Section LIII - Arjuna's Battle Strategy: Defeating Duryodhana to Reclaim the Kine
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Arjuna, with his banner shining from a distance and the thunderous sound of his chariot, advanced towards the Kauravas, including Drona, Bhishma, Kripa, and Kama. Drona recognized Arjuna's presence by the twang of his Gandiva bow and the terrifying roar of the ape on his flagstaff. Arjuna confidently approached the battlefield, determined to target Duryodhana first and weaken the enemy army. The son of Virata, his charioteer, followed Arjuna's command and led him towards Duryodhana's position. Kripa anticipated Arjuna's plan and instructed his troops to attack Arjuna's flanks to prevent him from reaching Duryodhana.
Arjuna, with his swift movements and relentless rain of arrows, overwhelmed the enemy troops and caused confusion and chaos on the battlefield. His precise and rapid attacks left the soldiers unable to defend themselves or flee, as the earth and sky became covered with his arrows. The soldiers marveled at Arjuna's skill and bravery, recognizing his unmatched prowess in battle. Arjuna's conch and the roar of the creatures on his flagstaff instilled fear in the hearts of the enemy, causing them to lose their resolve in the face of his onslaught. The kine, which had been the subject of the war, began to retreat along the southern road, as Arjuna's presence on the battlefield became more dominant.
Arjuna continued to press forward, announcing himself with his name and intensifying his attack on the enemy forces. The Kaurava warriors, unable to withstand the barrage of arrows from Arjuna's Gandiva bow, found themselves overwhelmed and unable to see clearly amidst the chaos. Arjuna's strategic positioning and relentless assault demonstrated his martial prowess and his determination to confront Duryodhana directly in battle. The earth trembled under the combined effects of Arjuna's conch, chariot wheels, bowstrings, and the creatures on his flagstaff, creating a sense of impending doom for the Kaurava army.
As Arjuna's presence became more pronounced on the battlefield, the soldiers and commanders of the Kaurava army were in awe of his unmatched skill and bravery. Arjuna's focused determination to confront Duryodhana and his strategic maneuvering on the battlefield instilled fear in the hearts of the enemy, causing them to falter in their defense. The retreat of the kine along the southern road marked the beginning of the Kauravas' downfall, as Arjuna's relentless pursuit of victory signaled a turning point in the battle. The earth trembled under the weight of Arjuna's power and determination, setting the stage for a decisive confrontation with Duryodhana.
In response to Kripa's recognition of Arjuna's intentions, the Kaurava warriors attempted to thwart his advance by targeting his flanks, revealing their desperation and fear in the face of Arjuna's relentless assault. The soldiers, realizing the futility of their defense against Arjuna's onslaught, could only marvel at his strategic brilliance and unmatched skill in battle. Arjuna's focused determination to confront Duryodhana directly and his ability to instill fear in the hearts of the enemy through his conch and flagstaff creatures further solidified his reputation as a formidable warrior on the battlefield. The retreat of the kine served as a symbolic turning point in the battle, signaling Arjuna's growing dominance and the impending defeat of the Kaurava forces. The earth shook under the weight of Arjuna's presence, underscoring the gravity of the situation for the Kaurava army.
Full English translation:
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Section LIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section LIII:
Who did Arjuna single out for battle in the story?
Arjuna singled out Duryodhana, the vilest of the Kuru princes, for battle.
What tactics did Arjuna use to confuse the enemy troops?
Arjuna covered the troops with countless arrows, blew his conch loudly, and made the earth tremble with his presence.
Daily life: Arjuna's Battle Strategy: Defeating Duryodhana to Reclaim the Kine:
In the story, Arjuna demonstrates focus, courage, and strategic thinking in the face of a daunting challenge. He accurately assesses the battlefield situation, identifies his main target, and makes a decisive move towards it, all while maintaining a calm and steady demeanor. This narrative can inspire us to tackle our daily challenges with a similar mindset. When faced with obstacles, it's crucial to stay focused on our goals, identify the key actions that will lead to success, and not get distracted by the minor setbacks along the way. Courage plays a vital role in this process, as it enables us to confront our fears and make bold decisions when necessary. Lastly, approaching our goals with a strategic plan, just as Arjuna navigates the battlefield, can help us manage complex situations more effectively. By embodying the qualities of focus, courage, and strategy in our daily lives, we can navigate our challenges more efficiently and achieve our desired outcomes.