Krishna’s sermon dispelled Arjuna’s sorrow and he got ready to fight. Dushasana was at the forefront of the Kaurava army whereas Bhima took the vanguard of the Pandava army. The two armies sounded victory bugles.
On the first day, Bhishma caused a lot of death and destruction. Young Abhimanyu along with the other Pandavas attacked to stop him. There was a fierce attack by Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna. Sveta and Uttar, sons of Virata, were killed by Shalya and Bhishma respectively. So, on the first day many warriors of the Pandava army were killed. The Kauravas had an upper hand.
Emboldened by the first day’s victory the Kaurava army attacked the opposition with greater intensity. Bhishma killed a large number of soldiers of the Pandava army. There was a hue and cry in the Pandava army.
Then Arjuna himself came face to face with Bhishma. Arjuna nullified all the arrows shot by Bhishma and caused the Kaurava army to lick dust.
Dhrishtdyumna had a combat with Drona. He suffered severe injuries. Somehow, Bhima saved Dhrishtdyumna from the wrath of Drona. The day’s battle ended with no side gaining an upper hand. On the third day, both sides arrayed their armies in lotus formation. But neither of them was able to rip through the lotus formation. Abhimanyu and Satyaki were bent upon driving back the Kaurava army. Then Ghatotkacha appeared on the battlefield and attacked the Kaurava army fiercely. Bhima and Arjuna too attacked the Kaurava army. Bhima sent Duryodhana into a swoon. Duryodhana’s charioteer drove the chariot out of the battlefield. The Kaurava army lost ground on the third day. It was a victory for the Pandavas. Duryodhana spoke bitterly to Bhishma, accusing him of favouring the Pandavas and their allies. Bhishma was saddened and spoke seriously, “O Son! I would not kill any Pandava. The Pandavas are invincible. You did not listen to my words.” Hearing the words of Bhishma, Duryodhana got irritated.
