Day 4 and Day 5 of Kurukshetra War : Episode 134

Recap of Previous Episode :

Duryodhana doubts Bhishma but apologizes. The Pandavas strategize using Ardhachandra Vyuha while Bhishma responds with Garuda Vyuha. Arjuna devastates the Kaurava forces, Shikhandi confronts Bhishma but is refused battle, and Abhimanyu challenges Dushasana. Vidura’s absence is deeply felt, and Karna mourns his inability to fight.

Shakuni Warns Duryodhana

Dushasana criticizes Duryodhana for speaking disrespectfully to Bhishma. Disturbed, Duryodhana turns to Shakuni for advice. Shakuni agrees partially — challenging Bhishma can indeed push him to fight harder, but if Duryodhana crosses the limit, Bhishma may turn his fury against him.

Duryodhana suggests bringing Karna into command, but Shakuni dismisses the idea. He reminds him that Bhishma will withdraw if Karna enters the battlefield, and if Bhishma leaves, many allied kings — who came out of respect or fear of Bhishma — will abandon the Kauravas. Duryodhana is frustrated, but Shakuni says cryptically that Krishna himself will push matters toward resolution, though for the sake of the Pandavas.

Fourth Day of Battle Begins

The armies gather again in full intensity. Yudhishtra challenges Vikarna. Bhima confronts Dushasana, then charges toward Bhishma. It becomes an exhausting day for Bhishma, relentlessly pursued by Arjuna.

Bhima is unstoppable—at his most ferocious, he wrestles and kills eight Kaurava brothers with his bare hands. As Sanjaya narrates these horrors to Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, they break down in grief.

Night in the Kaurava Camp

That night, Duryodhana lashes out at Bhishma in rage and desperation. Karna comforts him and longs to enter battle, but Bhishma’s refusal keeps Karna powerless. Karna feels stripped of purpose, tormented that he cannot stand beside his friend.

Fifth Day: Makara Vyuha vs Syena Vyuha

On the fifth day, Bhishma arranges the Kaurava forces in Makara Vyuha (crocodile formation). The Pandavas counter with Syena Vyuha (hawk formation).

Duryodhana begins battling Satyaki, but Bhurisravas, son of Somadatta, steps forward and stops him. Bhurisravas declares that he has come to avenge the humiliation suffered by his father Somadatta at the hands of Satyaki’s grandfather Sini, during the swayamvara of Devaki.

Bhurisravas then challenges Satyaki directly. As the duel intensifies, Satyaki’s son enters to protect his father. Bhurisravas kills him swiftly. One after another, ten sons of Satyaki fight to defend their lineage, and Bhurisravas kills each of them.

Seeing Bhurisravas’ brutal success, Duryodhana is overcome with joy and, blinded by pride and excitement, insults Bhishma openly on the battlefield.