154. Jayadratha Killed

Recap of Previous Episode :

Arjuna saves Satyaki from Bhurisravas, provoking controversy over dharma. Bhima crushes Drona’s chariot, and Karna spares Bhima. As the sun descends, Jayadratha hides in fear, and both armies wait anxiously, expecting Arjuna to die by his own vow.

Pandavas Prepare for Immolation

The sun dips toward the horizon.
No word has arrived from Arjuna. Believing that Arjuna may already be dead, Yudhishtra resolutely declares that the Pandavas will join him in self-immolation rather than live with the shame of failure. Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva and even Draupadi stand ready beside him, their faces hollow with grief.

Nearby, Duryodhana and Shakuni watch eagerly. They hurry to share the news with Jayadratha, who remains hidden deep inside a cave. Shakuni, cautious as ever, warns that nothing is certain until Arjuna actually leaps into the fire. Duryodhana agrees and orders Somadatta to guard Jayadratha and prevent him from emerging until the moment is sealed.

Mockery and Despair

As the Kauravas gather near the Pandavas, Duryodhana mocks Arjuna, calling him a coward unworthy of a noble warrior’s death.

Draupadi pleads with Arjuna not to surrender to despair: “Do not let grief cloud your judgment. There must be another way.”

For a tense moment, the world holds its breath.

Jayadratha Reveals Himself

Suddenly, a figure appears high on a rocky hilltop. Jayadratha stands silhouetted against the fading light, laughing in triumph. His voice echoes like thunder across the battlefield. Duryodhana and Shakuni stare in disbelief — Jayadratha was supposed to be hidden and guarded.

Krishna turns to Arjuna and speaks gently yet firmly: “The time has come. Fulfil your vow now.”

At that moment Krishna withdraws His Sudarshana chakra, which has been veiling the sun. The battlefield erupts in astonishment — the sun shines out in full brilliance once again.

Arjuna Fulfills His Vow

Krishna commands Arjuna to release a blazing shaft from the Shiva Dhanush — aimed not merely to kill Jayadratha, but to carry out the divine plan.

Arjuna draws the Gandiva and fires.

The arrow severs Jayadratha’s head and carries it through the sky to the hermitage where his father Vridhakshatra meditates. It falls into his lap.

As Vridhakshatra rises in shock, the head drops to the ground — fulfilling the precise condition of Shiva’s boon — and Vridhakshatra dies instantly.

The onlookers are stunned. The vow is complete.

Accusations and Final Light

Duryodhana shouts that Arjuna must now jump into the fire, claiming Jayadratha was killed unfairly.

Krishna’s voice resounds:

“I am Dharma. Dharma is not violated today.”

Arjuna steps forward and declares he is ready to fight Duryodhana immediately or accept death if he has erred. Karna rises eagerly to battle — but the sun sets completely, and the day’s fighting must cease.

Grief in Hastinapur

Sanjaya reaches Hastinapur and delivers the news to Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Dushala. Dushala’s scream fills the hall. She insists on seeing Jayadratha’s body. Gandhari accompanies her, both united in sorrow and uncertainty over what tomorrow will bring.