All events of Mahabharata 2 - the war *

 ALL events of Mahabharata 2

Part 1: Begining

Part 2: The War

Part 3: Aftermath

5. Udyoga Parva

Story of peace proposals, alliances, preparation of war

(10-12 Sub parvas, 197-199 chapters depending on the edition)

*Kings assemble in king Virata's court where King Virata's daughter Uttara marries Arjuna's son Abhimanyu. Together with Krishna, they discuss about possible return of Pandavas and take back the control of their kingdom from Kauravas. As per Drupada's suggestion, they decide to send envoys to other kingdoms for possible alliance. Duryodhana also start to build alliance to strengthen their position. Both Ajun and Duryodhan asks for his alliance. When Krishna gives a choice (him vs his entire army), Arjuna chooses Krishna on his side and Duryodhana gets Krishna's army to serve him. Krisha would not personally fight; rater be charioteer in case of war. Krishna's brother Balaram becomes only person to stay neutral in this alliance, due to the affection for both sides. Kauravas side has bigger (11 units of army) than Pandavas side (7 units). Duryodhana tricks Shalya, who wanted to joint Pandavas, to join Kauravas side, after this Shalya meets Yudhishthira too. (Sainyodyoga Parva - chapters: 1–19) 

* Drupada sends envoy to Kaurava who announces that Pandava do not want war, not because of weakness (as they have seven Akshauhinis army), but they value peace; and asks to return their kingdom as agreed before. Dhritarashtra dismisses that envoy and send Sanjaya as his own envoy to the Pandavas. Sanjay meets Pandavas and urges for peace. Yudhishthira demands he wants Indraprastha back to make peace. He would also accept smaller kingdom if that would prevent war. Sanjay reports to Kaurava accordingly and urges Kauravas to take the path of peace. (Sanjaya-yana Parva - chapters: 20–32)

*Dhritarashtra being sleeplessness with situation asks Vidura for advice. Vidura presents a discourse (Vidura Niti) describing about wise men, virtue and prosperity, etc. Hearing this Dhritarashtra leans towards peace but says that his son Duryodhana wants the opposite. (Prajagara Parva - chapters: 33–40)

*Dhritarashtra continues in his suffering of anxiety and depression and gets a second opinion from Sanatsujata (सनत्सुजात) as per Vidura's suggestion. He delivers Sanatsujatiya which focuses that the true knowledge is the only one that emancipates people, not the rituals and yagna. It outlines twelve virtues one must live by, twelve vices to avoid, and three requirements for free, liberated life. (Sanatsujata Parva - chapters: 41–46) 

*Kaurava meeting. Sanjaya delivers message from Yudhisthir. Dhritarashtra inquiries about Pandava's military preparation and allies. Duryodhana mocks and refuses King Dhritarashtra's request to accept peace. Bhishma criticizes Karna saying he wouldn't participate in the war along with low-born suta. Karna promises to not enter the battle until Bhishma's fall. (Yanasandhi Parva - chapters: 47–73)

*Pandava meeting. Krishna offers to be an envoy of peace to Kauravas representing Pandava side. Kauravas give grand welcome to Krishna. Dhritarashtra agrees with peace proposal, but Duryodhana laughingly ignores it. Various Rishis try to convince him telling various stories, but he keeps refusing. Narada tells the story of Gavala, Yayati and Madhavi. All criticize Duryodhana and advise to bind him and give to Pandavas. Duryodhana walks out and meet with his followers and orders them to seize Krishna. Satyaki informs this to Krishna. Krishna shows his divine power and leaves the court. 

Krishna leaves with Karna and tells him that Kunti is his real mother and asks him to join Pandavas and as an elder brother, he could possibly be the next king. Karna refuses citing his friendship to Duryodhana, love to adoptee parents Radha and Adiratha. He asks Krishana not to reveal this secret to Pandavas. He remorse for his action to please Duryodhana in past. And says that he knows that he will die in the war being on the unrighteous side, but he cannot leave his friend in distress, so he will challenge Arjuna and will earn great merit or glory. Karna then hugs Krishna and returns to the city. Krishna reports to Pandavas about incidents.  

Kunti also meets with Karna, tells her side of story, which Surya dev confirms, and asks him to join Pandavas side. Karna refuses to her too and says she abandoned him and deprived him of Kshatriya rites. This is his chance to fight Arjuna and earn fame and the respect of the world. As she pleads, he promises to her that he will not kill any other son, except Arjuna, therefore she would have five sons anyway either with him or with Arjuna. (Bhagavat-yana Parva - chapters: 74–150) 

*War preparations. Out of many names, Pandavas nominates Dhrishtadyumna (Draupadi's brother) as commander-in-chief as suggested by Krishna. Pandava army march to Kurukshetra. Kauravas also make preparations. Duryodhana appoints Bhisma as their commander-in-chief, who says Pandavas are dearer to him, therefore, he will not openly fight them, however, will kill at least 10,000 warriors every day. Krishna's brother Balaram (Halayudha) tells Pandavas that he cannot pick a side as both sides are his disciples and goes on a journey. Rukmi (prince of Vidarbha, the elder brother of Rukmini) boasts his ability to both Pandava and Kaurava camp and gets rejected by both sides, therefore, withdraw from the war. (Sainya-niryana Parva - chapters: 151–159) 

*Duryodhana sends Uluka to the Pandavas camp to insult them one by one personally as a psychological warfare. Bhima gets angry and Arjuna pacifies him. Kaurava arrays their army to face Pandavas. Dhristadyumna appoints particular warriors on the Pandavas' side to focus on particular warriors on the Kauravas' side. (Ulukabhigamana Parva - chapters: 160–164)

*Infight in Kaurava camp. Bhisma listst 100 Kaurava brothers and Sakuni and Rathas. Jayadratha is equal to two rathas. Kritavarman, Salya, as Atirathas. Aswathaman, Drona, as Maharathas, with Ashwatthama as the supreme bowman. He mocks Karna as only being an ardharatha. Karna gets angry and vows not to fight until Bhisma is laid down. 

On Pandava side, King Shikhandin is designated as a Ratha. Nakula and Sahadeva are equal to four Rathas. Bhimasena is equal to eight Rathas. Dhrupada, Virata, Satyajit and Yudhishthira are designated as Atirathas. Arjuna, Satyaki, and Dhristadhyumna are designated as Maharathas. Bhishma says he and Drona are the only two warriors who can advance against Dhananjaya (Arjuna). (Rathatiratha-sankhyana Parva - chapters: 165–172)

*Bhisma's background with Amba. Amba is reborn as Shikhandi now and Bhisma cannot fight with him. Bhishma says that he can finish the slaughter in a month. Drona also estimates same. Kripa estimates two months. Aswatthaman claims he can finish them in ten nights. Karna says he can achieve that in five days. Bhishma ridicules and mocks Karna. Yudhishthira asks same questions to Arjuns, who replies with alley Vasudeva and weapons obtained from Mahadeva, if used properly, he can kill all life in earth by the twinkling of the eye, but he is restricted to not using it for his own selfish reasons on human beings. Two armies face each other's. (Ambopakkyana Parva - chapters: 173–199)

KURUKSHETRA WAR BEGINS

6. Bhisma Parva 

Story of first 10 days of Kurukshetra war, Bhisma as a leader, & Bhagavad Geeta

(8 Sub parvas, 124 chapters)

The first part of the great battle, with Bhishma as commander for the Kauravas and his fall on the bed of arrows. The most important aspect of Bhishma Parva is the Bhagavad Gita narrated by Krishna to Arjuna. (Chapters 25–42.)

*Karna suggests Kurukshetra to be the land of war. Two sides mees to make agreement on the rules of war. Rishi Vyasa offers the eyesight to Dhritarashtra, but he refuses saying he can't see slaughter of his own people. Then, Vyasa gives celestial vison to Sanjay by which he could see anything shown or cancelled, even mind. No weapon can harm him in war. Sanjay describes war to Dhritarashtra. Vyasa says that war is evil, victory is uncertain, full of sorrow no matter who wins. Dhritarashtra says that his sons do not listen to him. (Karna-khanda Vinirmana Parva - chapters: 1–10)

*Sanjay gives detail description of the world about countries, people, race, planets, sun, eclipses, etc. (Bhumi Parva - chapters: 11–12)

*Bhagavad Gita: Total 18 chapters (from chapter 23 to chapter 40) from  Bhagavad-Gita Sub-Parva of Bhisma Parva of Mahabharat constitutes Srimad Bhagawat Gita. 

Dhritarastra asks Sanjay the detail of the war. धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः । मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ॥ १-१॥ Sanjay describes the situation in the battlefield. 

Arjun asks his charioteer Krishna if he should fight or be a monk. Seeing the warriors from both sides, Arjun wonders if their cause justifies the bloodbath going to happen in the war. Krishna gives various answers to Arjun's questions ranging from the nature of life to the demands of justice, to the three paths of liberated and free life, to human duty, etc. Krishna shows Arjuna his extraordinary divine form. Arjuna apologizes for not being able to recognize him as divine.

Before the war Yudhishthira and joined by his brothers go to Kauravas elites Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Shalya one by one, to seek their permission and blessings to fight them to the death. Soldiers cheer the Pandava brothers for their obeisance and show of respect for the enemy. Krishna goes to Karna and invites him to join Pandava until Bhisma is not down, but Karna refuses. Yuyutsu, moved by Yudhishthira's speech, abandons his Kauravas brothers and goes over to the Pandava side. Bhagavad-Gita Parva (chapters: 13–42)

*(Bhisma Vadh parva - Chapters 43-124) - detail about the first 10 days of war

Day 1: Both side run into each other. flying arrows, cloud of dust, sound of bowstring and battle cries prevails in the. Multiple fight occurs among Arjun vs Bhisma. Other non casualty fight include: Yudhishthira vs King Shalya (Madra), Bhima vs Duryodhana, Dushtdyumna vs Drona, Dushasana vs Nakula, Satyaki vs Kritavarma, Ghatotkacha vs Alamvusha, Sikhdandin vs Ashvatthama, Virata vs Bhagadatta (Pragjyotisha kindom), Drupada vs Jayadratha, etc. 

Shalya kills Uttara (King virata's son). Virata's another son Sweta tries to take revenge and kills Hundreds of noble prince, however Bhisma ultimately kills Sweta. Virata's another son, Sankha, rushes in with the intention to slay Shalya, but Bhisma intervens, then arjun saves Shanka and then retreats back. 

On the day one, Bhima, Arjun, Abhimanyu, Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumna, and from the Kaurava side Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Shalya, etc are mostly mentioned. 

Duryodhana happy with Bhishma and Kaurava fight in day 1, whereas Yudhishthira is filled with grief and consults with Krishan and Dhrishtadyumna, to plan for the next day about Krauncharuma array of Pandava army. 

Day 2: Key fight between Arjuna and Bhishma, sometimes also supported by key worriers from the both side. Fight lasts long time with neither one completely defeating other. 

On Bhima vs kalinga army fight, Bhima shows bravery and kills 2700 warriors shanking and terrorizing Kalinga's army to flee ultimately. Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, and Satyaki also aid Bhima. Bhisma ultimately charge back.

Abhimanyu aided by his dad Arjun and Lakshmana added by his dad Duryodhana fight. Arjun shows great skills. Pandavas considered winner for the second day's battle.

On Day 2, mostly mentioned warriors are Arjuna, Abhimanyu, Bhima, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, Drupada, Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki, etc from Pandava and Bhisma, Drona, Kalingan army, Duryodhana, Lakshmana, Ashvatthama, Shalya, Kripa, etc from Kaurava side. 

Day 3: Bhisma forms Garuda array whereas Arjuna lines his troops in the form of form of a half-moon. 

Abhimanyu and Satyaki slaughter the Sakuni army. Arjuna defeats thousands of car-warriors. Duryodhana asks Bhishma not to favor Pandavas. Bhishma slaughters vast number of Pandavas. Arjuna ultimately invokes Mahendra weapon which showers arrows on the Kaurava host from the sky. So many Kaurava and Pandava soldiers are killed that streams of blood flow on the battlefield. Pandava side celebrates their victory and praises Arjuna for achieving more than 10,000 kills in the day 3.

Day 4: Abhimanyu fights with Ashvatthama and others. Arjuna and Abhimanyu  fight with Kaurava armay. They later aided by Dhristadyumna with his division who also fight with Shalya. Satyaki battles Alamvusha (Rakshasa) and later with Bhurisravas. 

Bhima fight with Magadha division consisting 10,000 elephants sent by Duryodhana. He starts to kills them and routs that large part of the army. Duryodhana and his brothers also battle against Bhima.

Bhima vs Duryodhana: Duryodhana attackes with shaft which deeply pierced through Bhima's chest and becomes unconscious. Abhimanyu comes to aid. Regaining consciousness, Bhima kills 8 Kaurava brothers when facing 14 of them, shocking Duryodhana. Bhagadatta attacks Bhima. Ghatotkacha comes to aid his dad and creates a terrible illusion.  Bhagadatta's elephants start to cry. Hearing that, Bhishma, Drona, Suyodhana, etc. come to rescue him but Bhishma avoids fighting with Ghatotkacha as the evening was approaching, and withdraws his troops for the night. 

On the end of Day 4, Pandavas shout for their victory and worship Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha. Duryodhana becomes sad at the death of his 8 brothers and begins meditation.

Day 5: At night before day 5, Duryodhana ignores Bhishma's suggestion for peace talk. At Day 5, Bhishma arrays his army in Makara shape, and Pandavas form their troops in Syena (hawk) array. Multiple battle occurs between various warriors.  Satyaki kills 10,000 Kauravas car-warriors, whereas Arjuna slays 25,000 Kauravas car-warriors. Key fight of day 5 includes Bhima & Arjuna vs Bhishma, Bhima vs Duryodhana and his brothers, Arjuna vs Ashvatthaman, Yudhisthir vs Salya, Satyaki vs Bhurisravas, Sahadeva vs Shakuni, Sahadeva vs Vikarna, Abhimanyu defeats Kripa, Abhimanyu vs Lakshmana, Dhrishtadyumna vs Drona, Dhrishtadyumna vs Kripa and Kritavarma, etc. Bhishma avoids Shikhandi. 

Arjuna also known as Vibhatsu, Dhananjaya, Partha, in this day. At the end of the day Duryodhana and his son surround Partha to kill, but just at that time the sun goes down, as per the rules of war, both sides retreat for the day. 

Day 6: Fight continues. Pandava array in Makara formation whereas Kauravas counter arrays in the form of a huge crane. Key fight includes Bhima vs Drona, Bhima vs Duryodhana's brothers, Dhrishtadyumna vs Kauravas brothers, where he uses his fierce weapon Pramohana, Drona deeply injure Drupada, Abhimanyu injures Vikarna, Ashwatthama fights Upa-pandavas, Abhimanyu, Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna vs Duryodhan and his brother where Kripa and Jayadradh finally rescues Duryodhan.

Day 7: War continues. Bhisma forms his troops in the array of Mandala and Yudhisthira make formation of Vajra. Arjun makes thousands of kings surrounded using Aindra weapons. Drona battles with Virata and chases him away. Ashwatthama overthrows Shikhandin. Satyaki battles Alambusa. Dhrishtadyumna battles with Duryodhana. Bhagadatta chases away Ghatotkacha. Shalya battles with his sister's sons Nakula and Sahadeva. Abhimanyu battles with Kauravas's brothers.

 

Arjun and all Pandavas brothers battles against Bhishma. They and many other surrounds him but unable to beat. Bhishma cuts off Shikhandi's bow who then Shikhandi flees. Yudhishthira in anger criticizes him for such cowardice, and Shikhandin returns after hearing criticism. Drona come on Kauravas Support. 

Day 8:

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7. Drona Parva 

Story of 11-15 days of War, Drona as a commander-in-chief of Kaurava

(8 Sub pervas, 173-204 chapters depending on the edition)

7 Drona Parva 65–72 The battle continues, with Drona as commander. This is the major book of the war. Most of the great warriors on both sides are dead by the end of this book.

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8. Karna Parva 

Story of 16-17 days of War, Karna as a commander-in-chief

(2 Sub pervas, 69-96 chapters depending on the edition)

8 Karna Parva   73 The continuation of the battle with Karna as commander of the Kaurava forces.

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9. Shalya Parva 

Story of  the last (18th) day of War, Shalya as a commander-in-chief

(4 Sub pervas, 64-65 chapters depending on the edition)

*Shalya Parva 74–77 The last day of the battle, with Shalya as commander. Also told in detail, is the pilgrimage of Balarama to the fords of the river Saraswati and the mace fight between Bhima and Duryodhana which ends the war, since Bhima kills Duryodhana by smashing him on the thighs with a mace.

1. Shalya-vadha Parva (chapters: 1–22)

2. Shalya Parva (chapters: 23–27)

3. Hrada-praveca Parva (chapters: 28–29)

4. Gadayuddha Parva (chapters: 30–65)

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10. Sauptika Parva 

Story of  immediate aftermath of War, Pandava camp massacre

(2 Sub pervas, 18 chapters)

10 Sauptika Parva  78–80 Ashwatthama, Kripa and Kritavarma kill the remaining Pandava army in their sleep. Only seven warriors remain on the Pandava side and three on the Kaurava side.