Day 3 of Kurukshetra War : Episode 133

Recap of the Previous Episode :

After the first day of war, Virata mourns his slain sons, and Krishna consoles Yudhishtra. Drishtadyumna forms Krauncha Vyuha while Bhishma counters with Garuda Vyuha. Bhima devastates the Kalinga army, Satyaki helps drive Bhishma off the field, and the Kauravas suffer major losses by the end of the second day.

Duryodhana Questions Bhishma

Duryodhana privately expresses doubt about whether Bhishma is truly exerting his full strength against the Pandavas. Bhishma’s stern silence forces Duryodhana to realize his mistake, and he apologizes quickly, ashamed of having questioned the grandsire’s loyalty and valor.

Pandava Strategy Meeting

The Pandavas meet with Krishna and Drishtadyumna in anxious discussion. Yudhishtra is troubled—the first two days of war have cost the Pandavas heavy losses. Drishtadyumna explains that the imbalance between the armies is vast: the Pandavas have 7 akshauhinis (1,530,900 warriors), while the Kauravas command 11 akshauhinis (2,405,700 warriors), led by formidable veterans like Bhishma and Drona.

Krishna praises Drishtadyumna for realistically evaluating the enemy’s strength before forming a plan. They agree to deploy the Ardhachandra Vyuha (crescent formation) for the third day’s battle, with Bhima and Drupada guarding the two ends.

Kauravas Prepare for Counter-Attack

A spy reports the Pandava plan to the Kaurava council. Using the advance intelligence, Bhishma arranges the Kaurava forces once again in Garuda Vyuha to counter the crescent formation.

Arjuna Dominates the Battlefield

The third day opens with Arjuna unleashing devastating power, scattering the Kaurava ranks and forcing warriors to flee in terror. Arrows rain like hurricane winds, and the Kaurava army reels under his assault.

One of the day’s major confrontations occurs between Uluka (Shakuni’s son) and Shikhandi. Shikhandi charges toward Bhishma, demanding battle, but Bhishma refuses, believing Shikhandi to be a woman. To shield Bhishma, Shakuni orders Uluka forward. Amid the chaos, Bhishma withdraws to another part of the field.

Another intense duel unfolds between Dushasana and Abhimanyu, who burns with fury, determined to sever the arms that once attempted to strip Draupadi in the hall of dice.

The Absence of Vidura

When the Kaurava commanders review the devastation inflicted by Arjuna, they deeply feel Vidura’s absence. Vidura alone held the Vishnu Dhanush, the only weapon capable of standing against Arjuna’s Gandiva.

Karna’s Pain and Shubhangi’s Comfort

Karna is torn with anguish that he cannot support Duryodhana in this critical hour. His wife Shubhangi consoles him, assuring him that destiny has preserved his moment for a purpose still unseen. Her words offer a flicker of peace to Karna’s troubled heart.