Into Position
Part 2 / Chapter 3 / 83 chapters
Into Position
worries over the Kaurava estimates, but says that although Siva's weapon could destroy the worlds, it would be wrong to use such force against ordinary warriors; the Pandavas will prevail through their own arms and 's aid. The armies turn into two vast encampments and agree on rules meant to limit the war. In Hastinapura, rejects 's attempt to blame fate, while grants divine sight after the king refuses it for himself and warns that dreadful omens still leave time for peace. On the field, again fears 's formation, but restores his confidence through truth, virtue, and . At 's direction prays to and receives her promise of victory, then the armies sound their conches as recognizes the terrible duty before him.
This guide follows Krishna Dharma's retelling as the source of truth. This panel notes broad edition-level framing or compression that helps a reader orient themselves.
- 1
rejects indiscriminate destruction
Asked how long victory will take, says Siva's weapon could destroy the three worlds in an instant but must not be used against ordinary men. The Pandavas will win by their own weapons with and their allies.
- 2
Two military cities fill
The armies complete their camps, workshops, hospitals, supply lines, and guarded roads. The plain resembles two immense cities built for war.
- 3
The warriors agree on rules
Commanders agree that equals should fight equals, opponents should be warned before attack, and surrendered, fleeing, unarmed, or noncombatant people should not be struck. cautions that the Kurus may not keep their word.
- 4
refuses the excuse of fate
laments that fate has driven his sons to war. answers that the king, Duryodhana, Karna, and Sakuni knowingly chose the course that produced the crisis.
- 5
gives divine sight
offers the power to see the battle, but the blind king cannot bear to watch his family die. instead grants celestial vision of everything at , including concealed and nighttime events, and freedom from exhaustion for the duration of the war.
- 6
The omens leave one final choice
describes carnivorous birds gathering, herons flying south, the sun screened by three-colored clouds at twilight, temple images perspiring and falling, and malefic planetary alignments. He tells that peace remains possible if he restrains his son, but the king asks instead about signs of victory.
- 7
The armies move into formation
The Pandavas form a pointed Vajra array with at its head and protected in the center. arranges the larger Kaurava host opposite them.
- 8
restores 's resolve
sees 's host and doubts both victory and the righteousness of his cause. says a smaller army can prevail through truth and virtue and that victory always follows ; recovers his confidence.
- 9
promises victory
At 's direction, leaves his chariot and prays to . The goddess appears and promises victory because the invincible Narayana stands with him.
- 10
The conches sound
, , , and the Pandava chiefs answer the Kaurava drums with their conches. gazes toward and the Pandavas, grieving that duty has placed him against those he loves.