Source :

BORI CE 

Section Forty-Seven : Go-Grahana Parva

{This section has 1009 shlokas and thirty-nine chapters}

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Vaikartana[1] attacked Pandava with twelve arrows. He pierced the bodies of all the horses and that of Virata's son with those arrows. It was like a king among elephants being struck by an elephant. He took out sharp arrows from his quiver and stretching the string of the bow right up to his ear, pierced the body of the suta's son with his arrows. With arrows unleashed like lightning from his bow, the destroyer of enemies pierced him in battle, in the arms, the thighs, the head, the forehead, the neck and in all the parts of the chariot. Thus wounded by the arrows shot by Partha, and scorched by Pandava's arrows, like a swift elephant that has been defeated by another elephant, Vaikartana fled [2] from the forefront of the battle.

Chapter 645(49)

[1] For anyone getting confused, Vaikartana is our OG asshat, Karna.

[2] Bhaag Karn bhaag. Strike one. Let me remind you all, he still had the knowledge of all his astras granted by Parashurama. (We are obviously not going to repeat that he has already fled from battle once during the fight with the Gandharvas and couldn't defeat Arjun in Draupadi's swayamvara, all the while having his divine birth protection intact)

PS: Karna very famously proclaimed that Arjuna isn't worth one kala of him and Duryodhana (chapter 633(37), Go grahana parva), before the battle, followed by an very eloquent soliloquy of how he is going to defeat him. I mean, famous last words... xD

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Then smilingly[3], Phalguna, smote Kripa on the chest with a thirteenth arrow that was like the vajra. His bow was shattered. He was bereft of his chariot. His horses were slain. His charioteer was dead. Kripa quickly jumped down with a club in his hand and hurled a club. But that heavy and decorated club was repulsed by Arjuna with his arrows. To save the intolerant Sharadvat in that field of battle, all the warriors then showered Partha with arrows from all sides[4]. Virata's son, the charioteer, then turned the horses to the left, executing a yamaka turn[5], so as to restrain those fighters. Extremely swiftly, those bulls among men then took Kripa[6], who was without a chariot, away from Kunti's son Dhananjaya.'

Chapter 649(52)

[3] I will never not be amused by Arjun being a smug ass bitch.

[4] So, everyone attacked Arjun simultaneously to save Kripa, but in vain, as is seen in the following sentence, they still need to drag the latter to safety.

[5] Also, Uttar being a chad.

[6] So Kripacharya bhi bhaage. With help from the others. Akele nhi bhaag paaye kya? Noice!

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In that extremely terrible battle of swiftly released weapons, Partha shot the arrows faster and faster. Then hundreds and thousands of straight-tufted arrows descended simultaneously on Drona's chariot. O bull among the Bharata lineage! The wielder of the Gandiva enveloped Drona with arrows and a great lamentation arose from the army. Maghavan himself applauded Pandava's swiftness with weapons and so did the gandharvas and apsaras who had assembled there. Then the preceptor's son, leader of charioteers, suddenly encircled Pandava with a great number of chariots [7]. Though Ashvatthama was greatly enraged with Partha, in his heart, the great-souled one applauded his deeds [8]. Overcome by anger, he confronted Partha in that battle and showered him with arrows, like Parjanya showering rain. The mighty-armed one turned his horses towards Drona's son and thus Partha gave Drona a chance to retreat. His armour and flag had been shattered with supreme arrows and getting the opportunity, the brave one left [9] on his swift horses.'

Chapter 649(53)

[7] Yay, Drauni to the rescue, and not alone at that. Sabko saath laayaa hain. Akele se nhi hota kya?

[8] Ashwatthama is confused whether to be mad coz his dad was defeated or happy seeing his friend scatter them all like a house of cards blown by the wind. Peak enemies to lovers energy, these two have. Lolz.

[9] Dronacharya bhi bhaage. Lmao.

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Those two warriors were unrivalled on earth. In the midst of that field of battle, an extremely great duel ensued, making the body hair stand up [10]. On seeing those two great-souled and brave ones, like two leaders of herds engaged in combat, all the Kurus were astounded. Those two brave bulls among men struck each other with arrows that were like virulent poison and like flaming serpents. The great-souled Pandava possessed two divine and inexhaustible quivers. Therefore, the brave Partha stood on that field of battle, immobile as a mountain. But Ashvatthama's arrows were speedily discharged in that battle and were exhausted [11]. Thus, Arjuna proved to be superior to him.

Chapter 650(54)

[10] Bhai, raungte khade ho gaye sabke! I love how everyone is shown to be breaking out into goosebumps in this parva. Lolz.

[11] A very very important point to note. The only warrior who has been said, could match up to Arjun in prowess is - definitely not Karna, not Ekalavya, not even Bhishma and Drona. It is Ashwatthama. Again and again throughout the actual text, only Ashwatthama is said to have fought against Arjuna with equal skill.

Though I would argue that Ashwatthama had the jewel which apparently stops him from feeling mortal weaknesses like hunger, thirst, fatigue and diseases. Which gives him an edge over every other warrior on the field. Just like Arjun with his Akshaya tunir, which he had received from Agni during the Khandava dahan.

Again, not something granted to him on birth like Karna's armour and Ashwatthama's jewel, he got it because of his karma - or his ability to fulfil Agni's wishes, whatever you want to call it.

So, it isn't a privilege by any meaning of that word. Its an earned edge, he has over them. Just like his many divyastras.

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Unable to tolerate this, he sliced off the strap of Karna's quiver with a straight-tufted arrow, sharp at the tip. Grasping other arrows from his quiver, Karna pierced Pandava on the hand, so that his grip weakened [12]. The mighty-armed Arjuna then sliced off Karna's bow. He hurled a javelin at him, but Partha cut that down with arrows. Then Radheya's large infantry attacked [13]. But they were sent to Yama's abode with arrows released from Gandiva. Bibhatsu then stretched his bow up to his ears and killed his horses with sharp arrows that could take a great weight. They fell down dead on the ground. The mighty-armed and valorous Kounteya took up another flaming arrow and pierced Karna in the chest. The arrow pierced his armour and penetrated his body [14]. He was immersed in darkness and lost consciousness for some time. Suffering great pain, he left the field of battle [15] in a northern direction.

Chapter 650(55)

[12] Point to be noted by the idiots saying Karna wasn't fighting up to his full potential. He is the only one, mentioned to have done some sort of physical damage to Arjun which could have lessened his speed. He literally hit him where it would weaken his archery skills. The hands.

[13] Though evidently it didn't stop Arjun from being a chad and here it needs to be noted that Karna's infantry (large number of soldiers) attacked a lone Arjun, to save their master.

[14] Well.. looks like without that divine kavach, you aren't of much help sweetie. This is specially for the people who say, Karna would have prevailed over everyone had his armour not been taken. Okay, first of all, a divine armour given to him at birth isn't the mark of his valour. It is an unfair advantage. Unfair, because he hasn't earned it. Secondly, the armour didn't help him in either Draupadi's swayamvara or during the Gandharva war (am I repeating this? yes I am, coz ppl have a miniscule memory span during arguments)

[15] Bhaag Karn bhaag. Phirse bhaagaa xD . Strike two.

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'The mighty-armed Dhananjaya advanced to conquer his enemies, but the one who was terrible in his deeds countered this fearful advance. Four immensely strong ones [16] advanced towards the one with the terrible bow—Duhshasana, Vikarna, Duhsaha and Vivimshati.

[....]

With an arrow that was shafted with the feathers of vultures and had a broad tip, he sliced off his bow that was decorated with polished gold. He then pierced him in the breast with five arrows. Oppressed by Partha's arrows, he fled [17] from the field of battle. With arrows that were sharp, straight and shafted with the feathers of vultures, Dhritarashtra's son Vikarna then pierced Arjuna, the slayer of enemy warriors. But Kounteya immediately pierced him with straight-tufted arrows on his forehead and thus wounded, he fell down from the chariot. Then, seeking to rescue their brother in battle, Duhsaha, together with Vivimshati, rushed towards Partha [18] and enveloped him with sharp arrows. But the alert Dhananjaya struck both of them at the same time with sharp arrows that were shafted with the feathers of vultures and killed their horses. With their horses slain and their limbs pierced, the two sons of Dhritarashtra were borne away by their followers [19] ,who arrived on other chariots.

Chapter 652(56)

[16] So, a four against one attack.

[17] Dusashan that asshole! Arjun should have killed that bitch when he had the chance. But then, Bheem's terrible vow wouldn't have been fulfilled. Gosh, these vows irritate the hell outta me, I swear. Though, I really loved the chest tearing, blood drinking scene. I mean, considering the situation in these times, I wish we had a Bheem in this yuga, as well.

[18] So, the other two had to come to save their brother. Again, a many to one attack. But faidaa waise kuch hua nhi..

[19] Saare bhaago! I can't decide what is funnier. Everyone running away or people having to come and get them to safety. Lolz.

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Vaishampayana said, 'Then Duryodhana, Karna, Duhshasana, Vivimshati, Drona and his son, and Kripa [20] who was an atiratha in battle, returned angrily to the battle again, wishing to cause violence to Dhananjaya. They drew their sturdy and powerful bows. O great king! The one with the monkey on his banner went forward to meet them on a chariot that was as radiant as the sun, with his flag unfurled. Kripa, Karna and Drona, supreme among charioteers, immensely valorous and with great weapons, sought to repulse Dhananjaya

[......]

Having been thus covered from every direction with divine weapons, not even a space of two fingers could be seen on him. But maharatha Bibhatsu laughed [21] and fixed his divine Aindra weapon on Gandiva. It was as radiant as the sun. In that battle, the diademed and powerful Kounteya covered all the Kurus with arrows that burnt like the rays of the sun.

[......]

Losing their consciousness, all the warriors lost heart [22] in the battle. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Thus, all the soldiers were shattered and fled in all the directions. They lost hope that they would remain alive.'

Chapter 654(58)

[20] Hmm. So seven people against one, along with their armies, let us not forget.

[21] This little shit is having a field day while his enemies are practically frothing in the mouth and panting to somehow defeat him. I love him so much, it isn't even funny, anymore. T-T

[22] So they were so depressed, they almost fainted? I mean, I get it. It must have been highly embarrassing and also incredibly disheartening for their soldiers.

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Having perceived a weakness, Shantanu's son Bhishma attacked Savyasachi from the left side. But Bibhatsu laughed out aloud [23]. With a broad and sharp arrow, shafted with the feathers of vultures, he sliced down the infinitely energetic Bhishma's bow. With ten arrows, Kunti's son, Dhananjaya, pierced the brave and careful one on his chest. Thus oppressed, Ganga's mighty-armed son, invincible in battle, clung to the pole of the chariot and stood there for a long time[24]. On seeing that he had lost his senses, the charioteer remembered his instructions, and controlling the horses that were yoked to the chariot, drove away, so as to protect [25] the maharatha.'

Chapter 655(59)

[23] This fucker is having way too much fun. Its almost like how an adult plays with children you know. Laughing at their feeble attempts to overpower him.

[24] You see, why Krishna was so mad at Arjun in the Kurukshetra war. He was continuously telling him to fight with his full potential. Because, it is evident that Arjun was holding back. He could have disarmed Bhishma and injured him enough, if he wanted to. But Shiva's boon to Amba and his own reluctance to fight were clearly pulling him back from doing the needful or killing him so to speak. So to all the people saying 'oh Krishna attacked Bhishma to save Arjun...' - I call bullshit.

Also, what was Bhishma, thinking, clinging to the pole? 'I am too old for this shit!' LMAO.

[25] Arre baba.. pitamaha bhi bhaage phir. I mean, the charioteer took him away as instructed.(see, how one of the charioteers' duties is to protect their warriors? It is a code of conduct clearly. This is for all the people sniggering how Krishna kept protecting Arjun.. duh huh morons! It was his duty. He definitely didn't do it out of the immense unfathomable nearly cosmic love he had for his Partha.)

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When the supreme of tusked ones fell down on the ground, Vikarna was terrified and dismounted swiftly. He fled for a full eight hundred paces and climbed onto Vivimshati's chariot [26]. Having slain the elephant with the arrow, like the vajra strikes down a mountain or a cloud, Partha used a similar arrow to pierce Duryodhana on the chest. The elephant and the king having both been pierced, Vikarna having been routed with the infantry that guarded him, the foremost among warriors were frightened of the arrows released from Gandiva, and swiftly fled [27].

Chapter 656(60)

[26] So, according to the internet, 10 duelling paces is somewhat between 20 to 30 feet. So considering it to be 25 feet for 10 paces. It is 2.5 feet for 1 paces. Then 2.5 x 800 which is 2000 feet which in turn is almost half a mile. LMAO! Mah boi, Vikarna ran half a mile to escape Arjun. xD

[27] Bhaag Duryodhan bhaag. (I am clearly having way too much fun with this)

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Karna saw that he was turning around. He also returned and tended to his wounded limbs. He advanced towards Duryodhana's right flank and got ready to fight with Partha, the brave one among men, who was adorned in a golden garland. Shantanu's son Bhishma also returned. He swiftly prodded his horses with golden harnesses and protected Duryodhana from the rear from Partha, the mighty-armed one who wielded a bow. Drona, Kripa, Vivimshati and Duhshasana also swiftly returned. All of them swiftly arrived with bows and arrows to protect Duryodhana[28].

[......]

They grasped divine weapons and surrounded Partha from every direction. They showered down arrows on him, like clouds showering rain on the summit of a mountain. The wielder of the Gandiva used weapons to counter the weapons [29] of the bulls among the Kurus. The destroyer of enemies then made the weapon named sammohana appear. This was impossible to counter. He covered all the directions and all the smaller directions with sharp arrows [30] that had fine tips and fine shafts.

He then grasped the giant conch shell in both his hands, one that had a deep and trembling sound. Partha, the destroyer of enemies, used this to make the sound echo in the directions, the smaller directions, the sky and the earth. At the roar of the conch shell blown by Partha, the foremost among the Kurus fell down unconscious[31]. They gave up their invincible bows [32] and all of them resorted to peace.

Chapter 657(61)

[28] Okay, so everyone who had been forced out or fled from the battle, having had chance to recuperate and take care of their wounds, returned to protect Duryodhan. Mind, you Arjun was not given a chance to rest as as clearly seen above, people just kept attacking him to save all of their commander's collective hides.

[29] So they all started attacking him simultaneously for the umpteenth time and it is written he was countering them with his own weapons.

[30] Very very important point to note. The sammohan astra, despite the misnomer did not render the Kauravas and their commanders into a trance or make them unconscious (I dunno why BRC altered this one scene after doing almost everything perfectly in that part of the sequence). It is clearly written that it only summoned a million arrows to counter the incessant shower of arrows that all those warriors were attacking Arjun with.

[31] Another very important point to note. It was the sound from the conch shell (Devdutta?) which rendered most people unconscious.

[32] See, here it is again written that they willingly dropped their weapons, knowing they were defeated. But it is a contrast to how the previous lines say, that they (the foremost amongst them which doesn't mean all) fell unconscious due to the loud sound of the conch shell. So one interpretation can be that they all were just disoriented as fuck, which happens when one is too close to a very loud sound like a bomb blast or something.

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Shantanu's son laughingly replied, "Where did your intelligence disappear? Where was your valour? You had given up your colourful bow and your arrows. You were immersed in complete peace then. Bibhatsu is incapable of cruel deeds [33]. His mind is never immersed in sin. He will not give up his own dharma even for the sake of the three worlds. That is the reason all of us have not been killed in this battle [34]. O foremost among the Kurus! Return swiftly to the Kuru kingdom. Let Partha return with the cattle he has conquered."

Chapter 657(61)

[33] Yes yes, pitamaha, I agree with you, everyone should and you are totally not gushing over your not favourite grand nephew.

[34] A very very important point to note where Bhishma himself gives the answer to why Arjun didn't kill them in the Virata war. He was just defeating them all and forcing them to retreat. It is different from when in the Kurukshetra war, he was bound to kill them in every confrontation.

Can't you all just appreciate the dilemma that gave us the Srimada Bhagavat Geeta in the end?

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'On seeing the foremost among the Kurus leave, Partha Dhananjaya was delighted in his mind. The great-souled one followed them for an instant, so as to honour his superiors. He bowed down, with his head on the ground, before the aged grandfather, Shantanu's son and the preceptor Drona [35]. He used colourful arrows to show homage to Drona's son [36], Kripa and all his superiors. Partha then used an arrow to slice off Duryodhana's jewelled crown from his head [37].

Chapter 657(61)

[35] Kalki 2898AD and to all those brainless buffoons who have claimed to have read the Mahabharata, fuck off. This is your arrogant and prideful Arjun who literally followed behind his so called superiors and paid them homage, after defeating them so soundly, when they had all wanted to do him violence (directly paraphrased from the text, chapter 654(68), check [20] )

[36] Okay, why will people not love Arjun. He even shows respect to Ashwatthama of all people (Kalki 2898AD I'm still looking at you).

[37] Arjun you little shit! Seriously, how can anyone not love him! Be respectful and damned cheeky at the same time and so selectively, it is fucking hilarious.

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Vaishampayana said, 'Having defeated the Kurus in battle, the one with the eyes of a bull gathered and brought back Virata's great riches. When the sons of Dhritarashtra had all been shattered and had left, many Kuru soldiers emerged from the dense woods. Their hearts trembled in fright and they appeared, here and there. They could be seen standing there, their hair dishevelled and with their hands joined in salutation. They were hungry and thirsty and exhausted and in an alien land, they were not in their senses. They bowed down in homage before Partha and asked, "What will we do?" Arjuna replied, "O fortunate ones! Be safe. There is no reason for you to be scared. I assure you that I have no desire to kill those who are miserable." On hearing these words of assurance, the assembled warriors praised him and wished for a long life, deeds and fame for him[38]. Shattered and vanquished, the Kurus returned.

[....]

'On the road back, Phalguna spoke these words. "O brave prince! O mighty-armed one![39] Wait until all the cattle and all the cowherds have been collected. We will return to the city of Virata in the afternoon, after the horses have rested, have had their drink and have been tended to[40]. The cowherds should now be swiftly dispatched by you. Let them go to the city with the good news that announces your victory[41]."

Chapter 658(62)

[38] Okay, again. My arrogant boastful vain prince, calls the kuru soldiers who have fought to kill him, 'fortunate ones' not 'weak ones' not 'cowards' not 'incapable'. What was the reason to even give them any assurance? See.. see, where the difference lies? Why wouldn't his enemies praise him?

[39] Here, my arrogant boastful vain prince calls Uttar (the prince who boasted, he was Arjun's equal and then fled from the battle at first), 'brave one', praises him 'mighty armed one'... you see the addressal? Also Arjun hugging Uttar (chapter 637(41), Go grahana parva ) to console him when he is scared at the sound of the Devdutta gives just top tier dad vibes... (or mom, I wont judge xD).

[40] Ahhhhrghhhh! You cannot just see how kind and compassionate he is and not like him. He is concerned about the horses! Which again, mind you, are not his own, They are yoked to Uttar's chariot so is evidently, Matsya's property.

I mean, what are you guys made of? Stone? (-_-)

[41] What was the need to hide their identities now? The people they were hiding it from knew well enough. Whether it was loyalty to Yudhishtir's commands or anything else, he did let Uttar take credit of his victory. That, Uttar was a decent guy and didn't, doesn't make it any less amazing.

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End Notes

Well, what can I say?

I can't help it if people still cannot see what I am trying to show them. For the ones who can, CAN I SCREAM WITH YOU?????????

Also, for the people who would say, it is an interpolation - where is your proof?

Interpolations or later additions have been made but it is always of how one particular dialogue is perceived, of emotional sequences and philosophical colloquy. A meticulously written massive war sequence with just actions in place of dialogue or emotion has as least chances of being an interpolation as the moon has of being made of cheese.

Don't just say bullshit for your own appeasement guys, it makes you look stupid.

As to why it isn't an interpolation from the logical storyline point of view, one reason can be - In the war of Kurukshetra, the warriors of Hastinapur weren't alone who fought. There were several immensely powerful super warriors and entire squads of armies as well. There were the sons of the Kauravas and their allies, even Rakshasas, fighting too. 

The sheer numeral strength was humongous as compared to the Virata war.

Arjun is after all, one man.

I don't think it would have been possible for him to fight that many people without the help of his own allies, armies and brothers.

So the argument of why he didn't just defeat them all alone in the Kurukshetra war like he did in the Virata war, is invalid and frankly idiotic, to make.

Also, it isn't because the Kauravas weren't fighting to their full strength that Arjun could repeatedly forced them to retreat in the war for Matsya. That's a stupid assertion which has no basis. It was still one man against an entire army and their several extremely powerful commanders (these are the people who have been granted the ranks of Maharathas and people in general love to claim were some of the best of the best). 

Read the text.

Read it, damnit.

Then again, Arjun was fighting to kill in the Mahabharata war. 

And most warriors in the mahabharata have had their lives entangled in a multitude of curses and their fates had already been sealed, with regards to who will kill them, how and when. 

And except Karna, none of them were to be killed directly by Arjun.

And even then, Karn's death had a particular stipulation. That he needed to forget his astra knowledge and the chariot wheel had to get stuck in the ground. Those were curses given to him. It would have come into play any how. 

The curses he very well deserved. Those aren't injustices. The people cursed in the epic, deserved what they got, whether it be Bhishma or Karna. (Please don't drag Krishna into it, he is the GOD)

And in the Virata war, we already saw their individual prowess, irrespective of the curses could not stop Arjuna from making them retreat. Several times. Which is counted as combatant defeat. One to one and many to one. 

Just, digest the apparently indigestible fact that forget Arjun, Karna doesn't even rank in the top ten best warriors of the Dwapar Yuga (Hmm, Bheema and Satyaki, anyone?).

Forget - of all times. (like his simps and people nowadays in general, love to claim)

Thus, it is proven that the two battles aren't comparable in that sense.

Thus the conclusion remains the same, Arjun is a massive chad and I love him. 

XDDDDDD

The End.