Drona Unable to Hold Yudhishtra Captive on Day 12 : Episode 146

Recap of Previous Episode :

Duryodhana orders Drona to capture Yudhishtra alive instead of killing him. On the eleventh day, Karna shows mercy to Virata and Sahadeva, while Drona nearly succeeds in capturing Yudhishtra. Arjuna intervenes, and Abhimanyu captures Lakshmana, forcing Drona to abandon his plan. That night, a new strategy is formed — Susharma and the Samsaptakas will lure Arjuna away so Drona can target Yudhishtra.

The Samsaptakas Take a Terrible Oath

The Samsaptakas take a solemn oath before sacred fire that they will either kill Arjuna or die at his hands. They perform their own funeral rites, declaring themselves already dead. Their determination is absolute.

Arjuna Learns of the Samsaptaka Threat

On the twelfth day, Arjuna is eager to confront Karna and asks Krishna to steer the chariot toward him. At that moment, Satyaki brings word that Susharma and the Samsaptakas are preparing to launch a death-defying assault.

Conflicted, Arjuna bows before Krishna and submits to His guidance, promising to follow whatever Krishna commands.

Mandala Vyuha vs Garuda Vyuha

The Pandavas arrange their army in Mandala Vyuha, and the Kauravas counter with Garuda Vyuha. The battle begins with fierce momentum. Drona storms directly toward Yudhishtra and rains volleys of arrows upon him.

Arjuna wants to rush to Yudhishtra’s defence — but before he can, Bhagadatta, the king of Pragjyotisha and son of Narakasura, challenges Arjuna.

Bhagadatta Uses the Vaishnava Astra

A violent duel ensues. Arjuna skillfully destroys all the weapons launched by Bhagadatta. Finally, Bhagadatta unleashes the Vaishnava Astra, claiming it was granted by Sriman Narayana Himself and that countering it will destroy Krishna.

Arjuna freezes — helpless.

But to everyone’s astonishment, the divine missile transforms into a garland and rests upon Krishna. Arjuna is overcome with shame that Krishna again protects him despite His vow not to fight.

Krishna gently explains that He had once gifted the astra to Narakasura, and it has now returned to its true master. No binding exists between it and Bhagadatta.

Assured, Arjuna resumes battle and slays Bhagadatta instantly.

Susharma Draws Arjuna Away

Before Arjuna can reach Yudhishtra and Drona, Susharma challenges him. Refusing would tarnish his honour, so Arjuna pursues Susharma and the Samsaptakas.

Before leaving, he instructs Satyajit — brother of King Drupada (Critical Edition notes him as Drupada’s son) — to protect Yudhishtra.

Bhima, Satyaki, and Dhrishtadyumna join the defence. Satyajit fights fiercely but is no match for Drona. After valiant resistance, he falls.

Losses Mount and the Day Ends

Ashwatthama kills King Neela of Mahishmati.

As the sun sets, Drona’s plan to capture Yudhishtra fails.

Ashwatthama praises his father’s achievements with jubilant laughter. Kripacharya commends both Ashwatthama and Drona, but Drona remains unmoved — he knows Duryodhana will never acknowledge his efforts.

Meanwhile, Krishna and Arjuna return after the exhausting fight with the Samsaptakas. They are received by the grim-faced Bhima and Sahadeva, who inform them of Satyajit’s death. Grief overwhelms the Pandavas. Hearing Ashwatthama’s triumphant laughter, the Panchala warriors burn with fury.

Notes on Key Characters

1. Samsaptakas :

   Samsaptakas are warriors who take an oath to either kill their opponent or die in the attempt. Their name comes from “sam + sapt” meaning sworn together.

   They follow a terrifying war vow: they perform their own funeral rites before battle and pledge never to retreat. In the Kurukshetra war, they fight on behalf of the Kauravas exclusively to challenge and distract Arjuna, drawing him away so that Drona can attempt to capture Yudhishtra. They are led by King Susharma of Trigarta, and they repeatedly engage in suicide attacks against Arjuna.

2. Bhagdatta :

   Bhagadatta is the king of Pragjyotisha (Assam region) and the son of Narakasura, slayed earlier by Krishna. He is an elderly yet formidable warrior noted for his mastery of elephant warfare. He rides the mighty elephant Supratika, feared on the battlefield.

   He possesses the Vaishnava Astra, gifted originally by Lord Vishnu, and deploys it against Arjuna. When he releases the weapon, it transforms into a garland and seeks refuge in Krishna, revealing His divine identity. Arjuna then slays Bhagadatta.

3. Susharma :

   Susharma is the king of Trigarta, a territory hostile to the Matsya kingdom. In the past, he was defeated by Arjuna disguised as Brihannala, during the attack on Virata. Humiliated by this, he seeks revenge and volunteers to challenge Arjuna repeatedly.

   Susharma leads the Samsaptakas and becomes the primary instrument for separating Arjuna from Yudhishtra during the 12th and 13th day of the war.