Day 2 of Kurukshetra War : Episode 132

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.

After the First Day of Battle

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari express cautious relief that the Pandavas have at least managed to kill one athirathi and one maharathi on the Kaurava side. Yet from the reports, it appears the Kauravas are leading. The sun sets, and both armies withdraw from Kurukshetra to rest.

Duryodhana Praises Bhishma

Duryodhana is jubilant after witnessing Bhishma’s fierce performance on the first day. He showers Bhishma and Shalya with praise, but Bhishma remains unaffected. He warns Duryodhana that the battlefield is unpredictable — today he receives praise, but another day that very mouth may hurl insults. Duryodhana falls silent.

Virata’s Grief

King Virata and his queen mourn bitterly for their two sons, both killed on the first day of war. Yudhishtra stands devastated. Krishna consoles them, reminding them of the immortality of the soul and the purpose of karma. He tells Yudhishtra gently not to claim responsibility for suffering—no one controls destiny fully.

Strategy for the Second Day

Yudhishtra asks Drishtadyumna to plan the formation for the next day’s battle. Drishtadyumna selects the Krauncha Vyuha (crane formation).

In the Kaurava camp, Bhishma discusses strategy and arranges the army in Garuda Vyuha, himself forming the beak at the forefront.

Fierce Combat on the Battlefield

The second day of war begins with Arjuna engaging Bhishma in a fierce and unrelenting duel that lasts for hours.

On another front, Drona and Drishtadyumna clash violently. Drishtadyumna struggles against Drona’s relentless mastery. Bhima rushes to support him and engages Drona with ferocious power.

Bhima’s Assault on the Kalinga Forces

Duryodhana sends the Kalinga army to protect Drona. Bhima cuts through their forces like a storm, killing countless warriors including the king of Kalinga. Bhishma arrives to protect the battered division.

Satyaki battles Bhurisravas and later rushes to support Bhima. He kills Bhishma’s charioteer with a sharp arrow, and Bhishma’s horses, uncontrolled, bolt wildly and carry Bhishma away from the battlefield. The Kaurava army collapses into disarray. The second day ends with heavy losses for the Kauravas.

The Quest for Revenge

King Virata burns with grief and seeks to challenge Shalya, determined to avenge his sons. But Kripacharya blocks his path and insists that Virata fight him first if he wishes to proceed. Night on the Battlefield

As night falls, physicians tend to the injured from both armies. Families grieve over bodies and wounds. The fields echo with the cries of pain and mourning. Duryodhana announces state aid for the wounded and bereaved families, hoping to keep morale from breaking.