154. Jayadratha Killed

The sun has begun to set. Not having heard any news about the Pandavas, Yudhishtra and his brothers decide they too would join Arjuna in self immolation.

Duryodhana, Shakuni and others rush to give the happy tidings to Jayadratha who is hiding in a nearby cave. Shakuni is wary though. Unless Arjuna actually leaps into the fire, anything can change, he feels. Duryodhana sees merit in Shakuni's words and advises Jayadratha not to stir out of the cave, even though he desires to witness Arjuna's death. He requests Somadatta to be with Jayadratha and see that he doesn't stir out. Everyone goes back to enjoy the spectacle of the Pandavas immolation.

Draupadi reasons with Arjuna and asks him not to be hasty. They are now joined by the Kauravas. Duryodhna scoffs at Arjuna and calls him a coward eunuch, unworthy of being killed in a battle.

Suddenly Jayadratha appears on the horizon. Finding him on the peak of a nearby hillock, Duryodhana and Shakuni are shocked. Jayadratha's guffaw echoes across the land. Krishna advises Arjuna that it is the most appropriate time to fulfil his vow of killing Jayadratha. As everyone watches the incredible sight, Krishna recalls his sudarshana chakra that has been covering the sun so far and the sun shines brightly now. Krishna directs Arjuna to shoot a blazing shaft from the Shiva Dhanush and sever Jayadratha's head from his body, take it across the sky to where Vridhakshatra is meditating and drop it into his lap. The Kauravas protest, but Arjuna complies with Krishna's advice. Vridakshatra gets up from his meditation and the severed head falls into the ground. And in accordance with the boon, he is shattered into pieces instantly.

Duryodhana incites Arjuna to jump into fire, as he has killed Jayadratha unfairly. Krishna declares the He is the manifestation of Dharma and Dharma has not been violated in this. There is no need for Arjuna to kill himself. Arjuna says that Duryodhana can fight with him now and kill him. Karna is ready to fight, but the sun has now started to set and it is time for everyone to retire to their places.

Sanjaya informs Dhirithrastra, Gandhari and Dushala of Jayadhratha's death. Dushala wants to see the dead body of her husband and Gandhari accompanies her.