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70.THE SEVENTH DAY
In the battle between Drona and Virata,
the latter was worsted and he had to climb
into the chariot of his son Sanga, having
lost his own chariot, horses and
charioteer.
Virata's sons Uttara and Sveta had fallen
in the first day's battle. On this seventh
day, Sanga also was slain just as his father
came up to his side. Sikhandin, Drupada's
son, was defeated by Aswatthama.
His chariot was smashed and he jumped
down and stood sword and shield in hand.
Aswatthama aimed his shaft at his sword
and broke it. Sikhandin then whirled the
broken sword and hurled it at Aswatthama
with tremendous force, but it was met by
Aswatthama's arrow.
Sikhandin, badly beaten, got into Satyaki's
chariot and retired. In the fight between
Satyaki and Alambasa, the former had the
worst of it at first but later recovered
ground and Alambasa had to flee.
In the battle between Dhrishtadyumna and
Duryodhana, the horses of the latter were
killed and he had to alight from his
chariot. He, however, continued the fight,
sword in hand. Sakuni came then and took
the prince away in his chariot.
Kritavarma made a strong attack on
Bhima but was worsted. He lost his
chariot and horses and acknowledging
defeat, fled towards Sakuni's car, with
Bhima's arrows sticking all over him,
making him look like a porcupine
speeding away in the forest.
Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti were
defeated by Yudhamanyu, and their
armies were completely destroyed.
Bhagadatta attacked Ghatotkacha and put
to flight all his supporters.
But, alone, Ghatotkacha stood and fought
bravely. But in the end, he too had to save
himself by flight, which gladdened the
whole Kaurava army.
Salya attacked his nephews. Nakula's
horses were killed and he had to join his
brother in the latter's chariot. Both
continued the fight from the same car.
Salya was hit by Sahadeva's arrow and
swooned. The charioteer skilfully drove
the car away and saved Salya.
When the Madra king (Salya) was seen
retreating from the field Duryodhana's
army lost heart and the twin sons of Madri
blew their conchs in triumph. Taking
advantage of the situation, they inflicted
heavy damage on Salya's forces.
At noon, Yudhishthira led an attack on
Srutayu. The latter's well-aimed arrows
intercepted Dharmaputra's missiles, and
his armor was pierced and he was severely
wounded.
Yudhishthira then lost his temper and sent
a powerful arrow that pierced Srutayu's
breast-plate.
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