Day 3 of Kurukshetra War : Episode 133

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.

A spy brings the news of Pandavas deciding on 'ardhachandra vyuha' formation to the Kaurava council. Armed with this knowledge, Bhishma decides on Garuda vyuha as a counter.

The day witnesses mighty Arjuna's total rout of the Kaurava army, forcing Kaurava soldiers to run away from the battle. One of the highlights of the third day is the encounter between Uluka, Shakuni's son, and Shikhandi. Shikhandi proceeds swiftly towards Bhishma and challenges him to fight, but Bhishma refuses, because he considers Shikhandi a woman. Seeing this, Shakuni asks his son to intervene. In this melee, Bhishma moves away. Another is the encounter between Dushasana and Arjuna's son Abhimanyu, who wants to cut the arms of Dushasana who disrobed his aunt Draupadi.

When the Kaurava chiefs discuss the day's happenings, Vidura's absence is keenly felt, as he wass the only one who has the Vishnu Dhanush that could stand mightily against Arjuna's Gandiva.

Karna is filled with remorse at not being able to help Duryodhana in his hour of need. His wife Shubhangi consoles him and assures him that destiny has a special plan for him.