Duryodhana Orders Drona To Capture Yudhishtra Alive : Episode 145

Recap of Previous Episode :

Bhishma reflects on the decisions and vows that shaped his destiny and recalls Krishna’s words about destiny and dharma. He accepts that his fall at the hands of Shikhandi was ordained and weeps remembering his parents.

Duryodhana’s Plan to Capture Yudhishtra

Duryodhana tells Drona that he does not want the Pandavas killed. Instead, he wants Yudhishtra captured alive and brought as a hostage.

Drona is surprised and asks why Yudhishtra must be spared. Is Duryodhana planning peace?

Duryodhana explains his logic. If Yudhishtra dies, Arjuna or any surviving Pandava will exterminate the Kauravas. But if Yudhishtra is captured and defeated once more at dice, the Pandavas will go back to the forest, because they obey him absolutely. Such a victory, he says, will be permanent. Drona agrees to this plan.

Kripacharya’s Warning to Drona

Kripacharya warns Drona that he will face the same pain Bhishma faced — constant suspicion, harsh words and ingratitude from Duryodhana.

Drona replies that by accepting the command, he has already prepared himself for any insult. Having seen Bhishma’s predicament, nothing surprises him now. He is at least relieved that he is not being asked to kill the Pandavas.

Eleventh Day: Garuda Vyuha and Krauncha Vyuha

On the eleventh day of the Kurukshetra war, the Kauravas arrange their army in Garuda Vyuha. The Pandavas respond with Krauncha Vyuha.

Karna stands in the battle as a maharathi. He clashes with King Virata in sword combat, knocks off Virata’s crown, and holds the sword at his neck — then spares his life.

He later overpowers Sahadeva, king of Magadha (installed after Jarasandha’s death), but again spares him. Karna praises Sahadeva’s valour and recalls how he once earned Jarasandha’s praise at Bhanumati’s swayamvara, when Karna himself had fought Jarasandha to help Duryodhana abduct Bhanumati.

Drona’s Assault on Yudhishtra

Drona advances against Yudhishtra. Yudhishtra resists, but Drona cuts his bow. Seeing Yudhishtra exposed, Dhrishtadyumna rushes to his aid. Satyaki and Virata also join the defence. Drona fights them all single-handedly. The situation becomes critical. If Drona succeeds in capturing Yudhishtra, the war will end.

A Messenger Warns Arjuna

At this time, Arjuna is eager to locate and fight Karna. A messenger arrives and informs him of Drona’s plan to capture Yudhishtra alive.

Arjuna immediately changes course and rushes toward Yudhishtra. A fierce battle erupts between Arjuna and Drona. While they fight, Drona openly praises Arjuna for his relentless practice and the divine weapons he has gained.

Abhimanyu Captures Lakshmana

Abhimanyu decides that the best way to stop Drona’s plan is to capture Duryodhana’s son, Lakshmana.

King Drupada tries to dissuade him, worried about his youth, but Abhimanyu remains firm. He charges into battle and captures Lakshmana.

Duryodhana, in panic, begs Drona to rescue his son. Drona is impressed by Abhimanyu’s skill, but he successfully frees Lakshmana. Before Drona can resume his attempt to capture Yudhishtra, the sun sets. His plan for that day fails.

A New Strategy: Samsaptakas and Susharma

Duryodhana bitterly rebukes Drona for failing to fulfil his promise. Drona explains that as long as Arjuna is free to intervene, capturing Yudhishtra will never be easy.

Somadatta suggests a new strategy: Arjuna must be drawn far away from Yudhishtra so that Drona can capture him in Arjuna’s absence.

Susharma, king of Trigartadesa, supported by the Samsaptakas — suicide squads who vow to fight till death — volunteers eagerly. He wants revenge on Arjuna, who defeated him earlier while disguised as Brihannala in Virata’s kingdom.

Susharma asks Duryodhana to grant him Virata’s country if he succeeds. Duryodhana happily agrees.