On Day 3, Bhishma arranged the Kaurava forces in the formation of an eagle with himself leading upfront, while Duryodhana’s forces protected the rear.
The Pandavas countered by using the crescent formation with Bhima and Arjuna at the head of the right and the left horns, respectively.
Bhishma sent forth arrows against Arjuna. Krishna, with great skill, avoided them Krishna saw that Bhishma’s arrows were again slaughtering the Pandava army, while Arjuna was fighting mildly, out of respect for Bhishma.
Abhimanyu and Satyaki combined to defeat the Gandhara forces of Shakuni. Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha attacked Duryodhana in the rear. Bhima’s arrows hit Duryodhana, whose charioteer immediately drove them out of danger, seeing this Duryodhana’s forces soon scattered. Bhishma soon restored order and later Duryodhana returned to lead the army.
He was angry at Bhishma, seeing his leniency towards the Pandava brothers and spoke harshly. Bhishma, hurt by this unfair allegation, fell on the Pandava army with renewed vigor,Arjuna attacked Bhishma trying to restore order. Arjuna and Bhishma again engaged in a fierce duel, however Arjuna’s heart was not in the battle as he did not like the idea of attacking his grand-uncle.
Afraid of the consequences, Krishna dropped the reins, leaped from the chariot, and ran toward Bhishma, whirling his discus, eager to slay him, Bhishma threw his bow and was ready to be slayed by Krishna’s hands, but Arjuna ran after him, and, throwing his arms at his feet, stopped him and reassured him that he will fight with his vigor and reminded him of his promise of not yielding a weapon. Hearing this, Krishna, angry still, mounted the chariot and took up the reins again.
By: Archa Dave
