Chapter 10 - The Death of Ghatotkacha

Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, after Jayadratha's demise, what did the Kaurava army do, being headed by the invincible Drona? Certainly Drona could not tolerate the fact that his vow had been violated. Please relate everything that happened during the night battle at Kurukshetra.

Sanjaya said: O King, the Kaurava army headed by Dronacharya could not accept their defeat at the hands of Partha. Reforming their divisions, they marched against the Pandavas. Even though darkness had set in, they fought fiercely slaying each others ranks and causing a great carnage. The Somakas assaulted Drona in the darkness of night with a desire to end his life. King Shivi was leading a division of troops, and he came upon the preceptor with the might of a tempest. King Shivi pierced Drona in the chest with thirty arrows, and also killed his chariot driver. Seeing the situation, King Duryodhana sent to the preceptor another chariot driver. Rushing against King Shivi, Drona killed his four horses and then severed his head. Highly enraged, Drona then began to consume the Somaka's ranks with his celestial weapons.

The son of the Kalinga King supported by Kalinga warriors rushed at Bhimasena. Bhima had earlier killed his father, and the son, overcome with anger, sought Bhima's death. However, not tolerating this impudence, Bhima ran to his chariot and leaped into it. He raised the King's son with his hands and killed him with one blow of his fist. Kalinga's son fell to the earth, having all of his bones broken. After this Bhima proceeded to the chariot of Druva, the brother of the slain prince. He dragged him from his chariot, roaring all the while. He killed him with the repeated blows from his fist. Bhima then rushed at the chariot of Jayarata, and with one slap from his palm, he killed that mighty Kalinga hero. This was all done within Karna's sight. The son of Radha, not tolerating Bhima's prowess, took up a dart and threw it with all his might. Bhima caught the dart in his hand and threw it back at Karna, blazing like a meteor. However, Shakuni shattered it to pieces with his arrows.

Ascending his chariot, Bhima challenged the Kaurava warriors thirsting for battle. He came upon Duryodhana's brother, Durmada and killed his horses and charioteer. Durmada then ascended the chariot of his brother Dushkarna, and together they assaulted Bhima. In the very sight of Karna, Duryodhana, Somadatta, Bahlika and Ashvatthama, Bhima stomped on their chariot and smashed it into the ground. He then crushed those two brothers with his powerful fists. Indeed, there was no bone in their body that was not broken. Seeing Bhima's gruesome appearance, all Kuru warriors fled that spot.

The battle became fierce on both sides. It was as if Kurukshetra had become the domain of Yamaraja himself. Ghatotkacha, surrounded by an akshauhini division of Rakshasas, attacked Ashvatthama, imploring the illusions of mystic power. The son of Ghatotkacha was Anjanaparvan, and there arose a fierce duel between him and Drona's son. In the end Ashvatthama made him carless, and descending from his chariot, Anjanaparvan took up a scimitar and threw it at Ashvatthama. The son of Drona shattered it in mid air. Furious, the son of Ghatotkacha released a mace with full potency. Ashvatthama also cut up that weapon to pieces. Anjanaparvan then ascended into the sky, and by his Rakshasa illusion began to rain trees upon Drona's son. However, Ashvatthama killed him with his arrows as he fell to the earth.

Intensely angry, Ghatotkacha assaulted Ashvatthama surrounded by his akshauhini division of soldiers. All those distinguished warriors released their weapons at Ashvatthama's chariot. The sky was filled with arrows, javelins, darts, maces, battle axes and swords. Seeing that mass of weapons coming toward him, Drona's son invoked his celestial weapons, decimating them all. Ghatotkacha then released a celestial mace at Ashvatthama. Drona's son descended from his chariot and caught the weapon as it came upon him. Ashvatthama then released that weapon with full force, and coursing through the air it smashed Ghatotkacha's chariot. Bhima's son, unscathed, ascended Dhristadyumna's chariot and continued fighting with Drona's son. Taking out one of his celestial weapons, Ashvatthama slew one hundred thousand Rakshasa warriors as they assaulted him. With hundreds and thousands of arrows blazing through the sky, Ashvatthama reduced the size of that akshauhini division to nothing. With the massacre of that Rakshasa division, Ghatotkacha became enraged and fought with greater intensity.

Ashvatthama then killed one of King Drupada's sons, Suratha, as well as his brother Satrunjaya. He then killed the ten sons of King Kuntibhoja. Taking from his quiver an arrow that resembled the rod of death, Drona's son released it at the Ghatotkacha's chest. Passing through his chest, that arrow entered into the earth. Bhima's son then fell to the floor of Dhristadyumna's chariot, and fearing him dead, Dhristadyumna took him from the battlefield.

Sanjaya continued: O King, after Bhurishravas's death, his father Somadatta was looking for the opportunity to kill Satyaki. He came upon him in the dead of night, and they began to harass each other with their deadly weapons. Somadatta spoke to Satyaki, "Why, O Satyaki, have you taken to the practice of thieves. Why have you taken the life of my son who had given up his weapons. You are reputed to be a great chariot fighter, but today I shall cut off your head with my winged arrows."

"Stay in battle for a while" Satyaki replied, "and feel the pain caused by my weapons. I have already killed two of your sons and today, I will also kill you along with all of your kinsmen." The two mighty warriors then fought on releasing their lethal weapons. Bhima joined in the fight and released a wooden mallet at the Somadatta's head. Satyaki also released an arrow that blazed through the sky like lightning. Both weapons hit Somadatta at the same time, causing him to fall into a deadly swoon.

Beholding his son fallen in battle, Bahlika, the son of Pratipa and brother of Maharaja Shantanu, challenged Satyaki releasing his mighty weapons. Bahlika also released a dart at Bhima, causing him to fall unconscious to the floor of his chariot. Coming to his senses, Bhima took up a mace and hurled it at his grand uncle. That mace snatched off Bahlika's head and then entered the earth. The great grandsire of the Kuru dynasty then fell to the ground like a tree struck by lightning.

Sanjaya continued speaking to King Dhritarastra: Overcome with anger at this action, ten of your sons, O King, rushed at Bhima to kill him. Their names were Nagadatta, Dridharatha, Viravahu, Ayobhuja, Dridha, Suhasta, Viragas, Pramatha, and Ugrayayin. They challenged Bhima and surrounded him with their chariots. With ten arrows, Bhima quickly dispatched them to Yamaraja's abode. Bhima then killed a brother of Karna named Vrikaratha and five brothers of Shakuni named Gavaksha, Sarabha, Bibhu, Subhaga and Bhanudatta.

Seeing the Pandavas slaughtering the Kaurava host, Duryodhana requested Karna, "O Karna, our warriors are encircled on all sides by the Pandavas. O my friend, go now and save them from certain annihilation. The Pandavas are roaring with victory and penetrating our ranks. Smash their pride with your forceful arrows."

"Be cheerful, O descendent of Bharata." Karna replied. "Even if the great Indra were to come himself, still I would slay the Pandavas. I will kill Arjuna with Indra's shakti weapon and give you world sovereignty. While I am alive, O Kaurava, you will not have to indulge in any kind of lamentation."

Sanjaya continued: While Karna was uttering these boastful words, Kripacharya addressed the Suta's son, "If words alone, O Karna, could lead to victory, then certainly this army would be well protected. You are always boasting your glories, but we have not yet seen an exhibition of your prowess. Many times have we seen you encounter the sons of Pandu, and each time you have been defeated. While Duryodhana was being taken away by the Gandharvas in the Dvaitavana forest, who was the first to run away? Outside of Virata's city, the Kauravas united together and took away the cows. However, we were all vanquished by the mighty armed son of Kunti. I do not think that you are a fit match for any one of the Pandavas. Brave men never indulge in boasting, but prove their prowess on the field of battle. You are always building palaces in the air that are torn to pieces by the divine sons of Kunti."

"I will vanquish Arjuna," Karna replied, "with the dart given to me by Indra, the king of heaven. Upon Arjuna's death, the other Pandavas will be easily defeated. This earth will then become the sole property of the Kuru dynasty. Knowing all this, I speak with confidence about my prowess. As for yourself, you are a brahmana by birth and have now grown old. You are unskilled in battle, and your main fault is that you seek the Pandava's protection. O son of Saradwat, if you speak to me again in these words, I will cut out your tongue. Many great warriors headed by Bhishma have fallen in this battle, but all of these are greater than the Pandavas. It is, therefore, destiny that is defeating us and not the Pandavas. O lowest of men, I will continue to fight to my best ability, and in the end you will see Kunti's sons slain by my arrows."

Sanjaya continued: O Monarch, after hearing Karna's harsh words, Ashvatthama drew his scimitar and rushed at Karna to kill him. Duryodhana quickly seized Drona's son before he could harm Karna. Duryodhana then said, "O Ashvatthama, anger is never the sign of a brahmana. O sinless one, do not be angry with Karna who is trying to enliven us. Forgive him, and together let us engage in battle with the Pandava force." Suppressing their anger, both Kripa and Ashvatthama forgave Karna, but in their hearts they knew that the pride of the Suta's son would be vanquished when he met Arjuna face to face.

Thus forgiving each other and uniting in combat, those great maharathis began to grind the ranks of the Pandava host. When Karna came upon Arjuna, he assaulted him with full force. Those two warriors, who were actually brothers, began to cover each other with their mighty weapons. In the end, however, Arjuna smashed his chariot and horses and also killed his chariot driver. Karna was then taken upon the chariot of Kripa, and thus the vanity of that boastful person was smashed by Arjuna's weapons.

Satyaki then came upon Bahlika's son, Somadatta. Those two great heroes again fought desiring each others death. With the death of Somadatta's sons, Sala and Bhurishravas, Somadatta was always looking for the opportunity to fight with Satyaki. He pierced Satyaki with ten arrows and sent up a loud roar. Satyaki quickly cut off his bow and killed his horses. He then released an arrow of fiery effulgence that was as sharp as a razor. Falling upon the chest of the Kuru general, it deprived him of life. He fell from his chariot like a demigod falls to earth after the exhaustion of his pious activities. With this action the troops that were supporting him fled out of fear. The last son of Somadatta named Bhuri rushed at Satyaki intending to avenge his father's death. He fought with Satyaki for some time but in the end he was killed by a dart that pierced his chest.

In the darkness of night, the two armies ground each other in a war of attrition. When the darkness was so dense that no one could tell which side the other was on, Duryodhana ordered that the soldiers carry torches. Very soon the whole Kaurava army was seen under the light of these torches and lamps. The Pandava army also took up torches and lamps, and the fighting continued on. The celestial demigods using their mystic power created light in the heavens, and indeed, the battlefield of Kurukshetra looked wonderful.

Sahadeva encountered Karna and a fierce battle took place. Karna remembered his promise to his real mother Kunti, and for some time he played with Sahadeva as a cat plays with a mouse. The valiant son of Madri pierced Karna with twenty arrows. However, Karna quickly killed Sahadeva horses and charioteer. Descending from his chariot, Sahadeva took up a sword and shield and ran at Karna. The son of Radha shattered the effulgent sword and shield that were protecting the powerful son of Madri. Sahadeva then released a mace, but it was cut into fragments by Karna's arrows. Sahadeva then released with full force an effulgent golden dart. When that weapon was also baffled, Sahadeva hurled at his elder brother chariot wheels, limbs of elephants, dead horses and dead human bodies. All these, however, were cut to pieces by Karna's arrows. Having no weapons, Sahadeva retreated from battle. He was followed by Karna who touched him with the horn of his bow saying, "Do not fight in battle those who are superior to you. O son of Madri, fight with those who are your equals." Laughing all the while, Karna proceeded against the Panchalas, granting life to Sahadeva whom he could have killed if he desired.

Karna then began to consume the Pandava divisions with his celestial weapons. Men, slaughtered in thousands, littered the battle field creating a river of blood. Seeing the destruction of his troops, Yudhisthira went to Arjuna and informed him, "Just see the mighty bowman, Karna, stationed in the distance like Rudra himself. I cannot tolerate the wails of our troops. Go, O Phalguna, and do what is necessary for slaying the Suta's son, thus fulfilling your vow."

Hearing this order, Arjuna spoke to Hrishikesha, "Yudhisthira is afraid for the safety of the army. Karna appears like Yamaraja, who engages in the destruction of all living beings. O tiger of the Vrishni race, proceed, therefore, to the place where Karna is releasing his arrows. O slayer of Madhu, I will either slay him, or he will slay me."

"O son of Kunti," Lord Krishna replied, "I can see Karna covering the battlefield like a heavenly warrior. I do not think that the time is right for you to engage in a mighty duel. As long as he has Indra's Shakti weapon, it will be difficult to defeat him. Let Ghatotkacha challenge Karna. He is endowed with mystic powers and is a suitable combatant to fight against Radha's son."

Arjuna then called for Ghatotkacha and soon Bhima's son appeared. Lord Krishna requested him in these words, "Listen, O Ghatotkacha, to my order. You must now become the boat to save the Pandavas from the wrathful storms of Karna. Just near here the Suta's son is killing our troops in thousands. Go and quickly stop him from devouring our men."

"I am as much a match for Karna as I am for Drona," Ghatotkacha replied. "I will fight with Karna in such a way that the subject of this battle will be spoken of until the end of creation. Tonight I will spare none, even those that ask for mercy will receive none." Saying this much, Ghatotkacha headed into battle.

The son of Bhima had a copper face and a huge form. His belly was sunken and the hair on his body pointed upwards. The top of his head was green, and his ears were like arrows. His tongue was very long, and his mouth extended from ear to ear. His teeth were long and sharp, and his nose was thick. On his head he wore a beautiful crown arching over the top of his forehead. His earrings were bright, and he wore garlands of flowers mixed with gold. Opening his mouth wide and roaring loudly, he proceeded against Karna.

When both warriors met a fierce duel ensued. Both were expert in weapons, and both were highly provoked. They fought like two angry elephants over a she elephant in heat. Karna had to resort to his celestial weapons, and Ghatotkacha had to resort to his Rakshasa illusions. Ghatotkacha was surrounded by man eating Rakshasas of fierce proportions. There were thousands of them, and because it was night time, they became more powerful. They all rushed at Karna releasing a thick shower of stones and rocks. The supporting soldiers of Karna fled out of fear, and only Karna stood releasing his celestial weapons trying to destroy that illusion. Beholding the illusion destroyed by Karna, Ghatotkacha took up an effulgent chakra and released it with great force. That weapon, blazing through the sky, was then shattered by Karna's arrows. Greatly angered, Karna killed Ghatotkacha's horses and smashed his chariot. He then pierced Bhima's son with so many arrows that there was not two fingers breadth of space where there was not an arrow.

Roaring loudly, Ghatotkacha caused thousands upon thousands of arrows to fall from the sky. He himself then produced many heads that began to devour Karna's celestial weapons. At one point Bhima's son was seen lying on the battlefield as if dead, and at another time, he was seen assuming many hideous forms the size of mountains. He was then seen assuming a small form and piercing the earth. In the next moment, he was seen riding on a golden chariot wandering through the earth and sky. He came near Karna and said, "Stand before me for a while, O Suta's son. I will satisfy your desire for battle, and I will today feast on your flesh." Saying this much, the fierce Rakshasa rose up into the sky roaring with laughter. By his mystic power he produced a mountain, and from that mountain fell swords, lances, stones and boulders. Upon seeing that mountain in the heavens, Karna was not agitated in the least, but invoked a celestial weapon that destroyed the mystic illusion. Ghatotkacha then produced a huge rain cloud, and from that cloud fell stones, trees and lightning bolts. Karna invoked the Vayavya weapon that dispersed the huge cloud. By the mystic power of Bhima's son, Rakshasas were seen everywhere. Some were riding on elephants, some on chariots and some on horses. They filled the earth as well as the sky, and to any ordinary person, they would have caused great fear. Ghatotkacha then released an Anjalika weapon that shattered the strong bow of Karna. Taking up another bow, Karna destroyed the mystic illusion that was surrounding him. Ghatotkacha then took up an Asani weapon that was given to him by Rudra. The celestial weapon had eight chakras revolving on it and was the deadliest weapon. Descending from his chariot, the son of Bhima released it at Karna. However, Karna descended from his chariot and caught the weapon as it came to him. He then hurled it back at Ghatotkacha destroying his chariot and mules. Karna then pierced Ghatotkacha upon which the son of Bhima disappeared from sight like smoke rising into the sky. There then appeared on the battlefield lions, tigers, hyenas, snakes with fiery tongues, and birds with iron beaks. Wolves, leopards and many other animals endowed with hideous faces also appeared. They all screamed fiercely and approached Karna to devour him. However, the Suta's son pierced those animals, and then destroyed the mystic illusion with his mantra weapons.

At this time a Rakshasa named Alayudha came to the side of the Kauravas. His kinsmen had been Baka, Kirmira and Hidimva. He came to Kaurava's side hoping to engage Bhima in single combat and kill him. He was accompanied by numerous fierce Rakshasas, and they were all eager for battle. Duryodhana welcomed the Rakshasa Alayudha and requested him, "Just near here, Radha's son is engaged with the son of Bhima, Ghatotkacha. Go there and assist Karna so that the mighty Rakshasa will not kill him."

Abiding by Duryodhana's orders, the Rakshasa went into battle with Bhima's son. Suddenly Bhima appeared on the scene and supported his son in the fight against Alayudha. Alayudha, seeing Bhima present before him, left his fight with Ghatotkacha and rushed at Bhima releasing his mighty arrows. Bhima, stretching his bow to full length, released arrows the were as forceful as lightning. Alayudha cut up some of those arrows with his own, and others he caught in his hand. Bhima then threw a mace at the Rakshasa, but Alayudha released his own, and the two collided causing a great sound that made the very earth tremble. The Rakshasa Alayudha then killed Bhima's horses and caused him to descend from his chariot. Upon seeing this, Lord Krishna told Arjuna, "Let us go immediately to where these Rakshasas are harassing our army. It is night time, and they are fighting fiercely. Just see, Alayudha has made Bhima carless, and now Bhima is fighting on foot. Immediately send Ghatotkacha to fight with him." Following the instructions of his Lord and master, Arjuna ordered Ghatotkacha to engage Alayudha in battle.

Bhima's son then gave up his fight with Karna and attacked the brother of Baka. They fought with each other using mystic illusions and other weapons. They assaulted each other with arrows, swords, maces and lances, roaring all the while. They struck each other with their strong fists and pulled each other by the hair. Blood was flowing from both Rakshasas, and when they hit each other, blood splattered in all directions. Finally Ghatotkacha picked up Alayudha and dashed him on the ground. Taking out a large sword, he severed his head from his body. Rushing to the place where Duryodhana was, Bhima's son placed the severed head on his chariot saying, "No one should visit the King without bringing some present." Laughing loudly and opening his mouth from ear to ear, the mighty Rakshasa returned to his own chariot. Overcome with fear, the Kaurava army ran in all directions.

Ghatotkacha then engaged Karna in battle and began to shower him with his mystical powers. When Bhima's son found that he could not conquer Karna, he invoked into existence a highly powerful weapon. With that weapon, he killed the horses and charioteer of Karna. He then disappeared from sight. All thought that Karna would now be slain. To protect his life, Karna began to cover the sky with his celestial weapons. For a moment there was nothing but silence. Looking in all directions, Karna could not perceive where Ghatotkacha was. Suddenly in the sky appeared a huge red cloud spitting fire and blazing meteors. The huge cloud began to thunder shaking the whole earth. Fiery weapons were pouring out of the cloud heading in Karna's direction. Karna released his heavenly astras, but none could destroy the illusion produced by Ghatotkacha. Those blazing weapons fell upon the Kaurava army killing them in thousands. Screams of horror were heard from the troops as those blazing weapons descended from the sky upon the foremost Kaurava leaders. Rakshasas with horrendous forms, as well as man eating animals, came out of that cloud and began to devour the Kaurava troops. Indeed, from that cloud fell axes, lances, stones, boulders, maces and fiery chakras. All the weapons were blazing with fire and fell upon the Kaurava warriors piercing their bodies and severing their limbs. Suddenly the troops were overcome with panic and fled the battlefield screaming, "Run away! run away! All is lost! The demigods are slaying us for the Pandava's sake!"

Only Karna stood his ground contending with the mystic illusion. Then, with a huge mace equipped with chakras, Ghatotkacha killed Karna's four horses. Jumping down from his chariot and looking into the sky, Karna did not know what to do. The Kaurava warriors pleaded with the Suta's son, "O Karna, kill the Rakshasa soon before he destroys the whole army. Use your Shakti weapon given to you by Indra, the King of Heaven. This mystic illusion is not sparing even those running away from battle, or those who have no weapons. Without Arjuna this whole army is about to be destroyed."

Reflecting for a moment on the circumstances at hand, Karna decided to use his Shakti weapon. Picking it up from his chariot, he glanced upon it and remembered how it was given to him by Indra years before. He had exchanged it for his natural golden armor and earrings. It was meant to kill Arjuna. Not finding any other way to save the army from extermination, Karna picked up that dart and readied himself to release it. It could only be used once, and after being released, it would again return to Indra. Karna then released the mighty weapon in the direction of the mystic illusion. Fierce winds began to blow, and all creatures in the sky were overcome with intense fear. That dart soared through the sky, and piercing the mystic illusion, it struck Ghatotkacha in the chest depriving him of his life. While dying from the force of that weapon, Ghatotkacha wanted to do one last good deed for the Pandavas. By his mystic power, he increased his size to a gigantic form, and falling from the sky, he crushed a complete akshauhini division of troops.

The Kaurava army became joyous and approached the Suta's son to worship him. The Pandavas were overwhelmed with grief to see the gigantic dead form of Ghatotkacha. Bhima lamented the death of his son. Only Lord Krishna was joyous on the occasion. He uttered loud sounds of happiness and embraced Arjuna with great affection. Seeing this manifestation of happiness on the death of one of their distinguished heroes, Arjuna curiously inquired, "O Achyuta, you are showing signs of joy when the time is not appropriate. It is a time for lamentation over the death of one of our dearest nephews. Please tell me why you have lost your gravity on the death of a mighty hero."

"Listen to Me, O Dhananjaya!" Lord Vasudeva replied. "I know that Karna can now be killed, because he no longer has possession of that celestial dart. There is not a man on earth that could stand before Karna with that dart in his possession. Even with My Sudarshana discus, I could not defeat Karna with his Shakti weapon. Now that he is deprived of that dart, you, and only you, can kill him. When you approach him in battle and his chariot wheels become stuck in the mud, overcome by the brahmana's curse, then you will be able to slay him. I have, before this battle, caused the annihilation of many demoniac rulers. I have caused the death of Jarasandha, Shishupala, and Ekalavya, the ruler of the Nishadas. These Kings would have certainly joined the Kauravas and would have been difficult to conquer. Jarasandha was killed by Bhima, and I severed Shishupala's head in the Rajasuya sacrifice at Indraprastha. I have also killed Ekalavya who could not be slain by the demigods and asuras combined. I have also caused the death of Ghatotkacha by means of Karna's Shakti weapon. Out of affection for you, I did not slay him before. Being a Rakshasa, he was inimical to the brahmanas and Vaishnavas. If Karna had not slain him, then I would have killed him with My own weapons. Those who destroy religious principles will be killed, either by Myself or through My different energies. Do not be anxious about Karna's death; it will take place. Bhima will also fulfill his vow to kill Duryodhana."

After Ghatotkacha's death, Yudhisthira sat down on his chariot overcome with grief. In that condition, Lord Krishna consoled him, "O son of Kunti, do not grieve in this way. Such lamentation does not become one of high birth. Rise up, O King and fight. If the enemy sees you in this condition, then they will surely attain victory."

Yudhisthira replied, "O son of Devaki, when we were living in the forest Ghatotkacha came to us and rendered many services. While Arjuna was away in the heavenly planets, Ghatotkacha stayed with us for our protection. When we traveled great distances, he used to carry Draupadi upon his back and relieve her from fatigue. My affection for Ghatotkacha is twice what I feel for Sahadeva. I was dear to him, and he was dear to me. For offending Arjuna, the Sindhu King was slain, and for offending me, I will slay that sinful Karna. This act alone will console my grief."

Having spoken these words, Yudhisthira rushed against Karna with an anger like Yamaraja himself. While Yudhisthira was rushing into battle, Vyasadeva appeared and stopped him from any further action. He spoke to him affectionately, "By good luck, O Yudhisthira, Karna has used his Shakti weapon in battle. If this had not happened, then Arjuna would have been surely killed. How then would you have grieved? It is for your benefit that the Rakshasa has been slain. Do not lament, O son of Kunti. Death is the end to all creatures in this world. Ghatotkacha has attained the spiritual world and, and he has attained great fame in battle. On the fifth day from today, this entire earth will be yours. With a cheerful heart, unite with your brothers and defeat your enemies." Saying this much, Vyasadeva disappeared from sight.

Thus Ends the Tenth Chapter of the Drona Parva, Entitled, The Death of Ghatotkacha.