Section 13: The Kurukṣetra War – The Eighteen Days of Battle
The Kurukṣetra war lasted eighteen days and became the defining moment of the Mahābhārata. Each day was marked by fierce battles, strategic maneuvers, and the death of many great warriors. Both sides—the Pāṇḍavas, guided by Arjuna and Kṛṣṇa, and the Kauravas, led by Bhīṣma, Drona, and Karṇa—marshaled immense forces, making this conflict a cataclysmic event of mythic proportions.
Bhīṣma, the commander of the Kaurava forces for the first ten days, displayed invincible skill, causing massive casualties among the Pāṇḍavas' army. Despite his prowess, the Pāṇḍavas' morale remained high, guided by Arjuna's unmatched archery and strategic planning. Yudhiṣṭhira led with wisdom, ensuring that the army fought with discipline and adherence to dharma.
On the eleventh day, Bhīṣma was grievously wounded by Arjuna, following a strategic plan advised by Shikhandi, a warrior who Bhīṣma refused to fight due to a past vow. This marked a turning point, allowing the Pāṇḍavas to gain a significant advantage. Bhīṣma's fall, however, caused immense grief on both sides, as he was revered even by his enemies for his loyalty, wisdom, and valor.
Drona, the next commander, proved equally formidable. His mastery of divine weapons and tactical genius made him a daunting opponent. Yet, the Pāṇḍavas, with Kṛṣṇa's guidance, devised strategies to neutralize him. On the fifteenth day, Drona was killed through a combination of battlefield deception and the strategic killing of his son, Ashvatthāman.
Karṇa, the invincible warrior and loyal friend of Duryodhana, became the Kauravas' primary force in the final days. His battle with Arjuna was a clash of legends, each demonstrating divine skill and unmatched courage. On the seventeenth day, Karṇa was fatally wounded by Arjuna, fulfilling the prophecy of his doom.
Throughout the war, countless warriors, kings, and heroes fell, including Duryodhana's brothers, many allies, and even noble figures whose lives exemplified courage and loyalty. Bhīma fulfilled his vow of defeating the Kauravas' mace champions, and Nakula and Sahadeva demonstrated mastery in their respective roles.
On the eighteenth day, the war culminated with the duel between Bhīma and Duryodhana, where Bhīma struck the thigh of Duryodhana—technically against the rules of mace combat, but justified as vengeance for Draupadī's humiliation. Duryodhana's death marked the end of the war, leaving the Pāṇḍavas victorious but grief-stricken, as the battlefield was strewn with the bodies of friends, family, and foes alike.
The eighteen-day war was not merely a military struggle but a moral, ethical, and spiritual test for all involved. It highlighted the consequences of ambition, jealousy, and unrighteousness, while also affirming the power of dharma, courage, and divine guidance.