First Day of Kurukshetra War : Episode 131

Just as Krishna gets ready to sound his Panchajanya, Yudhishtra gets down his chariot and walks towards the Kaurava army. Everyone watches them stunned. Sanjaya, who is narrating the war scenes to Dritarashtra speaks about this in total awe.

Dritarashtra assumes that Yudhhistra is about to seek truce, as he would not want fight his own relatives. As the baffled and scornful Duryodhana and Dushasana look on, Yudhishtra first approaches Bhishma and seeks his blessings for victory in the war, after expressing his regret to be forced into combat with him. Bhishma blesses him heartily, saying there is no doubt that he will be victorious, considering Krishna is on their side.

Next, Yudhishtra goes to Drona. Drona blesses him and tells him to fight valiantly without any reservations. He tells Yudhishtra that he expects Arjuna to pierce his heart with shafts. He would cherish that as gratifying as a true Guru Dakshina. Yudhishtra similarly receives the blessings of Krupacharya too.

After Yudhishtra returns to his chariot, Bhishma makes a few announements. At that juncture, anyone could withdraw from the battlefield for whatever reasons: ill-health, being forced into war, etc. Bhishma also says it was the last opportunity for anyone to reverse their allegiance and switch sides. Yuyutsu tells Vikarna that it was time they acted on conscience alone and not tread the treacherous paths of Duryodhana. Vikarna says he would not leave Duryodhana's side, even though he knows it to be wrong. Yuyutsu bows to Bhishma and takes leave of him and is welcomed by Yudhishtra. Duryodhana is livid with rage, but Shakuni pacifies him.

The air is rent by the blaring of bugles and war drums. Bhishma fights like a lion and Pandava forces are no match to his martial skills. Sanjaya tells Dritarashtra who is fighting with who. Satyaki fights with Kritavarman (Both Satyaki and Kritavarman are Yadavas. Krishna gave His army to the Kauravas, but Satyaki decides to walk into the Pandava camp); Shikhandi fights with Ashwatthama; Drupada with Vikarna and Sindhu king Jayadratha, Drishtadyumna with Drona, Bhima with Duryodhana, Dushasana with Nakula, Yudhishtra with Shalya, and so on. Virata prince Uttara is killed by Shalya, and another son of Virata named Sweta is killed by Bhishma.