Sanjaya describes to Dritarashtra and Gandhari the scene of the battlefield on the Seventh Day of the war. The Kauravas have arrayed their battallion in the mandala vyuha , which is ably counterbalanced by the 'vajravyuha' of the Pandavas. Drupada fights ferociously with Drona, his archenemy, Shikhandi fights with Shalya, and Bhagadatta, son of Narakasura, with Bhima and Virata with Purisravas. Iravan (Aravan in Tamil), the son born of Arjuna and the Naga princess Ulupi, fights with Shakuni's sons and kills eight of them. Gandhari grieves, but consoles hereself that it was her duty as a kshtriya woman to stolidly accept every loss.

Duryodhana praises the valor of Shalya, Bhurisravas and his father Somadatta, all the while looking scornfullay at Bhishma. He tells Bhishma to learn the meaning of 'loyalty' from them. Bhishma is piqued, but his explanations about his being busy elsewhere in the battlefield cut no ice with the Kauravas. Also the fact that Bhishma has sworn not to kill the Pandavas is very irksome for Duryodhana, who is not permitted to usher in Karna when Bhishma is participating in the war.

Dushasana chides Duryodhana for being disrespectful to Bhishma. Duryodhana asks Shakuni for his opinion. Shakuni says he concurs with Dushasana on some points but disagrees on other issues. He elaborates on his opinions. While finding faults with Bhishma can spur him to fight more vigorously to prove his loyalty, but overdoing it can provoke him to raise his sword against Duryodhana himself. Duryodhana wants to bring in Karna, but Shakuni discounts that possibility, saying Bhishma would not participate if Karna is brought in, and if Karna is still brought in, it will alienate most of their powerful allies who are there either out of respect, or for fear, of Bhishma. Duryodhana is at his wit's end, but Shakuni says mysteriously that Krishna would take care of it, even though for Pandavas' sake.

Duryodhana expresses doubt whether Bhishma is putting sufficient efforts to defeat Pandavas, but later apologises for it. The Pandavas, Krishna and Drishtadyumna are huddled over a discussion. Yudhishtra is worried that both days of the war ended in a huge loss of life for the Pandavas. Drishtadyumna reminds them of the disparity in the military strength of Pandavas vs the Kauravas. The Pandava Army consists of 7 akshauhinis (1,530,900 warriors), whereas the Kaurava army consists of 11 akshauhinis (2,405,700 warriors) and has seasoned warriors like Bhishma and Drona. Krishna appreciates Drishtadyumna's approach of apprising the enemy's strength before thinking of ways of overcoming it. They decide to use the ardhachandra vyuha formation for the third day, with Bhima and Drupada guarding either ends of the vyuha .

Recap of Previous episode : Yudhishtra pauses the war to seek blessings from Bhishma, Drona, and Krupacharya. Bhishma offers all warriors a final choice to withdraw or change allegiance. Yuyutsu joins the Pandavas, while Duryodhana seethes. The battle erupts fiercely, Bhishma leads a devastating attack, and Uttara and Sweta fall in the first wave of battle. Dritarashtra and Gandhari are happy that Pandavas were able to kill even one Atirathi and Maharathi of Kauravas. It appears that Kauravas are leading. The sun sets and the warriors on both sides retire for the day. Duryodhana is extremely delighted with Bhishma's performance in the first day battle. He heaps praises on Shalya and Bhishma, but Bhishma is unmoved by the praise. He warns that battles can be unpredictable, and it is quite likely that Duryodhana may shower abuses on him another day. Virata king and queen are wailing over the death of both their sons on day one itself. Yudhishtra is upset too. Krishna consoles th...

Recap of Previous Episode : Krishna teaches Arjuna the eternal nature of the soul and the principles of karma yoga — action without attachment. He commands Arjuna to rise and fight to uphold dharma, reveals His divine cosmic form, and restores Arjuna’s clarity. Arjuna takes up his bow, ready for battle. Yudhishtra Steps Down from Chariot Just when Krishna raises the Panchajanya, Yudhishtra steps down from his chariot and begins walking toward the Kaurava army. Silence spreads across Kurukshetra. The conches falter. Warriors freeze. Sanjaya’s voice trembles as he narrates this moment to Dhritarashtra, awestruck and breathless. Dhritarashtra assumes Yudhishtra seeks truce — that he cannot bear to fight against his kin. Seeking Blessings Duryodhana and Dushasana exchange scornful looks, wondering what game is being played. Before anyone can speak, Yudhishtra bows before Bhishma. He expresses sorrow that destiny has forced them into battle. Bhishma places his blessings on Y...

Arjuna’s Despair on the Battlefield Arjuna stands torn between conscience and duty. The sight of Bhishma, Drona, and the elders who shaped his life drains all strength from him. How can he raise arms against those he reveres? His bow slips from his hand; his heart sinks beneath the weight of grief. Krishna speaks with calm authority. The warrior’s fear, he explains, is born from attachment to the body, not from the truth of the atma. Weapons cannot pierce the soul. Fire cannot burn it. Water cannot wet it. Wind cannot dry it. The soul is eternal, changing bodies like garments. The body falls; the atma moves on. The Duties of a Kshatriya When Arjuna questions the righteousness of killing revered elders, Krishna asks, “Who are you?” Arjuna replies: Kunti’s son, Drona’s disciple, a kshatriya. Krishna explains that all these roles arise from one identity — and with it comes duty. To uphold dharma. To protect justice. To stand against adharma even when the world remains silent, ...