Mahabharata Episode 66: The Killing of Jayadrath

Summary

The Stories of Mahabharata: Episode 66 – The Killing of Jayadrath

Hosted by Sudipta Bhomik | Released on October 28, 2022

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Introduction

In Episode 66 of The Stories of Mahabharata, Sudipta Bhomik masterfully retells the intense and pivotal battle surrounding the killing of Jayadrath, a key antagonist in the epic. This episode delves deep into the strategic maneuvers, heroic feats, and emotional turmoil experienced by the Pandavas as they seek justice and fulfill their righteous duties.

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Rising Tensions and Strategic Moves

The episode opens with Yudhishthir's growing anxiety as he senses the urgency of the situation. He notes, “For a while he hadn't heard the loud twang of Arjun's Gandhiv. Occasionally he could hear the deep and sonorous sound of Krishna's Panchajanyakancha” (01:56). This silence prompts him to worry about Arjun's safety on the battlefield.

Yudhishthir communicates his fears to Bhim, stating, “I'm worried he might have been killed and Krishna is fighting the Kauravas alone” (03:05). In response, Krishna reassures, “There, there. You hear his conch. It doesn't sound right. This must be his distress call. They need our help” (03:11), prompting Bhim to take action.

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Bhim’s Valiant Battle Against Drona and Karna

Bhim immediately engages the Kaurava forces, smashing their warriors with relentless force. He informs Yudhishthir, “Sure Krishna and Arjuna are fine. Nobody can harm them. However, since you asked, I'll go and see what's keeping them” (03:31).

As Bhim advances, he confronts Drona Dumna, declaring, “You have to defeat me before you” (04:13). Their fierce battle sees Bhim overpowering Drona’s chariot and killing him, although Drona narrowly escapes by leaping into a passing chariot.

The confrontation escalates when Bhim faces Karna. Karna taunts him, “Stop running away like a coward and fight me if you can” (05:44). Bhim responds with unwavering determination, “Come on, Karna, today I will teach you a lesson” (05:57), leading to a brutal duel where Bhim initially gains the upper hand by shattering Karna’s bow and killing his horses and charioteer.

However, the tide turns as Karna systematically dismantles Bhim’s defenses, ultimately injuring him severely. In a moment of vulnerability, Bhim challenges Karna, saying, “Don't be so proud, Karna” (08:09). Their confrontation reaches a critical point when Bhim decapitates Karna’s bows, forcing Karna to unleash a deadly barrage of arrows.

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Satyaki’s Tragic Decision

Simultaneously, Satyaki engages in his own battle but meets a tragic end. Despite Arjun’s pleas, “Don’t kill an unarmed meditating man” (10:39), Satyaki, driven by rage and a promise to avenge past injustices, brutally decapitates Vrishasrava, undermining the moral fabric of the battlefield.

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Arjun’s Strategic Assault on Jayadrath

With the battlefield in chaos, Arjun takes on the critical mission to kill Jayadrath, who plays a pivotal role in thwarting the Pandavas’ efforts. Arjun urges Krishna, “Take me to Jayadrath as soon as you can” (12:39), displaying his unwavering commitment to their cause.

Krishna devises a clever strategy to exploit Jayadrath’s reliance on his protective warriors. He instructs Arjun, “I will use my powers to cover the sun. When the sky becomes dark, the Kauravas will think the sun has set and they are out of danger” (14:11). As darkness falls, Jayadrath feels emboldened and emerges from his protective cover, unaware of Krishna’s divine intervention.

Arjun capitalizes on this moment, firing a powerful weapon that decapitates Jayadrath. However, the weapon defies expectations by ascending towards the sky, eventually reaching the forest where Jayadrath’s father, Vridhakshtra, resides in meditation. The decapitation triggers Vridhakshtra’s curse, leading to his own demise and symbolizing the intricate interplay of fate and divine will.

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Conclusion and Aftermath

With Jayadrath slain and the curse fulfilled, Krishna lifts the dark shroud from the sky, restoring light to the battlefield. The Kauravas are left in disarray upon discovering Jayadrath's headless body, marking a significant victory for the Pandavas. Arjun's successful mission reassures Yudhishthir, who acknowledges, “Arjun has kept his promise. Jayadrath is dead” (18:05).

The episode concludes with the triumphant sounds of the Pandavas' conchs, signaling their hard-earned victory and the restoration of dharma (righteousness) on the battlefield.

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Notable Quotes

• Yudhishthir’s Concern: “I'm worried he might have been killed and Krishna is fighting the Kauravas alone” (03:05)

• Bhim’s Determination: “Come on, Karna, today I will teach you a lesson” (05:57)

• Arjun’s Resolve: “Take me to Jayadrath as soon as you can” (12:39)

• Krishna’s Strategy: “I will use my powers to cover the sun...” (14:11)

• Final Victory Declaration: “Arjun has kept his promise. Jayadrath is dead” (18:05)

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Final Thoughts

Episode 66 showcases Sudipta Bhomik's adept storytelling, capturing the essence of honor, sacrifice, and strategic brilliance that define the Mahabharata. Through vivid narration and well-timed quotes, listeners are transported into the heart of the epic battle, gaining a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and the profound themes at play.

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Additional Information

The Stories of Mahabharata is also available in written form as Dwapar: The Stories of Mahabharata, published by HarperCollins India, allowing fans to explore the epic’s narratives in another engaging medium.

For more updates and to listen to the podcast, visit facebook.com/MahaBharataPodcast or subscribe via your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

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[Sudipta Bhomik]

The Stories of Mahabharata Retold by Sudipta Bhomik.

[Podcast Host]

Welcome dear friends, to another episode.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Of the Stories of Mahabharata. In the last episode, we heard how the Kaurava warriors foiled all attempts by Arjun to kill Jayadrat. A few more hours and Arjun might have to step into the fire to keep his promise. As the day progressed, Yudhishthir's anxiety kept on rising. For a while he hadn't heard the loud twang of Arjun's Gandhiv. Occasionally he could hear the deep and.

[Podcast Host]

Sonorous sound of Krishna's Panchajanyakancha.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

But nothing from his dear brother Arjun. He called Bhim and said, I haven't seen Arjun in a while. Haven't heard his Gandhi either.

[Podcast Host]

I'm worried he might have been killed and Krishna is fighting the Kauravas alone.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

There, there. You hear his conch. It doesn't sound right. This must be his distress call.

[Podcast Host]

They need our Help.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Go, go, Bhim.

[Podcast Host]

Go and help them.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Now Bheem was busy smashing the skulls of the Kaurava warriors. He glanced at Yudhishthir and said, I'm.

[Podcast Host]

Sure Krishna and Arjuna are fine. Nobody can harm them. However, since you asked, I'll go and.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

See what's keeping them. He called Drishtha Dumna and said, I.

[Podcast Host]

Leave Yudhishthir under your watch. Don't let Drona come anywhere near him.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Krishnadumna assured him, as long as I am alive, I won't let a fly come near Jyudhishthir. You go and on the way kill as many Kauravas as you can. Bhim turned his chariot in the direction from where the sound of the panch Janna was heard. Once again, Drona's chariot came in front of Bhim and cut him off.

[Podcast Host]

You have to defeat me before you.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Can pass, said as he shot a.

[Podcast Host]

Powerful arrow at Bhim. The arrow bounced up Bhim's armor and.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Fell to the ground.

[Podcast Host]

Gurudev, I am not as kind as Arjuna and I won't spare you just because you happen to be our teacher, said Bheem. If you don't get out of my way, I'll punish you just the way I punish any other enemy. Bheem heard his huge mace at Dron. The mace hit Drone's chariot and shattered it to pieces, killing the charioteer. Drone tumb down to the ground, but.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

In the next instant he jumped into a passing chariot and left the battlefield. Bhim continued his journey and on the way he killed four of Duryodhan's brothers.

[Podcast Host]

Binda, Anubinda, Subarma and Sudarshan.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Soon, at a distance, he could see Arjun and Krishna fighting the Kauravas. Relieved to see Arjun alive and well.

[Podcast Host]

Bhim let out a thunderous roar. Arjun and Krishna yelled out in joy. The sound reached Jidishthir and along with.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Other Pandavas, he felt relieved and pounced back upon his enemy with renewed vigor. Before Bhim could go anywhere near Arjun, Karna stopped him. Where do you think you are going, Bhim? Bhim tried to ignore him and tried to swerve his chariot away, but Karna.

[Podcast Host]

Yelled, stop running away like a coward and fight me if you can.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Bheem could never appreciate taunts and insults and especially from someone like Karna.

[Podcast Host]

Come on, Karna, today I will teach you a lesson.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Bhim turned his chariot around and faced.

[Podcast Host]

Karna by hurling a giant mace at him. Karna ducked and the mace flew above his head. Soon a ferocious Battle ensued between the two gallant warriors. Several brothers of Duryodhan came forward to help Karna but they all succumbed to Bhim's wrath.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Karna has been taking this fight quite lightly. He toyed with Bheem and kept him busy.

[Podcast Host]

It was quite clear Bheem was no.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Match against Karna in archery skills which is essential when fighting from a moving chariot. One by one, Karna shattered Bheem's bow, killed his horses and then his charioteer.

[Podcast Host]

Bhim's chariot came to a crashing halt.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Bhim jumped off his chariot and attacked.

[Podcast Host]

Karna with a giant machete and a shield in hand.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Karna shred the shield. An angry Bheem hurled his machete at Karna and the machete cut Karna's bows into pieces. Karna smiled and picked up another bow.

[Podcast Host]

And began to shower Bhim with arrows.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Bhim took shelter behind the fallen elephants and horses but an incessant bow of.

[Podcast Host]

Arrows from Karna overwhelmed him and he.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Almost lost his consciousness. As Karna engaged a deadly weapon to finish a Bhim, he remembered his promise to Kunti. He had assured Kunti that except for Arjuna, he did not kill any of her other four sons. Karna put down his weapon and came near Bhim who was sitting on the ground leaning against a dead elephant. He poked Bhim with the end of.

[Podcast Host]

His bow and said, hey fatso, get up and go back to your kitchen. That's where you belong, you greedy glutton. Go and cook for your brothers and your wife. That's what you are good for. You are not fit to fight a warrior like me.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Bheem looked at Karna with groggy eyes and said don't. Don't be so proud Karna.

[Podcast Host]

Come down from your chariot and wrestle with me. I will tear you apart the way I tore apart Kichak.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

In the meantime, Arjun had turned around his chariot and began to shoot arrows at Karna to distract him. Karna turned his chariot around and left the area to join Duryodhan. Satyaki came to Bhim and picked him up on his chariot. Just as he was about to go back to Arjun, Bhuri Sava stopped him.

[Podcast Host]

Bhrisrava was a great warrior and soon Satyaki was left with no weapons to fight. Satyaki jumped off his chariot to find the weapon. Bodhisrava came near him and kicked him to the ground. Then he jumped off his chariot with a sword in hand.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Satyaki was lying unconscious on the ground.

[Podcast Host]

Ghurishrava held Satyaki by his hair and picked him up. Just as he was about to strike.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

With his sword, an arrow struck his right arm and cut it off from his elbow.

[Podcast Host]

Bhuri Srava cried in pain and looked at the direction from where the arrow came.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

It was Arjun.

[Podcast Host]

Krishna drove the chariot near Bodhisattva and circled him. Bodhisrava looked at Arjun and said, why did you do such a heinous thing Arjuna? I wasn't fighting you. I was fighting with Satyaki. You shouldn't have listened to that low life Krishna and abandoned your Kshatriya code.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Don't lecture me about Kshatiya code.

[Podcast Host]

You are about to kill an unarmed man, said Arjun. And what happened to your Kshatriya code when you killed Abhimanyu Like a coward.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Bodhisattrava knew his end was near. He ignored Arjun and sat on the floor to meditate. Arjuna was unsure what to do of him. Just then Satyaki woke up and saw Bhuri Sava sitting in meditation. He couldn't control himself.

[Podcast Host]

He pulled out a machete and ran to kill Bodhisattva. Arjuna yelled at him, stop Satyaki. Don't kill an unarmed meditating man.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Other warriors tried to stop him.

[Podcast Host]

Satyaki didn't listen. With one blow of his machete, he decapitated Vrijisrava.

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[Sudipta Bhomik]

Everybody around was stunned.

[Podcast Host]

They couldn't believe that a righteous man like Satyaki could do such a horrible thing.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Satyaki looked at them and yelled, stop judging me.

[Podcast Host]

Where were you and your righteousness when they mercilessly killed that young boy? Abhiman knew. Besides, I had promised that I'd kill anybody who disrespects me and kicks me. I killed Purisrava and I did the right thing.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Arjun looked at the sun slowly dipping towards the western horizon and said, krishna, we don't have much time.

[Podcast Host]

Take me to Jayadrat as soon as you can.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Krishna veered his chariot and drove towards the direction where the Kaurava warriors assembled to face the final assault. Duryodhana called Karna and said, the day will end soon.

[Podcast Host]

If we manage to protect Jayadrat for few more hours.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Arjuna will fail and will have no.

[Podcast Host]

Option but to kill himself.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

And if Arjun dies, his brothers will.

[Podcast Host]

Follow, the Pandavas will be wiped off the face of the earth and we will rule without any obstacles. Let's make sure we fight with all.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Our might to make this a reality. Duryodhana, Karna, Vrisashen, Shalya, Aswathama and Kripa.

[Podcast Host]

Surrounded Jayadrat to protect him for this final moments.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Arjun began his final onslaught with the barrage of arrows laying down the Dauravas on his back Satiki and gave him close cover.

[Podcast Host]

Duryodhan, Karna. Kripa tried to stop Arjun from all sides but soon they gave up and took cover to save themselves from Arjun's wrath. Arjun chased Jayadrat. His arrows hit Jayadrat's charioteer and shattered his chariot mast.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

But Jayadrat escaped Arjun's arrows and remained unharmed. Krishna was concerned.

[Podcast Host]

He looked at Arjuna and said, six of the greatest Kaurava warriors are protecting Jayadrat.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

To kill him, we need to either defeat them or deceive them. Listen to me carefully. I will use my powers to cover the sun. When the sky becomes dark, the Kauravas will think the sun has set and they are out of danger.

[Podcast Host]

Jayadrat will no longer feel the need to hide behind the warriors. He will reveal himself.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

At that very moment you will kill him. Arjun agreed. Krishna closed his eyes and within moments a dark shroud began to engulf the sun. The sky darkened and the Kauravas screamed in joy.

[Podcast Host]

Jayadrat couldn't believe his luck. He stood up on his chariot and looked at the sky to make sure the sun wasn't visible. Krishna called Arjun, look, there is Chaitra looking at the sky and searching for the Sun. This is the moment we have been waiting for kill him now.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Through the darkness and dust Krishna drove his chariot through the rejoicing Kaurava soldiers. When they arrived close to Jayadrat, Krishna stopped the chariot and said Arjun, the Sun will be down soon. You must act fast but listen to me carefully before you shoot. When Jadrat was born his father Vriddhakshtra was told by the gods that his son will be decapitated in the battlefield. Angry Vridhakshtra cursed whoever drops his son's.

[Podcast Host]

Head to the ground. His head would also burst at the same instant.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Jayadrat's father now lives the life of a sage in the forest of Samantha Panchak and is in deep meditation. Arjun, you make sure that you use.

[Podcast Host]

Some weapon that carries Jayadrat's head all.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

The way to his father and drop it on his lap for if you drop the head to the ground your head will burst and cause your death. I hope you understand what I am saying. Arjun nodded and thought for a moment. He then picked a weapon, aimed it at Jayadrat, uttered a mantra and released it.

[Podcast Host]

The weapon flew out like a missile.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

And in an instant separated Jayadrat's head.

[Podcast Host]

From his body and then instead of dropping to the ground the weapon flew high up in the sky with the head hanging in stiff.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Arjun hurled few more arrows to the.

[Podcast Host]

Head and it kept flying towards the Samantha Panchak forest.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Arjun turned his attention to the battlefield and continued killing the Kaurava soldiers. The arrow with Jayadrat's head kept on flying until it reached the place where the old man Ridhashtra was meditated. The arrow stopped and the head dropped straight onto Vidakshtra's lap.

[Podcast Host]

The startled old man stood up and.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

His son's head dropped from his lap to the ground. Instantly Ridhakshtra's head exploded and the man fell dead next to his son's head.

[Podcast Host]

In the battlefield.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

Krishna raised his hand pointing to the sun and the shroud slowly dispersed and the battlefield lit up again.

[Podcast Host]

The Kauravas found Jayadrat's headless body lying.

[Sudipta Bhomik]

On the ground and knew once again Krishna's divine power has saved the Pandavas from a disaster. Krishna, Arjun, Bhim, Satyaki blew their conch.

[Podcast Host]

Shells to declare their victory. The sound of the conch reached Yudhishthir and he knew that Arjun has kept his promise. Chayadrat is dead.

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The Stories of Mahabharata is written, directed and told by Sudipta Bhamek Audio Engineering Original music and Sound design by Avi Ziv Find us [e-mail] MahaBharataPodcast Join the group for updates and news. Subscribe to the podcast using itunes or any other podcast catcher on Twitter. We are Mahabharataudio.

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And now for some late breaking news. The podcast is also available as a book, Dwapar the Stories of Mahabharata, published by HarperCollins India.