Shalya Parva (The Book of Shalya)

Summary

The Shalya Parva covers the 18th and final day of the Kurukshetra War. After Karna's death, Shalya, the King of Madra and uncle to Nakula and Sahadeva, is appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava army. Despite his prowess, the morale of the Kaurava army is shattered.

The battle is fierce but short. Yudhishthira, usually the embodiment of peace, engages Shalya in a duel and kills him with a spear. Sahadeva fulfills his oath by killing Shakuni. With the death of their leaders, the Kaurava army is routed. Duryodhana, the sole survivor of the hundred brothers, flees and hides in a lake, solidifying the water around him with magic. The Pandavas track him down and challenge him. The parva concludes with the climactic mace duel (Gada Yuddha) between Bhima and Duryodhana. Bhima, signaling Krishna, strikes Duryodhana on the thighs (violating the rules of mace fighting but fulfilling his vow for Draupadi's humiliation), leaving him mortally wounded.

Key Events

• Shalya appointed as the final Commander-in-Chief.
• Yudhishthira killing Shalya.
• Nakula and Sahadeva killing the remaining key warriors, including Shakuni.
• The total defeat of the Kaurava army; only four survivors (Duryodhana, Ashwatthama, Kripa, Kritavarma).
• Duryodhana hiding in the Dwaita lake (Jalastambha).
• The Pandavas challenging Duryodhana to come out and fight.
• The epic mace duel between Bhima and Duryodhana.
• Bhima breaking Duryodhana's thighs.
• Balarama's anger at the violation of rules and Krishna's justification.