As the battle raged, the air was filled with the tumult of running feet, shouts, and cries of distress from the Panchala forces, who called out against the Pandavas. Hearing these anguished voices, the Pandavas felt their hair stand on end, stirred by the suffering around them. Before plunging into the fray, they first offered their respects to their teacher Drona. Then, mounting their chariots, the Pandavas quickly restrained Yudhishthira, urging him, “Do not fight, O Pandava.” The sons of Madri—Nakula and Sahadeva—took up the defense, and Arjuna, too, prepared himself for battle. Bhimasena, mighty and resolute, stood at the forefront with his heavy mace, ready to lead. The Pandavas, their hearts moved by the enemy’s cries, advanced swiftly in their chariots, the sound of their approach echoing in all directions. Bhimasena, his arms powerful as ever, surged into the Panchala army like Death itself wielding a staff, while the enemy’s war cries rolled like the crashing of a stormy sea. He entered the vast, fourfold Panchala force—infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots—like a mighty makara diving into the ocean during a festival of battle. Bhima, brandishing his mace, charged directly at the elephant division. Arjuna, fierce and skilled, joined Bhima’s assault, his blows falling with the force of Death incarnate. The elephants, great as mountains, bled profusely, their heads shattered by Bhima’s relentless mace. They collapsed to the earth like peaks struck by thunderbolts, while Bhima’s fury brought down elephants, horses, and chariots alike. Yudhishthira, elder brother of Arjuna, cut down foot soldiers and charioteers with ease, like a cowherd driving a herd with his staff through the forest. Vrikodara—another name for Bhima—uprooted and scattered chariots and elephants, while Arjuna, eager to please his teacher Drona (the son of Bharadvaja), fought with equal intensity. Arjuna unleashed a shower of arrows upon Drupada (Parshata), felling horses, chariots, and elephants on every side, consuming the enemy like a blazing fire at the end of an age. The Panchalas and Srinjayas fell in droves. But the Panchalas rallied, covering Arjuna with a storm of swift arrows, their battle cries roaring like lions as they pressed the attack. The fight grew fierce and wondrous to behold; the lion-like shouts of the Panchalas stirred Arjuna’s spirit, and he could not endure their challenge. With the speed of a tempest, Arjuna—his diadem shining—charged at the Panchalas, enveloping them in a great shower of arrows, bewildering their ranks. He drew and released his arrows so quickly that he became invisible, lost in a blur of motion. The sky, the earth, and all directions vanished in the storm of missiles; nothing could be seen but the chaos of battle. From both the Panchalas and the Kurus rose shouts of “Well done! Well done!” The thunder of drums and the blare of conchs filled the air, mingled with lion’s roars and cries of praise. Then, the king of the Panchalas, together with his valiant ally Satyajit, advanced to meet Arjuna. Like the demon Shambara rushing against mighty Indra, Arjuna swept down on the Panchala army with a torrent of arrows. A tumultuous sound arose among the Panchalas, like great lions roaring when their leader is wounded. Seeing Arjuna’s advance, the steadfast Satyajit charged toward Dhananjaya (Arjuna), determined to protect his king. The two warriors—Arjuna and Satyajit—drew near for battle, their clash shaking the armies like Indra and Virocana contending in ancient times. Arjuna struck Satyajit with ten arrows, each piercing a vital point—a feat that amazed all who witnessed it. The Panchala hero responded, swiftly wounding Arjuna with hundreds of arrows, so that Arjuna was momentarily hidden beneath the hail. Regaining his composure, Arjuna strung his mighty bow with speed, cutting down Satyajit’s bow and advancing upon the king. But Satyajit seized another, even stronger bow, and struck at Arjuna, his horses, charioteer, and chariot. Afflicted by the Panchala’s assault, Arjuna’s patience wore thin. Determined to end the contest, he released a deadly volley of arrows. Satyajit’s charioteer, banner, and bow-grip were all struck, his bows shattered again and again. When his horses were finally cut down, Satyajit turned away from the battle. Seeing this, Arjuna swiftly rushed at Drupada, king of the Panchalas. The two engaged in a great battle, but Arjuna broke Drupada’s bow and cast his banner to the ground. With five arrows, he struck Drupada’s horses and charioteer. Abandoning his bow, Arjuna seized a sheaf of arrows and drew his sword, roaring like a lion. He leapt onto Drupada’s chariot, fearless, and attacked. Like Garuda agitating the ocean and seizing a serpent, Arjuna captured Drupada. In terror, the Panchala warriors scattered in all directions. Displaying the full strength of his arms before both armies, Arjuna let out a great lion’s roar and departed, his victory resounding. Seeing Arjuna’s approach, the princes abandoned the city of Drupada, the great-souled king. At last, Drupada, foremost among kings and kinsman to the Kuru heroes, spoke with dignity: “Do not destroy this force. Let Bhima receive the teacher’s gift.” Thus, the battle came to its fateful pause, with the will of Drupada prevailing.