Kurukshetra’s Day 14: Arjuna’s Promise, Jayadratha’s Doom
Jayadratha Proposal to Draupadi And His Defeat:
Jayadratha was a son of Vridhakshtra. His father retired to the forest installing Jayadratha on the throne. Once when Jayadratha was on his way to shalva he passed the kamyak forest, where he saw draupadi and fell in love with her. Jayadratha then sent a messenger to Draupadi. The messenger praised draupadi and talked about Jayadratha of his riches and asked Draupadi to leave the poor pandavs and become the wife of Jayadratha. When she rejected the request Jayadratha grew furious and forcefully carried away Draupadi.
The Pandavs came to know about the events and immediately set out after Jayadratha, caught up with him, defeated him and brought him before Yudhisthir. Jayadratha was then released by Yudhishthir and Draupadi but not before Bhim had shaved his head. Feeling humiliated after his defeat Jayadratha performed penance to please Lord Shiva and obtained boon from him that he would be able to vanquish all the Pandavs except Arjun.
Arjun Son Abhimanyu Death:
Once on the battle field of Mahabharata, Jayadratha took the side of the Kauravs. When Abhimanyu son of Arjun entered the Chakravyuh, it was Jayadratha who blocked the entry of Yudhishthir, Bhim, Nakul and Sahdev making use of Shiv’s boon and thus cutting off any help for Abhimanyu. On the 13th day of the Kurukshetra War, Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s young and valiant son, was unfairly trapped and killed in the chakravyuha, a complex and impenetrable battle formation. Arjuna, upon learning about his son’s death, was consumed with grief and vowed to kill Jayadratha on next day 14, who was one of the key warriors responsible for Abhimanyu’s death.
Arjuna Vow To Kill Jayadratha day 14:
Arjuna’s vow was specific: he declared that he would kill Jayadratha before sunset the next day, or he would immolate himself in a pyre. This intense determination showcased the depth of Arjuna’s love for his son and his commitment to avenging Abhimanyu’s unjust death.
Day 14 th Of The Battle
On the 14 th day of the battle, Dronacharya, the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army, created a defensive formation called the Chakravyuha to protect Jayadratha. Arjuna, along with his charioteer and guide, Lord Krishna, attempted to penetrate this formation to reach Jayadratha.
Lord Krishna Devised A Plan:
As the battle unfolded, Arjuna fought valiantly, but the Kaurava warriors defending Jayadratha proved to be formidable obstacles. Seeing the difficulty Arjuna faced, Lord Krishna devised a plan. He waited for Jayadratha to expose himself, and when the opportunity presented itself, Krishna used his divine powers to create an illusion of sunset by raising his Sudarshana Chakra.
Arjuna Fulfilling His Vow:
Seeing what appeared to be the end of the day, many warriors, including Jayadratha, lowered their defenses, thinking the battle had ceased for the day. At that moment, Arjuna seized the opportunity and launched a powerful attack on Jayadratha. With precise aim and unmatched archery skills, Arjuna shot a volley of arrows, killing Jayadratha and fulfilling his vow.
The sun had not actually set, and Arjuna had succeeded in slaying Jayadratha within the stipulated time, thereby saving himself from the tragic fate he had vowed to endure. This event marked a significant moment in the Kurukshetra War, showcasing Arjuna’s unwavering determination, Lord Krishna’s strategic brilliance, and the crucial role of divine intervention in the epic battle.
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