153. Bhurisravas Beheaded By Satyaki : 14th Day War Continues

The Fourteenth Day war continues.

As directed by Yudhishtra, Satyaki reaches near Arjuna who is rushing to confront Jayadratha. Just then, Bhurishravas, the prince of Bahlika, intercepts Satyaki and challenges him to a fight. They fight fiercely, but Bhurisravas has an upper hand. Satyaki's bows are broken and he gets knocked down.

Krishna exhorts Arjuna to go to the helpless Satyaki's aid. Since Arjuna is a bystander and hasn't been called to fight, he hesitates. Krishna states it is important to take care of his friend and disciple. Bhurisravas tries to attack an unconscious Satyaki, but Arjuna shoots a shaft that cuts off Bhurishravas' arm. Bhurisravas condemns Arjuna's act as being adharmic. He loses all interest in fighting a war that doesn't adhere to rules. He sits down in meditation. Satyaki regains consciousness and seizing the opportunity, quickly beheads the meditating Bhurishravas. Arjuna is aghast at this dastardly act and attempts to kill Satyaki. Krishna stops him and says that if Arjuna has to kill someone for going against war laws, he should punish Krishna first. He enumerates occasions when he transgressed the laws of warfare in the greater interests of Dharma. Krishna explains the difference between civil or martial laws, which are founded by people in accordance with the prevailing socio-economic conditions, and the Laws of Dharma, which are universal ethical principles applicable across time and place. Dharma works for the overall and long-term interests of humanity and calls for a balanced view between the letter and the spirit of law. Krishna and Arjuna leave Satyaki alone and proceed towards Jayadratha.

Drona attacks Yudhishtra. Bhima comes to Yudhishtra's aid and announces happily that he has already killed more than a dozen of Kauravas. He tells Drona to fight him first before capturing Yudhishtra. Bhima breaks down Drona's chariot with his mace and Drona falls down tumbling. His life spared by Bhima, Drona leaves the battle field. Bhima fights with a few more brothers of Duryodhana. Duryodhana sends Karna to fight Bhima. Karna is able to pierce Bhima's armour with sharp arrows. Vikarna chastises Karna for using a bow on Bhima who is armed with only a mace. Bhima is severely injured. Karna remembers the promise he made to his mother about not killing any of his brothers other than Arjuna. He spares Bhima's life.

Arjuna has to confront Kripacharya who challenges him to combat. Arjuna defeats Kripa and also Ashwathama.

The sun beginning to set when finally Arjuna has come quite close to the end of the vyuha. Hearing the sound of Gandiva in the distance, Shakuni asks Jayadratha to hide in a nearby cave, with strict instructions that he should not come out of the cave until they see Arjuna jump into the fire.

By now, warriors from both sides have assembled at one spot, anxiously waiting for the sun to set and Arjuna to torch himself.