Karna Takes Command and Bhima Keeps His Vow

Shalya became charioteer, but as he had promised, he kept breaking Karna's spirit all the way: 'You won't stand before Arjuna.' Karna bore the bitter words and kept fighting. That day Karna defeated Yudhishthira, Nakula and Sahadeva, but killed none of them. He had promised his mother Kunti that he would take no Pandava's life except Arjuna's.

In that same battle Bhima faced Duhshasana, the same Duhshasana who had dragged Draupadi by her hair in the gambling hall and tried to strip her in public. That day Bhima had vowed to tear open Duhshasana's chest.

Thirteen years later that day came. Bhima threw Duhshasana from his chariot, broke his arms and, as he had vowed, tore open his chest. Seeing his terrible form, both armies froze. Many Kaurava warriors fled in fear.

Draupadi had kept her hair untied since that day. Traditionally, Bhima brought her word that his vow was fulfilled, and only then did she tie her hair again. An old wound, raw for thirteen years, began to heal a little.

Meanwhile the wounded Yudhishthira, in despair, told Arjuna, 'Give your Gandiva to someone else!' Arjuna had sworn to punish anyone who insulted the Gandiva. Krishna explained to him that dharma lies in wisdom, not in the bare words of a vow. The brothers embraced, and Arjuna set out for the deciding duel with Karna.