In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of Day Thirteen of the Kurukhshetra war wherein Guru Dhronachaarya has perfectly set up the “Chakra-Vyugam”. We’ve witnessed some technicalities of the “Chakra-Vyugam” yesterday and it obviously explains why it is extremely difficult for anybody to breach through it and enter inside. Earlier, we’ve seen several Vyugams like “Garuda Vyugam”, “Vajra Vyugam”, etc. during the initial days of the war. Those “Vyugams” aren’t so complicated as this and it was quite easy for the Paandava army to break through those. However here, not everybody has the expertise to break open the “Chakra-Vyuga” and enter, except for Arjuna, Abhimanyu, Bhagawan Krishna and Pradhyumna. Of course, Bhagawan Krishna and Pradhyumna are out of the equation now, and Arjuna is going to be driven away. Thus, the only option left with the Paandavas is to nominate Abhimanyu to lead the charge on Day Thirteen.
Thus, as it stands, Yudishtra officially nominates Abhimanyu to be on the front, breaking open the “Chakra-Vyuga”, while the rest of the army will back him up as he proceeds further. As planned, Arjuna is being called for a second round of battle by the Trigatthas and hence, Arjuna obliges. Thus, Bhagawan Krishna steers Arjuna away from the main battlefield at Kurukshetra towards the southern direction towards the Trigatthas. Now as Arjuna has gone away, the only person to breach the Kaurava fortress for the day is Abhimanyu. In fact, if we’ve to look at the sequence of events, Guru Dhronachaarya is extremely smart. He first ensures that the Trigatthas call Arjuna for the battle early in the morning itself, and hence, Arjuna is moved away from that place even before the war commences. Thus, it is only after the departure of Arjuna, Guru Dhronachaarya is setting up the “Chakra-Vyugam”. Hence, we should understand here that Arjuna is completely unaware that such a setup is taking place at Kurukshetra. Perhaps if Arjuna would have known of this, he would have ditched the idea of fighting the Trigatthas and would have marked his presence here, because he also knows that only he can breach the “Chakra-Vyuga” successfully. Thus, because of the unavailability of Arjuna, Yudishtra also does not have another option but to depute Abhimanyu for the job. Thus, Guru Dhronachaarya’s calculated moves are out in the open for all of us to admire and appreciate, isn’t it? If there’s one person in this world who can be smart to this level, it can be none other than Guru Dhronachaarya! Thus, during this entire “Dhrona Parva”, the skills, expertise and his shrewd strategizing mindset would be discussed at each and every point until he meets an unfortunate and unexpected demise.
As the time closes in, Yudishtra has a talk with Abhimanyu thus, “Oh Abhimanyu! Today is an important day where we’ve to breach the “Chakra-Vyugam”. Only you and three other people including Bhagawan Krishna can break it open. Given that the other three people aren’t here, you are the only person who can do it. All the remaining of us are incapable of breaching the fortress built by Guru Dhronachaarya. Hence, you’ve to take over the responsibility today in leading us from the front!” As Yudishtra says thus, Abhimanyu replies back – “Oh Father! Sure! Why not? Afterall I can do this for the sake of you and “Dharma”, isn’t it? I shall definitely lead the way and my father Arjuna has taught me how to break it open. However, after I enter inside, I do not know how to come out of it. My father did not teach me the strategy as to how to escape from there after getting inside and fighting the enemy. Hence, I do not have the “Upaayam” (Solution) to protect myself single handedly if I get trapped! I may be killed by them in this case!”
Saying thus, Abhimanyu expresses both his strength and weakness to Yudishtra. As Abhimanyu says thus, Bheemasena and Co. reply emphatically – “Oh Abhimanyu! You do not need to worry about that. The moment you break open the “Chakra-Vyuga”, we will closely follow you and will manage to enter inside along with you. Hence, we shall ensure that you are not left alone to fend for yourself at any point in time. The only problem with us is that we cannot breach the fortress. Once you do it, we shall be around you and we will protect you from all directions!”
Thus, the plan is made and Abhimanyu is positioned right in the front of everyone to take over the Kaurava army on Day Thirteen. The “Chakra Vyugam” is made and the entire Kaurava army takes its position as per Guru Dhronachaarya’s instructions. So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 