Eighth Day of Kurukshetra War : Episode 137

Recap of Previous Episode :

On the seventh day, Iravan displays extraordinary valor and earns Arjuna’s pride. Karna resolves to fight despite Bhishma’s refusal, and Krishna seizes the moment, initiating a plan involving Draupadi. A decisive turn approaches.

Draupadi’s Stinging Words

At dawn, Karna stands on the banks of the river performing his morning worship. Draupadi approaches, her expression sharp and unyielding. She mocks his claim to valor and questions his courage. She says he has avoided the battlefield only to escape facing Arjuna, and that his quarrel with Bhishma is merely a ruse born of fear.

Her voice cuts through the still air: “I knew I was right when I refused your hand in the swayamvara. A true warrior never hides behind excuses, O sutaputra.”

Karna trembles with rage, but remains silent.

Draupadi walks away, leaving the fire burning inside him.

The Battle Formation

On the battlefield, the Kauravas arrange their troops in Urmi Vyuha — a pattern like the reverse motion of ocean waves.

The Pandavas counter with Shringataka Vyuha.

Bhima charges furiously. He has vowed to kill at least ten sons of Dhritarashtra as part of Krishna’s strategy. With unstoppable might, he knocks down one prince after another — sixteen in all — and leaves their bodies piled in a heap.

Sanjaya narrates the tragedy, and Dhritarashtra and Gandhari collapse in grief.

Mothers in Pain

Messengers bring news to Kunti and Sulabha, the wife of Vidura. Kunti feels a momentary surge of satisfaction, quickly replaced by sorrow.

She goes to Gandhari’s tent.

Two mothers sit side by side — one grieving for sons she has lost, the other trembling for sons still alive.

Kunti offers words of solace, but Gandhari’s anguish cannot be contained.

Dhritarashtra says quietly: “We must learn to bear the weight of our own destiny.”

Duryodhana’s Fury

Duryodhana sees the bodies of his brothers and erupts in uncontrollable rage. Karna consoles him and declares that he is willing to fight as an Ardharathi, if that is what Bhishma demands.

Duryodhana storms into Bhishma’s presence, abusing him bitterly. He accuses Bhishma of hypocrisy — of hiding behind a vow of celibacy and loyalty while failing the Kuru dynasty.

Bhishma’s Terrible Oath

The insult wounds Bhishma deeply. His voice trembles with wrath: “You double-tongued serpent! I will break my vow. I will kill the Pandavas myself. But Karna shall not take up arms while I stand in battle.”

Bhishma declares that the Pandavas are not ordinary mortals — they are born of celestial powers. To defeat them, he invokes a terrifying divine Astra, empowered by his lifelong brahmacharya.

Duryodhana’s face shines with triumph. But Bhishma turns on him, furious and resolute. The battlefield trembles with the weight of his oath.

The eighth day dawns — heavy with foreboding.