the Pandavas, played a significant role. He engaged in combat with Bhishma, one of the most formidable warriors on the Kaurava side. Despite Bhishma’s strength and skill, Satyaki fought courageously, managing to injure Bhishma’s charioteer. This action demonstrated Satyaki’s bravery and determination in the face of formidable opposition. Though the battle raged fiercely, Satyaki’s valor stood out on this eventful day of the Mahabharata war.
Bhima Fight
Bhima, who was really strong, fought against soldiers from Kalinga and Nishad. He hit them really hard and defeated thousands of them. Bhima kept fighting with all his might, not giving up even when there were lots of enemies. His bravery and fighting skills helped the Pandava army a lot on that day.
The Kaurava army suffered losses including Kalingaraj Bhakti, Ketuman, and other valiant warriors from Kalinga.
This day belonged to Pandavas, contrary to day 1.
Day 3:
On the third day of the big fight, the Kauravas and the Pandavas made special formations for their armies. The Kauravas formed a strong formation called Garuda Yuha, named after a powerful bird, to defend themselves and attack the enemy. The Pandavas created a formation shaped like a crescent moon, which helped them stay together and defend while also attacking the enemy when needed. These formations showed how smart both sides were in planning their strategies for the battle.
Bhima and Ghatotkach
Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha were like an unstoppable force. Bhima, with his strong punches, and Ghatotkacha, with his brave attacks, were dominating the Kaurava soldiers. Their courage and strength inspired the Pandava army, giving them hope and determination to keep fighting. Bhima’s powerful blows knocked down many enemies, while Ghatotkacha’s fearless charges caused chaos among the Kauravas. Together, they fought with all their might, pushing the enemy back and securing victories for the Pandavas.
Krishna and Arjuna
With his exceptional skills and experience and after witnessing the setbacks by Bhima and Ghatotkach, Bhishma led the charge against the Pandava army, causing significant destruction and devastation.
Seeing the devastating impact of Bhishma’s attacks on the Pandava army, Shri Krishna advises Arjuna to take action against Bhishma. However, Arjuna hesitates, lacking enthusiasm to fight against his revered grandsire. Seeing Arjuna’s reluctance, Shri Krishna decides to intervene himself. He picks up a weapon to confront Bhishma directly.
Upon seeing Shri Krishna’s determination and understanding the seriousness, Arjuna resolves to follow his lead. He assures Krishna and starts fighting and killing Kaurava army with courage and determination.
Arjuna, using his bow and arrows, defeated warriors from Prachya, Sauvir, Khudrakar, and Malav by shooting them down to death on the battlefield.
3rd day was again dominated by Pandava army.
Day 4:
Bhima
On the fourth day of the battle, Bhima, known for his immense strength, wreaked havoc on the Kaurava army. In response to Bhima’s fierce onslaught, Duryodhana ordered his elephant army to attack Bhima. However, with the assistance of his son, Ghatotkacha, Bhima successfully defeated and destroyed the entire elephant army.
Moreover, Bhima’s prowess on the battlefield was further demonstrated when he single-handedly killed 14 Kaurava warriors. However, his rampage was eventually brought under control by King Bhagadatta, a formidable warrior fighting for the Kauravas.
Bhishma and Arjun
The Kaurava soldiers tried to hold Arjuna back by shooting countless arrows at him, aiming to restrict his movements during the battle. But Arjuna was quick to respond with his own skillful archery, firing a flurry of arrows that forced the enemy soldiers to retreat. In doing so, Arjuna established his superiority on the battlefield. Later Bhishma was also fiercely challenged by Arjun and Bhima.
4th day was also dominated by Pandava army.
Day 5:
On the fifth day of the battle, Arjuna and Bhima fought bravely against the Kaurava army.
Satyaki also played a crucial role by preventing Dronacharya from causing harm to the Pandava army. However, Bhishma Pitamah was on a rampage mode and he banished Satyaki from the battlefield.
And it also led to the tragic loss of Satyaki’s 10 sons on fifth day. And many soldiers died from Kaurav and Pandava armies.
Neutral day for both Kaurav and Pandavas army.
Day 6:
On the sixth day of the battle, the focus was on the clash between two distinct military formations. Each side strategically positioned their forces to engage in combat against the other in a structured and organized manner. This day highlighted the tactical prowess of both the Pandava and Kaurava armies as they employed different formations to gain the upper hand on the battlefield.
Formations
The Kauravas used a military formation called the Kronch Vyuh, which was shaped like a bird.
And
The Pandavas formed their army in the shape of a Makar (crocodile) on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Dhronacharya
Dronacharya, the formidable warrior, lost his charioteer during the battle and grew increasingly frustrated as the losses mounted for his side in the war.
Bhishma
Bhisma came close to wiping out the army of King Panchal, who was an ally of the Pandavas. Bhisma’s strength and skill were fearsome as he launched a fierce attack on King Panchal’s soldiers. He fought with great determination and nearly defeated the entire army, causing a lot of damage to the Pandava camp. Bhisma’s actions on this day showed how formidable he was as a warrior and how crucial he was to the Kaurava side in the battle.
It was also a neutral day for both side armies as many soldiers were killed from both sides.
Day 7:
On the seventh day of the battle, the Kaurava army devised a Mandal Vyuh, a military formation resembling a circular shape. In response, the Pandavas countered by creating a Vajra Vyuh, another military formation designed to defend against and penetrate the enemy’s formation. This strategic maneuvering showcased the tactical brilliance of both sides as they sought to gain the upper hand on the battlefield each day.
On this day, Bhagadatta, Ghatotkacha, Nakula, and Sahadeva joined forces, launching a powerful assault on the Kaurava armies and gaining the upper hand. Witnessing their dominance, the enraged Bhishma intensified his attacks on the Pandava forces, causing significant damage. Unfortunately, the Pandava side suffered heavy losses, particularly with the death of Virat’s son, Shankh, further adding to their woes on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the brave warrior Iraavaan, son of Arjuna, defeated the Kaurava warriors Vind and Anuvind in combat, showcasing the valor and strength of the Pandava side. These victories bolstered the morale of the Pandava army and dealt a significant blow to the Kaurava forces.
Neutral day with different military formations used.
Day 8:
On the eighth day of the battle, the Kauravas made a formation like a tortoise to protect themselves, called Kurma Vyuh. In response, the Pandavas formed their own formation called Three-Prong, shaped like three spears (Tri Shul Vyuh), to fight against the Kauravas.
Iravan’s Death
A tragic event occurred as Iravan, the son of Arjuna and his second wife Ulupi, was slain by Aashtashrang, the son of Bakasur. This unfortunate incident dealt a heavy blow to the Pandava side, causing sorrow and grief among their ranks.
Ghatotkacha Departure
On the eighth day of the battle, Ghatotkacha, utilizing his supernatural abilities, directed his powers towards Duryodhana. However, the King of Bang, in a selfless act, shielded Duryodhana from the attack, sacrificing his own life in the process. This unexpected turn of events led to the tragic demise of the King of Bang. In retaliation, upon Bhishma’s command, Bhagadatta engaged Ghatotkacha in combat, ultimately emerging victorious. The loss of both the King of Bang and Ghatotkacha altered the course of the battle, leaving a profound impact on the battlefield dynamics.
A total of 17 Kaurava warriors were slain by Bhima, adding to the casualties suffered by the Kaurava army.
Day 9:
Krishna Action and Reminder to Bhishma
On the ninth day of the battle, Bhishma inflicted severe injuries upon Arjuna and damaged his chariot, highlighting Arjuna’s struggle against Bhishma. Shri Krishna, feeling frustrated with Bhishma’s relentless attacks, decided to take action against him. He decided to break his promise of not fighting in the war. He tried to attack Bhishma with a chariot wheel, but then Arjuna promised to defeat Bhishma quickly. So, Sri Krishna stopped.
Sri Krishna reminded Bhishma of his vow to protect Hastinapur and its rulers, urging him to reconsider his allegiance and actions in light of his duty to uphold righteousness and protect the kingdom.
Bhishma was doing wrong because he was fighting against the Pandavas, who were also rightful heirs to the throne of Hastinapur. Despite knowing the Pandavas were on the side of justice, Bhishma fought against them due to his loyalty to the Kauravas, who were unjust in their actions. This went against Bhishma’s duty to uphold righteousness and protect the rightful rulers of Hastinapur.
However, Bhishma, with his exceptional combat skills, inflicted significant injuries on a large number of Pandava soldiers.
On this day the Kauravas, led by fearless Bhishma Pitamah, dominated the battlefield, scaring the Pandavas and causing heavy casualties among their soldiers.
Day 10:
Bhishma on Rampage
On the tenth day of the battle, Bhishma, with his strong fighting skills, defeated the armies from the kingdoms of Panchal and Matsya, causing a lot of damage.
Shikhandi
The Pandavas followed Lord Krishna’s advice and placed Shikhandi, who was once a woman, in front of the battlefield as a strategy against Bhishma. Upon seeing Shikhandi, Bhishma, bound by his vow not to fight against women, laid down his weapons, unwilling to engage in combat against Shikhandi.
Bhishma Death
After Bhishma refrained from fighting due to Shikhandi’s presence, Arjuna, following Krishna’s counsel, targeted Bhishma with a barrage of arrows from head to toe. This strategic move was crucial as it presented the only opportunity for the Pandavas to overcome Bhishma, who was otherwise invincible. Recognizing that Bhishma’s relentless attacks could lead to the Pandavas’ defeat, Arjuna’s actions were necessary to neutralize the threat. Subsequently, Arjuna constructed a bed of arrows for Bhishma to rest upon, marking the culmination of their battle on the battlefield.
Bhishma, blessed with the boon of controlling his own death, stayed on the battlefield despite being immortal. He watched the war unfold, patiently waiting for the right moment to leave this world. This ability was granted to him by his father, King Shantanu, and Bhishma remained true to his duty, choosing the timing of his departure in accordance with his own will and the blessings he received.
Pandava’s chances only improved after the departure of Bhishma on this day.
Day 11:
On the eleventh day of the battle, following Karna’s advice, Drona was appointed as the commander or general of the Kaurava army by Duryodhana. With Karna’s assistance, Drona led a fierce assault on the Pandava army, resulting in significant casualties among their ranks.
Drona Strategy
Drona, leading the Kaurava army, sought to capture Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava. This was because capturing Yudhishthira would have signaled the end of the battle, as he was a crucial leader of the Pandava forces. However, Arjuna, Nakul, and Sahadev fought valiantly to protect Yudhishthira, realizing that his capture would mean the defeat of their side. Their bravery and determination ensured that Yudhishthira remained safe and the battle continued.
King Virat Death
On the eleventh day of the battle, the King of Virat from the Pandava’s army was killed.
With the leadership of Guru Dhrona, Kaurav army dominated the battlefield on this day.
Day 12:
On the twelfth day of the battle, Susharma, a skilled warrior aligned with the Kauravas, was tasked with engaging Arjuna in combat. Susharma’s role was crucial as he was part of Duryodhana’s plan to capture Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, in order to secure victory in the war.
Susharma’s role was to engage Arjuna in combat and distract him from the main battlefield. Susharma’s strategy involved continuous fighting while leading Arjuna away from the central conflict, aiming to keep him occupied and away from the main action.
Satyaki’s Contribution
Satyaki took the responsibility of protecting Yudhishthira when the king of Trigarta Kingdom attempted to take Arjuna away from the battlefield. With unwavering loyalty and courage, Satyaki stood by Yudhishthira, ensuring his safety and defending him against any threats that arose in Arjuna’s absence.
Satyaki displayed remarkable valor by cutting the wheel of Drona’s chariot and slaying his horses. This act of bravery disrupted Drona’s mobility and hindered his ability to maneuver effectively on the battlefield, weakening his position and providing an advantage to the Pandava forces.
Arjuna timely Arrival
Drona responded to Satyaki’s attack by trying to behead him with a special arrow. But thanks to Lord Krishna’s intervention as Arjuna and Krishna reached back to the main battle area within time and Satyaki survived. Throughout the day, Satyaki fought bravely, defeating many top warriors of the Kaurava army. Each time he was in danger, Krishna and Arjuna came to his rescue. By the end of the day, both sides suffered losses: the Pandavas lost King Drupad, and the Kauravas lost the king of the Trigarta kingdom.
Day 13:
On the thirteenth day of the battle, Duryodhana, the leader of the Kaurava army, saw that Arjuna from the Pandava side was causing a lot of trouble for them. So, he told King Bhagadatta, a strong warrior, to focus on keeping Arjuna busy.
Meanwhile, Bhagadatta did what Duryodhana said and tried to attack Arjuna with a powerful weapon called the Vaishnavastra. But Lord Krishna, who was with Arjuna, quickly stepped in to protect him. Using his divine powers, Krishna redirected the Vaishnavastra away from Arjuna, keeping him safe from harm on the battlefield.
Chakravyuh
Meanwhile, Drona set up a Chakravyuh, a tricky battle formation, to capture Yudhishthira, but only Abhimanyu knew how to break it. Sadly, he didn’t know how to get out of it. Arjuna tried to send Yudhishthira and Bhima with him, but they got stopped by Jayadratha, thanks to a boon from Shiva. Only Abhimanyu managed to get inside.
Following Karna’s advice, seven powerful warriors, including Karna, Jayadratha, Drona, Ashwatthama, Duryodhana, Lakshmana, and Shakuni, attacked Abhimanyu together. In the fierce battle, Abhimanyu and Lakshmana struck each other with their maces, leading to both of their deaths.
When Arjuna heard about Abhimanyu’s death, he swore to kill Jayadratha before sunset the next day. If he failed, he vowed to self-immolate in grief.
Day 14: The Loss of Abhimanyu
On the fourteenth day of the Kurukshetra battle, a heartbreaking event shook the Pandava camp to its core – the loss of their valiant son, Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu was a brave and skilled warrior, known for his courage and valor on the battlefield. Despite his young age, he fought with the ferocity of a seasoned warrior, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
On that fateful day, Abhimanyu found himself facing a formidable challenge – the Chakravyuha, a complex formation of the Kaurava army. Despite being outnumbered and surrounded by enemy forces, Abhimanyu courageously entered the Chakravyuha, determined to break through the enemy lines and emerge victorious.
With unmatched skill and bravery, Abhimanyu fought against overwhelming odds, striking down enemy soldiers with his sword and bow. However, despite his best efforts, he soon found himself trapped within the maze-like formation, unable to find a way out.
As the battle raged on, Abhimanyu valiantly fought off wave after wave of Kaurava warriors, refusing to surrender even in the face of certain death. But in the end, he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of his enemies and fell in battle, surrounded by the bodies of his fallen foes.
The news of Abhimanyu’s death spread like wildfire through the Pandava camp, casting a pall of sorrow and despair over all who heard it. The loss of their beloved son and comrade-in-arms struck deep into the hearts of the Pandavas, filling them with grief and anguish.
Abhimanyu’s death served as a grim reminder of the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices demanded by duty and honor. His bravery and sacrifice would be remembered for generations to come, a shining example of courage and valor in the face of adversity.
Days 15-17: Relentless Fighting
As the Kurukshetra battle entered its fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth days, the intensity of the fighting showed no signs of slowing down. Both the Pandavas and the Kauravas continued to engage in fierce combat, with each side showing unwavering determination and resolve.
From dawn till dusk, the battlefield echoed with the sounds of clashing swords, twanging bowstrings, and the shouts of warriors. Despite the exhaustion and fatigue that set in after days of relentless fighting, the warriors pushed themselves to their limits, fueled by their sense of duty and commitment to their cause.
Heroes emerged on both sides, displaying acts of incredible courage and valor as they faced their adversaries in combat. They fought with all their strength, refusing to back down even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Amidst the chaos and carnage of the battlefield, tales of bravery and sacrifice abounded. Warriors risked their lives to protect their comrades, while others performed feats of valor that would be remembered for generations to come.
The days blurred together as the battle raged on, with neither side willing to concede defeat. Each warrior was driven by a sense of honor and duty, determined to fight until the very end.
Despite the hardships and challenges they faced, the warriors remained resolute in their determination to emerge victorious. They drew strength from their camaraderie and their unwavering belief in the righteousness of their cause.
And so, the relentless fighting continued unabated, as the Kurukshetra battlefield bore witness to the valor and sacrifice of those who fought upon its blood-stained soil.
Day 18: The Final Showdown
As the sun rose on the eighteenth and final day of the Kurukshetra battle, the anticipation in the air was palpable. It was the day that would determine the outcome of the war, the culmination of all the bloodshed and sacrifice that had come before.
On this momentous day, the battlefield bore witness to a final, decisive showdown between two legendary warriors – Arjuna, the valiant prince of the Pandavas, and Karna, his formidable rival from the Kaurava side.
The air crackled with tension as the two warriors faced each other on the battlefield, their eyes locked in a steely gaze. Both Arjuna and Karna knew that this would be the ultimate test of their skills and courage, a battle that would decide the fate of the war.
With weapons in hand and determination in their hearts, Arjuna and Karna charged at each other, their swords clashing with a resounding clang. The ground shook beneath their feet as they exchanged blows with lightning speed, each striving to gain the upper hand in the duel.
The battle raged on with ferocious intensity, as Arjuna and Karna fought with all their might, drawing upon every ounce of strength and skill at their disposal. The fate of the entire war hung in the balance as the two warriors engaged in a fierce struggle for supremacy.
In the end, it was Arjuna who emerged victorious, his indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve proving to be the difference in the epic duel. With a final, decisive blow, Arjuna struck down his rival Karna, sealing the victory for the Pandavas and bringing an end to the Kurukshetra war.
As the dust settled on the battlefield and the echoes of the final clash faded into silence, a sense of relief and triumph swept over the Pandava camp. The long and arduous war had finally come to an end, with victory belonging to those who had fought bravely and persevered against all odds.
Mahabharata: A Timeless Tale of Courage
The 18 days of the Mahabharata battle stand as a remarkable testament to the incredible bravery and selflessness displayed by the warriors who fought on both sides.
Throughout the epic conflict, warriors from the Pandava and Kaurava armies exhibited extraordinary courage and valor as they faced the challenges of war head-on. From the first clash of arms to the final decisive battles, these brave warriors fought tirelessly, driven by their sense of duty, honor, and loyalty to their respective causes.
The battlefield of Kurukshetra became a stage for epic tales of heroism and sacrifice, where ordinary men rose to become legends in their own right. Each day brought forth new challenges and trials, but the warriors met them with unwavering determination and resolve, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.
The stories of these courageous warriors continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, serving as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit. Their sacrifices and deeds of valor serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come, teaching us valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the true meaning of honor.
As we reflect on the 18 days of the Mahabharata battle, we are reminded of the timeless nature of courage – a quality that transcends time, culture, and circumstance. It is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, the human spirit has the capacity to rise above adversity and triumph against all odds.
[…] 18 days of intense fighting in the Mahabharata War, the Pandavas were close to winning. They had defeated all the Kauravas […]