Friday, May 14, 2021

The mighty jayadratha.

Another underrated character though he was given some credit in TV serials still no one has pro trayed him accurately, this great mard was a better fighter than bhishma, parashuram and karna combined the reasons will be stated below. He was a real man based on his fighting skills. But fans continue to underrate him.

Before Kurukshetra war.

Jayadrath was the owner of 10 nations:
"That hero who had under his sway ten kingdoms, having Sindhu for their chief, him who was ever obedient to thee, Jayadratha of mighty energy."
Commentary; either he got them through inheritence or he got them through conquest, regardless theirv would be at least a few revolts in these kingdoms yet to maintain his control over them Jayadrath would have to be incredibly skilled. Like Ravan was a owner of ten islands, similarly Jayadrath was a owner of ten kingdoms he was an emperor and unlike Ravan he ruled in the north not in the south.
Source; https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08005.htm

1) Droupadi's claim:
"Art thou, as sole ruler, governing with justice the rich countries of Saivya, Sivi, Sindhu and others that thou hast brought under thy sway?"
Commentary; she confirmed two other kingdsoms besides sindhu/sauvira that Jayadrath had control over.
Link; https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03265.htm

2) These people (Trigarta's, Ikshwaku's) were warriors that served Jayadrath:
And the great warrior killed in battle, with the arrow, the leaders of the Ikshwakus and the hosts of Sivis and Trigartas and Saindhavas. And a great many elephants with their colours, and chariots with standards, were seen to fall by the hand of Arjuna. And heads without trunks, and trunks without heads, lay covering the entire field of battle. And dogs, and herons and ravens, and crows, and falcons, and jackals, and vultures, feasted on the flesh and blood of warriors slain on that field. And when Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, saw that his warriors were slain,
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03269.htm
Conclusion; this means that the descendants of Ram and Dashrath were submissive to Jayadrath.

Jayadrath's allies.

1) Shalva:
"Meanwhile, the famous king of Sindhu, the son of Vriddhakshatra was, with a view to matrimony, proceeding to the kingdom of Salwa, dressed in his best royal apparel and accompanied by numerous princes."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03262.htm
2) Ayodhya:
"The dark and handsome young man, the scourge of his enemies, standing at the edge of that tank, is the son of Suvala of the race of Ikshwaku."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
3)Suratha (king of sivi's clan):
"I am king Suratha's son whom people know by the name of Kotika." [read the previous chapter in the link it says that Jayadrath ordered Kotika]
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
4) Trigart:
"That man with eyes large as the petals of the lotus, sitting on a chariot of gold, like the sacrificial fire on the altar, is the warrior known by the name of Kshemankara, king of Trigarta."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
5) Pulinda:
"And behind him is the famous son of the king of Pulinda, who is even now gazing on thee. Armed with a mighty bow and endued with large eyes, and decorated with floral wreaths, he always liveth on the breasts of mountains."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
6) Sauviras and sindhu were 2 main kingdoms that Jayadrath ruled.
Vaishampayan claims Jayadrath was a ruler of other countries (besides those top two):

"Thus addressed, the evil-minded Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, Sauvira and other countries."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03265.htm
-----------------------------------------
Jayadrath was the star of Kshatriyas in sapta sindhu (the region with seven rivers in south west asia).

During Kurukshetra.

1st day.
Quote 1:
"That chastiser of foes, king Drupada, then, in great wrath rushed against Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus, cheerfully waiting (for battle). The ruler of the Sindhus pierced Drupada in that combat with three shafts, and Drupada pierced him in return. And the battle that took place between them was terrible and fierce"
Commentary; he definitely put up a better fight against Drupad than karna, yuyutsu, suyodhana, duhsasan, vikarn etc did, this jaydrath was better than karna & 101 sons of dhritarashtra combined.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06045.htm

Drupad vs Bhishma (9th day):

"And Drupada pierced Bhishma with five and twenty shafts, and Virata pierced him with ten, and Sikhandin with five and twenty. Deeply pierced (with those shafts) he became covered with blood, and looked beautiful like a red Asoka variegated with flowers. Then the son of Ganga pierced, in return, each of them with three straight shafts. And then, O sire, he cut off Drupada's bow with a broad-headed arrow. The latter then, taking up another bow, pierced Bhishma with five shafts. And he pierced Bhishma's charioteer also with three sharp shafts on the field of battle."

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06104.htm

Drona vs Drupad (day 9);
"And so king Drupada also, having pierced Drona with many whetted shafts, once more pierced him with seventy shafts and his charioteer with nine. The valiant Drona, pierced the latter's charioteer also, Then, O king, Drupada, thus afflicted at the head of his troops, retreated by the aid of his fleet steeds, recollecting the hostility that existed from days of old (between himself and Drona)."

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06105.htm

CONCLUSION; jaydrath did better against droopada than bhishma did but drona did better than jaydrath
it is true they fought on seperate days but the fact is Jayadrath was a top warrior for his achievements.
------------------------

2nd day.
Quote 1:
Bhishma the son of Santanu, protected by the warriors headed by Saindhava and by the combatants of the East and the Sauviras and the Kekayas, encountered with great impetuosity
Commentary; he defended bhishma and protected him this day. Because ganga's beta is a cub who gets protected by a tiger like jaydrath.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06052.htm

3rd day.
Jaydrath destroyed chariot-warriors of the pandava army:
"Then Bhishma and Drona, and Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus and Purumitra, and Vikarna, and Sakuni the son of Suvala-these warriors invincible in battle and possessed of leonine prowess-staying in battle broke the ranks of the Pandavas."
Commentary; as per the badass scribe sanjaya the fact is that jayadrath was invincible in battles AND he was breaking the ranks of the pandav army.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06057.htm
Other things Jayadrath did during this day was lose to Arjun in warfare and participate in futile group attacks.

4th day.
Nothing major was done by him, he was just a recurring side character for this day. In my opinion Jayadrath was being smart and choosing to take it easy this day by resting so he would perform better the next day like a real man unlike that namard parashuram.

5th day.
Quote 1:
"Then, O king, with many huge and fleet steeds of the Kamvoja breed, and surrounded by many thousand of Gopas with a large Gopayana force and supported by the Madras, the Sauviras, the Gandharas and the Trigartas, and surrounded by all the principal Kalingas, the king of the Kalingas, and king Jayadratha accompanied by all the kings."
Commentary; Jayadrath was considered a leader of kings here.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06071.htm
Quote 2:
"Bhishma engaged in battle with the diadem decked (Arjuna). And the king of Avanti engaged with the ruler of Kasi, and the ruler of the Sindhus engaged with Bhimasena."
Commentary; Jayadrath was involved in one of the 3 main battles that day.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06071.htm

Quote 3:
"as also that mighty bowman the ruler of the Sindhus supported by his friends and kinsmen and many kings of the west and the south also."
Commentary; as it is Jayadrath was aiding Drona and Kripa to fight Arjun though some people may consider it a low point, the fact is that it's not a matter of shame for Jayadrath as even overrated namards like karna get respect despite the amount of group attacks they did even Hanuman gets respect from ignorant people so its unfair to insult Jayadrath for a group attack, i agree he was supported by many people it was unfair but the problem is this is all against Arjuna, the same warrior that conquered forty kingdoms in his digvijay and slayed millions of warriors (nivatakavachas).
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06072.htm
------------
6th day story - their was nothing important done by Jayadratha for most of this day.

Then that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the mighty king of the Sindhus, supported by many brave warriors, placed himself on the flank of Duryodhana. And then that great car-warrior, viz., Kripa, O king, caused the vindictive Duryodhana, that son of Kuru's race, of immeasurable energy, to mount on his own car. Then king Duryodhana, deeply pierced by Bhimasena and feeling great pain, sat down on the terrace of that car. Then Jayadratha, desirous of slaying Bhima, surrounded him on all sides with several thousands of cars. Then, O king, Dhrishtaketu and Abhimanyu of great energy, and the Kekayas, and the sons of Draupadi, all encountered thy sons.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06080.htm

7th day - Jaydrath cut the bows of Yudhishthir, Nakul, Bheem, Arjun etc.

Quote 1:
"Of fierce might and great energy king Jayadratha of sure aim, advancing in battle, forcibly cut off with his own excellent bow the bows of all those mighty car-warriors."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06086.htm
Whose bow did he cut off?
Answered by a Quote:
"The high-souled Yudhishthira also, accompanied by Bhima and the sons of Madri towards Bhishma, the son of Santanu, for battle."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06086.htm
2nd quote:
"And having slain also the forces of those kings, Jishnu sped for Bhishma's slaughter."
3rd quote:
"Then that distinguished bowman, desirous of approaching Bhishma beheld Duryodhana and other kings headed by the ruler of the Sindhus. Fighting with great energy for a moment and checking those warriors that were desirous of protecting Bhishma, the heroic Arjuna of great valour and infinite prowess avoiding Duryodhana and Jayadratha and others"
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06086.htm


8th day - he lost to the same ghatotkatch that defeated karna and many other warriors no shame in jayadrath losing to a warrior that was better than parshuram, bhishma etc

9th day
Quote:
"son of Subhadra careered on the field on his car whose limbs were decked with gold, people were incapable of finding an opportunity (for striking him). Confounding Kripa and Drona and mighty son of Drona, as also the ruler of the Sindhus, the great bowman moved on the field of battle with great activity and skill. As he consumed thy troops, O Bharata, I beheld his bow incessantly drawn to a circle and resembling on that account the circular halo of light that is sometimes seen around the Sun."
Commentary; after this incident duryodhan tells the raksh warrior Alamvus to focus on Abhimanyu while bhishma with drona will focus on arjun
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06101.htm

--------------------
10th day.

Bhimasena then, with three arrows, despatched unto Death's domain the steeds of the ruler of the Sindhus as also his charioteer. Thereupon that mighty car-warrior, (viz., Jayadratha), quickly jumping down from that car whose steeds had been slain, shot in that battle many sharp-pointed shafts at Bhimasena. Then, O sire, with a couple of broad-headed arrows, he cut off, O chief of the Bharatas, the bow of the high-souled king of the Sindhus in the middle. His bow cut off, himself deprived of car, his steeds and charioteer slain, Jayadratha then, O king, quickly mounted on the car of Chitrasena. Indeed, the son of Pandu achieved in that battle a most wonderful feat, for piercing all those mighty car-warriors and holding them in check, he deprived, O sire, the ruler of the Sindhus of his car in the very sight of all the army.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06114.htm

His weapons failed against his enemy;
"And the Sindhu king, of strong arms, hurled at him a lance and an axe.The son of the Wind-god then cut off, with a sharp shaft, that lance in twain. And he cut off that axe also with three shafts, as if it were a sesame stalk."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06114.htm
Jaydrath vs Arjun and Bheem:
"Jayadratha, staying on the car of Chitrasena, pierced Partha (in return), O Bharata, and then, without loss of time, Bhima also, with his shafts."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06115.htm
Jaydrath contributed to the firing of a million arrows:
"The kings quickly sped at Dhananjaya's car myriads upon myriads and millions upon millions of arrows furnished with peacock feathers."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06115.htm
Jaydrath fought king Virat:
"And Virata, at the head of his forces, encountered Jayadratha supported by his own troops."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06116.htm
Stalemate;
"The king of Sindhus, having pierced Virata with nine straight arrows of keen points, once more struck him with thirty. Virata, however, O king, that commander of a large division, struck Jayadratha in the centre of his chest with thirty shafts of keen points. The ruler of the Matsyas and the ruler of the Sindhus, both armed with beautiful bows and beautiful scimitars, both decked with handsome coats of mail and weapons and standards, and both of beautiful forms looked resplendent in that battle."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06117.htm
Group effort;
"Jayadratha the ruler of the Sindhus, and Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Salya, and Bhagadatta could not brook that act of Arjuna. Inflamed with rage, they rushed at him. Indeed, those mighty car-warriors, invoking into existence celestial weapons, fell with great wrath upon that son of Pandu, and covered him with their arrows."
"Hearing that furious uproar, the mighty car-warriors of the Pandava army rushed forward, O bull of Bharata's race, for protecting Arjuna. They were Satyaki, and Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race, and both Virata and Drupada, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and the wrathful Abhimanyu. These seven, inflamed with rage, and armed with excellent bows, rushed with great speed. And the battle that took place between these and the Kaurava warriors was fierce, making the hair stand on end, and resembling O chief of the Bharatas, the battle of the gods with the Danavas."
Commentary; this proves that Jayadrath could use celestial weapons.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06120.htm

------------------
12th day
Warriors of the pandav side that attacked:
"Ajatasattru despatched many warriors, urging them to rescue Bhima. Those heroes of immeasurable energy, viz., the two son of Madri and Pandu, and others headed by Yuyudhana, quickly proceeded to Bhimasena's side. And those bulls among men, filled with rage and uniting together, advanced to battle, desirous of breaking the army of Drona that was protected by many foremost of bowmen. Indeed, those great car-warriors of mighty energy, viz., Bhima and others, fell furiously upon Drona's host."
commentary; satyaki, yudhisthir, the twins and bheem that is five warriors
Jayadrath was among warriors that countered them:
"Then Drona and Kripa, and Karna and Drona's son, and king Jayadratha, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Salya, received those heroes"
commentary; eight warriors were listed

Rescuer of karna:
Sini's grandson also, of splendour equal to that of Indra himself, taking up another bow pierced Suta's son with four and sixty shafts and roared like a lion. And cutting off Karna's bow with a couple of well-shot shafts, he once more pierced Karna on the arms and the chest with three arrows. The king Duryodhana, and Drona and Jayadratha, rescued Karna from the Satyaki-ocean, as the former was about to sink into it.
----------------
Summing up what he did before the 13th day.

He lost to arjun abhimanyu. But he protected duryodhan.
And had a couple of inconclusive battles. His main feats which are positive are the following.
- On the 11th day he had a fierce fight against Abhimanyu which was close combat based a duel with swords when you consider how ashwathama avoided a close combat fight with abhimanyu and drona/karna avoided a sword fight too then this is a very praiseworthy achievement of jayadratha.

-  Cut off the bows of 4 pandavas (five if we believe arjun's bow was cut too) on the 7th day.

- another achievement of jayadratha was that he owned many kingdoms besides sauvira and sindhu as per some quotes he had over ten kingdoms under his empire.

- yet another great combat feat of this character is that he protected karna on the 12th day saving his life from satyaki
- Fought Drupad alone (day 1).
- Was a protector of Bhishma (day 2).
- Broke the ranks of the pandav army (day 3).
- Had a no result fight with Bheem (day 5).
- Injuring Bheem, Arjun etc.
- Fought Virat to a draw.
- Being one of the archers that could create a million arrows at once.
- Using celestial weapons on the 10th day.
- helped counter pandav elites (day 12)

why its fair to include the incident where jaydrath saved karna from satyaki on the 12th day:
Their are many reasons he can be credited
- because karna had the benefit of 10 rest days something jayadrath did not, so for jaydrath to accomplish this goal of protecting namard Karna is great
- another reason is that drona was already tired & injured after many battles so he was not a suitable ally at this point in the day therefore Jaydrath doing this is impressive
- this achievement deserves to be credited solely to the prowess of the mighty Jayadrath he is the trump card of Suyodhan's army (after Bhagadatta etc)
- it is true that duryodhan was involved but we should not forget that duryodhan was nothing compared to Satyaki while Jaydrath was.
---------------
Personal life.

Behold that Jayadratha, who was protected by the illustrious Drona, slain by Partha bent on accomplishing his vow, after penetrating through eleven Akshauhinis of troops. Inauspicious vultures, O Janardana, are feeding upon Jayadratha, the lord of the Sindhu-Sauviras, full of pride and energy! Though sought to be protected by his devoted wives, see, O Acyuta, carnivorous creatures are dragging his body away to a jungle in the vicinity. The Kamboja and Yavana wives of that mighty-armed lord of the Sindhus and the Sauviras are waiting upon him for protecting him (from the wild beasts).

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m11/m11021.htm

He had at least 3 wives.
------------
What happened on day 13?

1st (his position):

"And at the head of that army was the commander Drona looking like the rising sun. And there stood the ruler of the Sindhus, of great beauty of person, and immovable like the cliff of Meru. Standing by the side of the ruler of the Sindhus and headed by Aswatthaman, were, O king, thy thirty sons, resembling the very gods. There also on Jayadratha's flank, were those mighty car-warriors, the ruler of Gandhara, the gamester (Sakuni), and Salya, and Bhurisrava."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07032.htm

2nd: Jaydrath checked 20 characters combined including Bheem, Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumn, Yudhisthir etc. Its harder to do it when they come at you together at the same time.

Pandav warriors that followed Abhimanyu:

"(five) sons of Draupadi, who had on their banners the images of Yama and Maruta and Sakra and the twin Aswins, and Satyaki, and Chekitana, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Sikhandin, and the Kekayas, and Dhrishtaketu, and the Matsyas, Panchalas, and the Srinjayas, and the Pandavas headed by Yudhishthira, were filled with joy. And all of them rushed with speed, desirous of piercing Drona's array. Then a dreadful battle took place between the warriors and those of the foe"
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07037.htm

Jayadrath lasted the longest against Abhimanyu:

"Amongst thy warriors thus slaughtered by Abhimanyu with sharp shafts, none, O monarch, stayed any longer on the field of battle except the ruler of the Sindhus."

Commentary; basically he lasts longer in battles than karna, drona, ashwathama, suyodhana, shalya etc do
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07038.htm

Jayadrath's enemies move: "Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, and Sikhandin and Satyaki, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna and Virata, and Drupada, and Kekaya, and Dhristaketu, all filled with wrath, and the Matsya warrior, rushed to battle. Indeed, Abhimanyu's sires accompanied by his maternal uncles, those smiters of foes, arrayed in order of battle rushed along the self-same path that Abhimanyu had created, desirous of rescuing him."

Jayadrath's war:

"Beholding those heroes rushing, thy troops turned away from the fight. Seeing then that vast army of thy son turning away from the fight, the son-in-law of great energy rushed to rally them. Indeed, king Jayadratha, the son of the ruler of the Sindhus, checked, with all their followers, the Parthas, desirous of rescuing their son. That fierce and great bowman, the son of Vriddhakshatra, invoking into existence celestial weapons resisted the Pandavas, like an elephant sporting in a low land."

Commentary; its clear that Jaydrath had celestial weapons based on the above text. However this battle did not have a result as their was no one who lost the important factor (besides jaydrath's weapons) is that at least 11 commanders teamed up on jayadratha and he alone was able to hold them in check.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm

Opinion of king dhritarashtra:

"I think, Sanjaya, that heavy was the burthen thrown upon the ruler of the Sindhus, inasmuch as alone he had to resist the angry Pandavas desirous of rescuing their son. Exceedingly wonderful, I think, was the might and heroism of the ruler of the Sindhus. Tell me what the high-souled warrior's prowess was and how he accomplished that foremost of feats. What gifts did he make, what libations had he poured, what sacrifices had he performed, what ascetic austerities had he well undergone, in consequence of which, single-handed, he succeeded in checking Parthas excited with wrath?"

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm

Jaydrath's tapasya:

"Restraining his senses from all objects dear to them, bearing hunger, thirst and heat, he reduced his body till his swollen veins became visible. Uttering the eternal words of the Veda, he paid his adoration to the god Mahadeva. That illustrious Deity, always inspired with compassion for his devotees, at last, became kind towards him. Indeed, Hara, appearing in a dream unto the ruler of the Sindhus."

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm 

"In consequence of that boon which he had received and of the strength also of his celestial weapons, Jayadratha, single-handed, held in check the entire army of the Pandavas. The twang of his bow-string and the slaps of his palms inspired the hostile Kshatriyas with fear, filling thy troops, at the same time with delight. And the Kshatriyas (of the Kuru army), beholding that the burthen was taken up by the ruler of the Sindhus, rushed with loud shouts, O monarch, to that part of the field where Yudhishthira's army was."

Commentary; the 2nd reason for Jaydraths performance was his celestial weapons, this proves that he was a competent fighter and since bhishma never achieved such a feat we can not claim that he was better than Jaydrath. Though Jayadrath was alone able to check the pandav army with each of its warriors it is mentioned at the end that a few kuru warriors came to his side (either to witness his power or to assist him).
Jayadrath also had the power of creating fear in his opponents and enemies by twanging his bow and by clapping his palm.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm

Jaydrath's equipment that day:
Large steeds of the Sindhu breed, well-trained and fleet as the wind, and obedient to the commands of the charioteer, bore him (on that occasion). His car, duly equipped, looked like a vapoury edifice in the welkin. His standard bearing the device of a large boar in silver, looked exceedingly beautiful. With his white umbrella and banners, and the yak-tails with which he was fanned--which are regal indications--he shone like the Moon himself in the firmament. His car-fence made of iron was decked with pearls and diamonds and gems and gold. And it looked resplendent like the firmament bespangled with luminous bodies. Drawing his large bow and scattering countless shafts, he once more filled up that array in those places where openings had been made by the son of Arjuna.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07040.htm

Jayadrath fought many top tiers:

"And he pierced Satyaki with three arrows, and Vrikodara with eight; and having pierced Dhrishtadyumna with sixty arrows, he pierced Drupada with five sharp ones, and Sikhandin with ten. Piercing then the Kaikeyas with five and twenty arrows, Jayadratha pierced each of the five sons of Draupadi with three arrows. And piercing Yudhishthira then with seventy arrows, the ruler of the Sindhus pierced the other heroes of the Pandava army with thick showers of shafts."
commentar; at least 196 arrows were fired by jayadrath here
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07040.htm


Jayadrath's fight continues:

"Then, O monarch, the valiant son of Dharma, aiming Jayadratha's bow, cut it off with a polished and well-tempered shaft, smiling the while. Within the twinkling, however, of the eye, the ruler of the Sindhus took up another bow and piercing Pratha (Yudhishthira) with ten arrows struck each of the others with three shafts. Marking that lightness of hands showed by Jayadratha, Bhima then with three broad-headed shafts, quickly felled on the earth his bow, standard and umbrella. The mighty Jayadratha then, taking up another bow, strung it and felled Bhima's standard and bow and steeds. O sire! His bow cut off, Bhimasena then jumping down from that excellent car whose steeds had been slain, mounted on the car of Satyaki, like a lion jumping to the top of a mountain. Seeing this, thy troops were filled with joy. And they loudly shouted, 'Excellent! Excellent!' And they repeatedly applauded that feat of the ruler of the Sindhus."
Commentary; though jaydrath had the advantage the fact is he had to do labour to win as his bow was cut off twice its a good thing he had a fresh supply of bows in his chariot that he could use otherwise he might not have succeeded, bheem & yudhisthir clearly lost this fight
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07040.htm

Quote:
"Indeed, all creatures highly applauded that feat of his, which consisted in his resisting, single-handed, all the Pandavas together, excited with wrath. The path that the son of Subhadra had made for the Pandavas by the slaughter of numerous warriors and elephants was then filled up by the ruler of the Sindhus. Indeed, those heroes, viz., the Matsyas, the Panchalas, the Kaikeyas, and the Pandavas, exerting themselves vigorously, succeeded in approaching the presence of Jayadratha, but none of them could bear him. Everyone amongst thy enemies who endeavoured to pierce the array that had been formed by Drona, was checked by the ruler of the Sindhus in consequence of the boon he had got (from Mahadeva)."

The rest of Jaydrath's battle was offscreened (meaning Sanjay didnt mention further details):

"As regards the other combatants of thy army, beholding that Jayadratha had taken upon himself the heavy duty (of keeping off the Pandavas), they supported him, O king, by rushing against Yudhishthira. Many amongst them, endued with great strength, drawing their bows full six cubits long, showered on the heroic son of Subhadra arrowy downpours like torrents of rain. Subhadra's son, however, that slayer of hostile heroes, paralysed by his shafts all those great bowmen, conversant with every branch of learning."

Commentary; It is mentioned that Jayadrath was keeping off the pandavs and their army, but then other kuru warriors (the ones that did not engage in conflict with abhimanyu) were supporting Jayadrath in his battle, they ran to Yudhisthir to attack him, though it makes no sense cause these un named warriors seem to have changed their mind and changed their attack target to Abhimanyu instead. After that Abhimanyu rendered them motionless with his arrows.

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07044.htm

Yudhisthir's opinion after the war:

"I asked Abhimanyu to open a passage for us in battle. He penetrated within the hostile army, but we could not follow him, obstructed by the ruler of the Sindhus. Alas, they that betake themselves to battle as a profession, always fight with antagonists equally circumstanced with themselves."

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07049.htm


His description of Jaydrath's power:

"Then, O sire, the wretched king of the Sindhus, viz., Jayadratha, in consequence of the boon granted to him by Rudra, checked all of us!"

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07070.htm

-----------------------

Accolades.

Quote 1:
Who is there that could think of the death of such heroes as Jayadratha and Karna and Drona and Bhishma and Abhimanyu?
Commentary: though it is true i dont think highly of karn and bhishm at the same time the point of this quote is that Jayadrath was at the very least ranked in the same category as those two people. Yet thesedays the fans continue to underrate jaydrath.
Source: https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m11/m11015.htm

Quote 2:
The king of the Sindhus, O monarch, is in my judgment, equal to two Rathas. That best of car-warriors will fight in battle, displaying great prowess. Humiliated, O king, by the Pandavas on the occasion of his, abducting Draupadi, and bearing that humiliation in mind, that slayer of hostile heroes will fight (for thee). Having practised after that, O king, the severest austerities, he obtained a boon, highly difficult of acquisition, for encountering the Pandavas in battle. That tiger among car-warriors, therefore, remembering his old hostility, will, O sire, fight with the Pandavas in battle, reckless of his very life which is so difficult to lay down.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05166.htm

Jayadrath is equal to 2 rathis, while karna is half a rathi so Jayadrath is 4x stronger than karna.

Quote 3:
Stationing himself in the van of his division with his beautiful standard of silver bearing the device of the boar, the famous Jayadratha looked highly resplendent
Commentary; Jaydrath was one among the famous warriors of Mahabharat. He had a good reputation.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06017.htm

Quote 4:
"I shall now fight in battle against Bhishma, and Drona and Kripa and Salya and Jayadratha and all the proud monarchs (on the Kuru side)."
Commentary; Jaydrath was in the same rank of importance and power as Dron, Krip, Shalya, Bhishma etc.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06050.htm

Quote 5:
The high-souled son of Pandu hath, indeed made a most difficult resolve. King Jayadratha is endued with mighty energy.
Commentary; this is krishna's opinion he labelled Jayadratha as a mighty king.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07076.htm

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Comparing Jayadrath to other warriors.

Ashwathama; when it comes to close combat jayadrath will win based on their perofrmances against abhimanyu while ashwathama just ran away it is jaydrath who was brave enough to stand toe to toe with the mighty abhimanyu in a sword fight and match his skill briefly.

My claim: Jayadrath was better than Ashwathama in close combat with swords, maces and maybe fists, but as a archer i consider Ashwathama slightly better. If we bring celestial weapons then its no contest cause Ashwathama has narayanastra, brahmasheer, vajra etc.

How they fared against Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu vs Jaydrath (day 11).

Taking up a sword as also a shield that bore the device of a peacock and was decked with a hundred bells of small size suspended in rows, Jayadratha jumped down from his car with a loud roar. They cheerfully attacked each other with their swords like a tiger and a lion with their claws and teeth.

And none could notice any difference between those two lions among men as regards the whirl-strokes, and descent of their swords and shields. And as regards the descent and the whiz of their swords, and the warding off of each other's blows, it seemed there was no distinction between the two. Coursing, beautifully in outward and inward tracks, those two illustrious warriors seemed to be like two winged mountains.

Then Jayadratha struck on the shield of the renowned Abhimanyu when the latter stretched his sword for making a pass at him. Then, O Bharata, Jayadratha's large sword sticking into Abhimanyu's shield covered with golden plate, broke, as the ruler of the Sindhus attempted to draw it off forcibly. Seeing his sword broken, Jayadratha hastily retreated six steps and was seen within a twinkle of the eye to be mounted on his own car.

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07014.htm

Abhimanyu vs Ashwathama (day 13).

"Abhimanyu (mace in hand) rushed against Aswatthaman. Beholding that mace upraised, which looked like the blazing thunderbolt, Aswatthaman, that tiger among men, rapidly alighted from his car and took three (long) leaps (for avoiding Abhimanyu)."
"Slaying Aswatthaman's steeds and two Parshni charioteers with that mace of his, Subhadra's son, pierced all over with arrows, looked like a porcupine."

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07046.htm

Note; that i have excluded the arrow fights where Abhimanyu repeatedly defeated Ashwathama. As this is about close combat.
--------------------------------

What Drona said about Jaydrath & Arjun.

In hitting the aim, in hitting it from it distance, in tightness of hand, and in the force of the stroke, O illustrious one, tell the difference between myself and Phalguna! O preceptor, I wish to know accurately the difference as regards proficiency (in the science of arms) between myself and Arjuna! Say it unto me truly [the question ends]

"Of tutorial instruction, both of you, thyself and Arjuna, have had the same measure, O son! In consequence, however, of yoga and the hard life led by Arjuna, he is superior to thee!" [the answer of drona]
Commentary; drona talked about the instruction he gave them but it is doubtful whether he was honest because he might have hidden the fact he taught more to arjun than he did to his other students
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07071.htm
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Comparing Jayadrath to Karna;

Jaydrath was active on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12 besides the 13th day.

That is 7 days where he did something meaningful. 8 if you count the thirteenth day, now compare him to a flop warrior like karna that lost from days 12 to 17 and night 14, the reason karna didnt lose on the 11th day was due to a factor of having ten days of rest, a advantage none of his opponents had.

It is clear that Jaydrath had a bigger contribution to Kurukshetra than karna did, he was more famous and owned more kingdoms in the aryan continent than karna did.

Jaydrath was independent while karna was a slave to Duryodhan.

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Tuesday, May 4, 2021

How tough was Kichaka?

The below quotes are from the kmg translation (version or edition) of Mahabharat's Virata Parva and the reason for certain letters being highlighted in bold is to highlight and bring attention to the achievements of Keechak (the only mard of Matsya desh) a character from Mahabharat. I will attempt to answer how tough he is. But a lesser known fact about him is that Keechak was a suta and a son of another suta.

I have 2 nicknames for him; "the battle hardened general of Matsya" "hero of the suta race" (mainly because Keechak was actually a suta unlike karna.) Their will be 3 links in this post.

This entire post is basically about Keechak, here is the 1st quote (this is from the last battle Keechak fought in his life which versus Bheem):

Bhima seized Kichaka by the hairs of his head, which were adorned with garlands. And thus seized with force by the hair, that foremost of mighty persons, Kichaka, quickly freed his hair and grasped the arms of Bhima. And then between those lions among men, fired with wrath, between that chief of the Kichaka clan, and that best of men, there ensued a hand-to-hand encounter, like that between two powerful elephants for a female elephant in the season of spring, or like that which happened in days of yore between those lions among monkeys, the brothers Vali and Sugriva. And both equally infuriate and both eager for victory, both those combatants raised their arms resembling snakes furnished with five hoods, and attacked each other with their nails and teeth, wrought up to frenzy of wrath.

Impetuously assailed by the powerful Kichaka in that encounter, the resolute Bhima did not waver a single step. And locked in each other's embraces and dragging each other, they fought on like two mighty bulls. And having nails and teeth for their weapons, the encounter between them was fierce and terrible like that of two furious tigers. And felling each other in fury, they encountered each other like a couple of elephants with rent temples. And the mighty Bhima then seized Kichaka, and Kichaka, that foremost of strong persons threw Bhima down with violence. And as those mighty combatants fought on, the crash of their arms produced a loud noise that resembled the clatter of splitting bamboos.

Then Vrikodara throwing Kichaka down by main force within the room, began to toss him about furiously even as a hurricane tosseth a tree. And attacked thus in battle by the powerful Bhima, Kichaka grew weak and began to tremble. For all that, however, he tugged at the Pandava to the best of his power. And attacking Bhima, and making him wave a little, the mighty Kichaka struck him with his knees and brought him down to the ground. And overthrown by the powerful Kichaka, Bhima quickly rose up like Yama himself with mace in hand. And thus that powerful Suta and the Pandava, intoxicated with strength and challenging each other, grappled with each other at midnight in that solitary place.

And as they roared at each other in wrath, that excellent and strong edifice began to shake every moment. And slapped on the chest by the mighty Bhima, Kichaka fired with wrath moved not a single pace. And bearing for a moment only that onslaught incapable of being born on earth, the Suta, overpowered by Bhima's might, became enfeebled. And seeing him waning weak, Bhima endued with great strength forcibly drew Kichaka towards his breast, and began to press hard. And breathing hard again and again in wrath, that best of victors, Vrikodara, forcibly seized Kichaka by the hair. And having seized Kichaka, the mighty 'Bhima began to roar like a hungry tiger that hath killed a large animal.

And finding him exceedingly exhausted, Vrikodara bound him fast with his arms, as one binds a beast with a cord. And then Bhima began for a long while, to whirl the senseless Kichaka, who began to roar frightfully like a broken trumpet. And in order to pacify Krishna's wrath Vrikodara grasped Kichaka's throat with his arms and began to squeeze it. And assailing with his knees the waist of that worst of the Kichakas, all the limbs of whose body had been broken into fragments and whose eye-lids were closed, Vrikodara slew him, as one would slay a beast. And beholding Kichaka entirely motionless, the son of Pandu began to roll him about on the ground.

[end of the fight bhima won keechak lost]

And that foremost of mighty persons, squeezing his own hands, and biting his lips in rage, again attacked his adversary and thrust his arms and legs and neck and head into his body like the wielder of the Pinaka reducing into shapeless mass the deer, which form sacrifice had assumed in order to escape his ire. And having crushed all his limbs, and reduced him into a ball of flesh, the mighty Bhimasena showed him unto Krishna. And endued with mighty energy that hero then addressed Draupadi, that foremost of all women, saying, 'Come princess of Panchala, and see what hath become of that lustful wretch!'

Source; https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04022.htm

Analysis; most of Keechak's achievements were highlighted in bold. Keechak's 5 achievements; he freed his hair, he also threw bheem down and dragged him, and Keechak wavered Bheem too, the last great achievement was him throwing bheem down a second time but with the usage of his knees as a weapon.

Other combat feats of Kichak:

King Matsya's commander, Kichaka of wicked soul, by whom the Trigartas, O monarch, were repeatedly vanquished and slain with mighty force, now lieth low on the ground with all his brothers, slain, O monarch, by invisible Gandharvas during the hours of darkness, O thou of unfading glory.

The wicked Kichaka, however, had been an oppressor of men and a dishonourer of other people's wives. And it was for this that wicked of sinful soul had been slain by the Gandharvas. And it was thus, O king, that people began to speak, from province to province of the invincible Kichaka, that slayer of hostile ranks.

Link - https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04025.htm

Keechak may have had 2 armies from different states as his allies;

"Many a time and oft by Matsya's Suta Kichaka aided by the Matsyas and the Salyas, the mighty king of the Trigartas, Susarman, who owned innumerable cars, regarding the opportunity to be a favourable one, then spoke the following words without losing a moment. And, O monarch, forcibly vanquished along with his relatives by the mighty Kichaka, king Susarman, eyeing Karna in askance, spoke these words unto Duryodhana, 'My kingdom hath many a time been forcibly invaded by the king of the Matsyas. The mighty Kichaka was that king's generalissimo. Crooked and wrathful and of wicked soul, of prowess famed over all the world, sinful in deeds and highly cruel, that wretch, however, hath been slain by the Gandharvas, Kichaka being dead, king Virata, shorn of pride and his refuge gone, will, I imagine, lose all courage I think."

Link - https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04030.htm

All in all i dont think any of the kaurav brothers could have done what Keechak did, all Suyodhana ever did was strike Bheem three times with his mace, but Keechak got Bheem at least four times even though Keechak was not prepared for the fight ahead of time.

It is true Bheem, Jarasandh were superior warriors and wrestlers when you compare them to Keechak but we should not deny the fact that Keechak comes as a close fourth or fifth to those 2 mards and shers.

A mace fight between Kichaka and Shalya would be very interesting to see, as both warriors were inferior to Bheem.

We never saw Keechak fight with a mace, based on performance we only have his fight with Bheem to analyze him and make an opinion. While Shalya in a peak physical condition on day 11 fought well against Bheem with maces, he also had a 2nd mace duel with Bheem after being injured by shaft's of arrows.

With his body already wounded previously king Shalya still managed to knock Bheem out. Duryodhan's best achievements were only in archery while being on a chariot so i would have to put Keechak above Duryodhan when it comes to only physical stength, hand to hand combat etc. If it was about arrows then Duryodhan could beat Keechak.

Strongest people that are not Arjuna/Krishna; 

While Shalya knocked Bheem out twice though Bheem also knocked Shalya out the same number it happened in a mace fight where strength is a factor.

Jarasandh could toss objects over 100 yojanas away, Keechak in a unprepared state could give Bheem a decent fight and hurt him a couple of times.

Though Keechak is considered a slayer of armies at the same time it is likely he used his arrows and long range weapons to kill them more often than not, as using fists would not be applicable in a era where importance was largely given to archers. 

I know that retellings and fake stories like Madhvacharya's edition claim that Bhishma and Kripacharya attacked Virat's nation & were defeated because of Kichaka but the problem is that this is fan fiction not a part of Mahabharat. As much as i would like to say that Kichaka is a better warrior than Parshuram the fact is that's simply not true. Kichaka was more of an archer and weapon-based fighter than a wrestler.

Conclusion; Kichaka's best ability was his unarmed combat skills but the fact is that his most used ability would be his archery skills on a chariot or horseback. Though he did archery mostly it was not his best skill. If he ever could defeat Bhishma or Duryodhan in a fight it would only be in the unarmed department of combat.
Bonus; When u consider the fact that Susharma and his cohorts were unafraid of Arjun, even after losing to him on days 8,9,10, 12 of the war continously. Even after abhimanyu's death and knowing Arjun's power, how dangerous & angry he was these people did not fear him, they kept challenging the ultimate warrior (Arjuna) to a battle yet these same people feared Keechak and after being beaten just a few times by him these people decided not to invade until Keechak is slain by a 3rd party it makes you wonder how good was Keechak as a archer? How was he in that mode compared to Arjun, Drona, Parshuram, Laxman etc?

My next posts will be about Drona & Jayadrath.

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Friday, April 23, 2021

Jarasandha respect thread.

This big post will have quotes from mahabharat and links to it but it will also talk about the fanfiction tv serials to analyze how they portrayed Jarasandh.

DISCLAIMER:
Jarasandh was never one of my favorite characters but a tv series (suryaputr karn 2015) made me gain some sort of respect for him, i liked episode 125 where Jarasandh has a rematch with Karna and redeemed himself by trashing Karna compeletely despite the kavach kundala being a part of him. I downloaded that into a mp4 file just to cut a video clip out of it. Their pro trayal of Jarasandh though bad was still better than the way he was pro-traid in other versions of the Mahabharat shown on screen.

It is true on quora and other social media sites i often said things like "jarasandh can be defeated by anyone who has the strength of ten thousand elephants in their muscles, since sahadev, nakul, yudhisthir had that strength they could also have done it" "jarasandh could not string or lift the bow at Droupadi's Swayamvar but Arjun could so he would beat Jarasandh" although i had read sabha parva already at that time period i cared less about Jarasandh's power i thought lowly of him but i decided that i should give him some respect because honestly he is at the very least more powerful than Sahadev, Nakul, Yudhisthir, Duryodhan and other warriors.

I think i also may have made a mistake of ranking Keechak above Jarasandh but that is something i will discuss later on, first i must finish this post.

First i will talk about how the man gets pro traid in tv series then i will post relevant quotes from KmG's Mahabharat edition to show what Jarasandh achieved in his life.

In TV series:
This character was a world-conqeror, unfortunately he was never given any justice in TV serials except for the 86th episode of the SPK tv series (2015) unfortunately right after the 86th episode this fakebharat tv series had retconned the strength they once gave jarasandh MAYBE they (the tv serial producers/directors) understood they made him too powerful if they wanted to make pajeets like "karna" and "bhishma" look good infront of the audience.

Their two mistakes (spk's writers) were showing him lose to Krishna in a fight & making him lose in the Swayamvar of Droupadi where even duryodhan did better than him.
As for Ekta Kapoor's Mahabharat she also failed to do justice to jarasandh's character. She showed him losing to Bhishma. While BR Chopra didn't give Jarasandh anything, the actor was okay though he was unfit, but all he was written out to be in that show was a king that had a good reputation but loses on screen everytime, first they showed him getting blinded by the Sudarshan Chakra of Krishna, then they showed him being defeated in a mace fight by Balaram.

They also showed a very poor fight with Bheem though Jarasandh losing is accurate the way he fought against Bheem was very pathetic. It is more disgraceful when you know what Ramanandan Sagar's "Shree krishna" television serial did to Jarasandh. Even though i h@te starplus mahabharat the most still i would choose that jarasandh over the sagar version of jarasandh.

Characterization:
They (BR Chopra) also showed Jarasandh (when he was talking to Rukmi) calling Parashuram "ji" which is what people consider a respectful term. Now this makes no sense to me as the director of that tv serial never showed why Jarasandh is willing to respect Parashuram but not Krishna... i do not believe that the real Jarasandh would respect Parashuram.
As for sanjay khan's "Jai Mahabharat" "Mahakavy Mahabharat" show (two names for the same tv serial) their pro trayal of Jarasandh was entirely different. In the episode which depicts Draupadi's Swayamvar they showed that Jarasandh respects Shiva alot and he prayed to him before attempting to string the bow but then he saw Droupadi paying her respects to him (upon the advice of Krishna) thus he realized that Droupadi was like a daughter to him in terms of age and Jarasandh himself withdrew from the competition as it would be against his own morals to pursue a romantic relationship with Drupad's daughter.
After that he is not shown until the battle with Bheem occurs which was another poorly done fight. But it should be noted that it was the only time he fought on screen in that show.
------------------------
Post.
Here are the multiple quotes from Mahabharat's KMG translation.
THIS IS THE MAJOR PART OF THE POST.

1 - Jarasandh dominated the Yayati & Bhoja clan:
"The descendants of Yayati and the Bhojas are great, both in extent (number) and accomplishments. O king, these last are to-day scattered all over the earth. And all the Kshatriyas worship the prosperity of those monarchs. At present, however, O monarch, king Jarasandha, overcoming that prosperity enjoyed by their whole order, and overpowering them by his energy hath set himself over the heads of all these kings."

2 - Jarasandh reigned over Mathura after he defeated the previous rulers (ugrasen, vasudeva, krishna, balram etc):
"And Jarasandha, enjoying the sovereignty over the middle portion of the earth (Mathura), resolved to create a disunion amongst ourselves. O monarch, the king who is the lord paramount of all kings, and in whom alone the dominion of the universe is centered, properly deserves to be called an emperor.
3 - thirty three different clans living in aryavarth abandoned their kingdom (where the panchals and matsyas went to is unknown) cause of Jarasandh's power;
"O exalted one, the eighteen tribes of the Bhojas, from fear of Jarasandha, have all fled towards the west; so also have the Surasenas, the Bhadrakas, the Vodhas, the Salwas, the Patachchavas, the Susthalas, the Mukuttas, and the Kulindas, along with the Kuntis. And the king of the Salwayana tribe with their brethren and followers; and the southern Panchalas and the eastern Kosalas have all fled to the country of the Kuntis. So also the Matsyas and the Sannyastapadas, overcome with fear, leaving their dominions in the north, have fled into the southern country. And so all the Panchalas, alarmed at the power of Jarasandha, have left their own kingdom and fled in all directions."

4 - Jarasandh's victory;
"That lord of Magadha, the mighty Jarasandha, having fully brought under his subjection the goddess Earth, oppressed her by his energy."
[as per Dhritrashtra either Jarasandh subjugated a goddess or he subjugated 51 percent of the known earth anyone that has more than half can make a claim of owning the entire package/item]
5 - unknown kings were bound by him.
"By him have been immured in his hillfort numerous monarchs, like a lion that hath deposited the slain bodies of mighty elephants within a cave of the king of mountains. O slayer of all enemies, king Jarasandha, desirous of offering in sacrifice hundred monarchs, adored for his fierce ascetic penances the illustrious god of gods, the lord of Uma. It is by this means that the kings of the earth have been vanquished by Jarasandha. And, O best of monarchs, he hath by that means been able to fulfil the vow he had made relative to his sacrifice. By defeating the kings with their troops and bringing all of them as captives into this city, he had swelled its crowds enormously."
6 - The distance to which a object released from Jarasandh's hand can travel:
O Bharata, the mighty king of Magadha from his city of Girivraja, whirling a mace ninety-nine times, hurled it towards Mathura. At that time Krishna of wonderful deeds was residing at Mathura. The handsome mace hurled by Jarasandha fell near Mathura at a distance of ninety-nine yojanas from Gririvraja The citizens beholding the circumstance well, went unto Krishna and informed him of the fall of the mace. The place where the mace fell is adjacent to Mathura and is called Gadavasan.
7 - Jarasandh's first campaign;
"O king, after his father and mothers had retired into the woods, Jarasandha by his valour brought numerous kings under his sway."
8 - Over 86 kings were subjugated by Jarasandh;
"A hundred dynasties of kings have become unable to oppose Jarasandha. He, therefore, p. 37 may be regarded to be an emperor for his strength. Kings that are wearers of jewels worship Jarasandha (with presents of jewels). But, wicked from his childhood, he is scarcely satisfied with such worship. Having become the foremost among all, he attacketh yet with violence kings with crowns on their heads. Nor is there seen any king from whom he taketh not tribute. Thus hath he brought under his sway nearly a hundred kings. How can, O son of Pritha, any weak monarch approach him with hostile intentions? Confined in the temple of Shiva and offered as sacrifice unto him like so many animals, do not these monarchs dedicated unto that god feel the most poignant misery, O bull of the Bharata race? A Kshatriya that dieth in battle is ever regarded with respect. Why shall we not, therefore, meet together and oppose Jarsandha in battle? He hath already brought eighty-six kings; fourteen only are wanting to complete one hundred."
9 - Accolade given to him during birth;
"other monarchs of the earth will not be able to equal in energy this thy son, who will be endued with great valour. And all those that will stand in his way will certainly be destroyed. Like the force of the current that can never make the slightest impression upon the rocky breast of a mountain, weapons hurled at him even by the celestials will fail to produce the least pain in him."

"If the valiant Jarasandha had stood armed with his mace, the very gods with Indra at their head could not have slain him in battle." [this is stated by Krishna, though he says many untruths so it is doubtful whether this claim was accurate]
10 - Allies;
"And, O monarch, king Sisupala endued with great energy, hath placed himself under his protection and hath become the generalissimo of his forces. And, O great king, the mighty Vaka, the king of the Karushas, capable of fighting by putting forth his powers of illusion, waiteth, upon Jarasandha, as his disciple."
"There are others also viz., Dantavakra, Karusha, Karava, Meghavahana, that wait upon Jarasandha. He also that beareth on his head that gem which is known as the most wonderful on earth, that king of the Yavanas, who hath chastised Muru and Naraka, whose power is unlimited, and who ruleth the west like another Varuna, who is called Bhagadatta, and who is the old friend of thy father, hath bowed his head before Jarasandha, by speech and specially by act."

IMPORTANT - The same gandharv king chitrasen (that defeated karna) was a normal general of Jarasandh's army:
"Then, O bull of the Bharata race, the king, on the eve of battle, thought of his two generals Kausika and Chitrasena."

Dimvaka and Hansa:
"There are two others, Hansa and Dimvaka, of great energy and great soul, who have sought the shelter of the mighty Jarasandha."
"He hath two friends that are like unto the immortals, and in point of strength the foremost of all men endued with might. They are called Hansa and Dimvaka who are both incapable of being slain by weapons. The mighty Jarasandha, being united with them, becomes incapable, I think, of being vanquished by even the three worlds."
"Jarasandha had two supporters called Hansa and Dimvaka, both of whom were incapable of being slain by weapons. Well-conversant with the science of politics and morality, in counsel they were the foremost of all intelligent men. I have already told thee everything about that mighty pair. They two and Jarasandha, I believe, are more than a match for three worlds. O brave king, it was for this reason that the powerful Kukkura, Andhaka and Vrishni tribes, acting from motives of policy, did not deem it proper to fight with him."

Krishna's word; "Ourselves consisting of the eighteen younger branches of the Yadavas arrived at the conclusion that even if we struck our enemies continually with excellent weapons capable of taking the lives of the foes, we should p. 34 still be unable to do anything unto him even in three hundred years."
"Then, O great king, remembering the conclusion to which we had come of old we became exceedingly cheerless and fled from Mathura. Dividing our large wealth into small portions so as to make each portion easily portable, we fled from fear of Jarasandha, with our cousins and relatives. Reflecting upon everything, we fled towards the west. There is a delightful town towards the west called Kusasthali, adorned by the mountains of Raivata. In that city, O monarch, we took up our abode."
"We also, O king, from fear of Jarasandha, at one time had to leave Mathura and fly to the city of Dwaravati."
Conclusion; Krishna not once but many times accepted the fact he fled. This is not to say Krishna was weak, in my opinion Krishna was not in charge, it was his grandfather Ugrasen who may have decided to flee so as a loyal grandson Krishna followed his grandfathers lead.
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Misconceptions about him:
1 - "Bhishma defeated Jarasandha."
Quote;
"That the Kauravas in consequence of Bhishma's prowess, and the Andhakas and the Vrishnis in consequence of their policy, could not be subjugated by him was due only to their good fortune."
My conclusion: The battle with Bhishma was inconclusive it did not have a result, their was a treaty signed.
Why? Because dhritarashtra calls it good fortune which is very rare, it means that such a incident would not happen often if the same scenario was repeated continuosly. And he only mentioned how they (Kaurava's) could not be conquered indicating that Jarasandh is the agressor who attacked while the Kauravs just defended but also it shows that Jarasandh did not lose as if he did lose then either he would have died or an alliance would have been formed or Dhritarashtra would have mentioned it. Now clearly the andhaka's and vrishni's did not defeat Jarasandh, they were Yadav tribes that abandoned Mathura to be in Dwaravati (dwaraka).
What happened between Jarasandh and Bhishma?
Answer; My belief is that Jarasandh defeated the kaurava brothers or he demanded they accept his rule but then Bhishma intervened either as per someone's plea or as per his own sense of duty as he was indebted to Duryodhan. They had a fight and neither side could win so Jarasandh agreed to not subject the kauravas to his campaign. It was likely a battle of archery and not sword or mace as that was not Bhishma's fortitude.
Maybe; Bhishma might have cut a bow of Jarasandh and then Jarasandh challenged him to a mace fight and Bhishma refused thinking that Jarasandh would always win.

As per Bhagvatam (a fake text) Hastinapur agreed to assist Jarasandh in war against Mathura or Dwaraka, a incident occured where Pradyumna defeated Bhishma, Karna and Virat with Drupad too.

Misconception 2 - "Karna fought Jarasandh in the kingdom of Kaling"
What happened at Kaling?
Quoted text: "A great uproar then took place among the kings, all of whom were actuated by the desire for fight, 'Put on your coats of mail! Let the cars be made ready!' (These were the sounds that were heard). Filled with wrath, they pursued Karna and Duryodhana, showering their arrows upon them like masses of clouds pouring rain upon a couple of hills. As they thus pursued them, Karna felled their bows and arrows on the ground, each with a single arrow. Amongst them some became bowless, some rushed bow in hand, some were on the point of shooting their shafts, and some pursued them, armed with darts and maces. Possessed of great lightness of hands, Karna, that foremost of all smiters, afflicted them all. He deprived many kings of their drivers and thus vanquished all those lords of earth."

REASONS WHY JARASANDH DID NOT LOSE TO KARNA HERE; just all kings as a quote is not enough, you have to consider the fact that the term all lords of earth or all kings is always used alot and how duryodhan was not a king yet he gets called king many times even though he lived and died as a prince, and their were alot of prince's at the swayamvar not only kings, since Jarasandh's name was not mentioned in this quote this can never be considered his loss.
Next quote;
"Hearing of the fame of Karna's might, the ruler of the Magadhas, king Jarasandha, challenged him to a single combat. Both conversant with the celestial weapons, a fierce battle took place between them in which they struck each other with diverse kinds of arms. At last when their arrows were exhausted and bows and swords were broken and they both became carless, they began, possessed of might as they were, to fight with bare arms."

analyzing; it clearly says Jarasandh heard of karna's power, so he never fought Karna in the Kalinga Swayamvar, when the above quore clearly says that not only Jarasandh but even karna's arsenal of weapons was exhausted used up etc it shows that Jarasandh could hold his own against Karna so a conclusion is that it would be impossible for a powerful man like Jarasandh to be defeated by Karna at the Swayamvar when so many other people are at his side, if it happened then it would have been mentioned, but it was not so no Jarasandh didnt fight him here.

Basically; Santi Parva also does not mention anything about Jarasandh inviting karna at malini to avenge his defeat, nothing suggests that Jarasandh encountered Karna prior to the Malini incident. The reason Jarasandh invited Karna is because he heard of what karna did to other kings in the swayamvar. Jarasandh was not among the people that karna beat in that Swayamvar.

SO - Jarasandh did not fight Karna at Kaling.

Misconception 3 - "Karna defeated Jarasandha."

Truth - their are two conlusions i came when dealing with this misconception
either karna merely pleased Jarasandh in a short test fight and it was not a serious or significant or relevant battle because karna did not have the power required to kill or defeat Jarasandh, if he did then he wouldn't have been defeated by the Gandharva soldiers, Drupada, Satyaki, Bheem, Ghatotkatch, Dhrishtadyumn, Abhimanyu in fair fights. In Mahabharat Karna loses to all of these characters and is even frightened on two occasions by Nakul who is inferior to those warriors. If Jarasandh could be beaten by Karna then Krishna would not have feared him, (and yes Krishna did fear Jarasandh).

So basically (1st conclusion) "Jarasandh lost to Karna because Jarasandh only pretended to be defeated he wanted to test his friend's power before pursuing an alliance with him"

Or (2nd conclusion) - Jarasandh never even fought Karna he did not engage him in a battle. Which meant it is an interpolation (added later on aka not present in the original story/text).

The 2 conclusions are: Either the quotes that mention karna winning against jarasandh are interpolated or Jarasandh simply did not consider this a serious fight & just wanted to test the power of Karna to see if he is worthy of an alliance.
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Bonus; The quotes used by people to prove Karna won.

1) Sisupal:
"Praise thou, O Bhishma, this Karna, the ruler of the territories of Anga and Vanga, who is equal in strength unto him of a thousand eyes, who draweth a large bow, who endued with mighty arms owneth celestial ear-rings of heavenly make with which he was born and this coat of mail possessing the splendour of the rising sun, who vanquished in a wrestling encounter the invincible Jarasandha equal unto Vasava himself, and who tore and mangled that monarch."

Analyzing this quote; it says Karna was a ruler of Vanga as well, which is doubtful, how can this quote be trusted? We always here about Karna getting associated with the Anga's but never the Vanga's this is the first and last time karna was associated with this tribe.

Arjun donated to the vanga region in this chapter; https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01218.htm

Logic - why would Arjun donate to Karna of all people? Now as much as i respect Sishupal i dont think that this Karna beating Jarasandh quote is credible.
2) The only jarasandh vs karna fight that was described;
"While engaged with him in mortal combat with bare arms, Karna was about to sever the two portions of his antagonist's body that had been united together by Jara. The king (of Magadha), then after feeling himself p. 8 very much pained, cast off all desire of hostility and addressed Karna, saying, 'I am gratified.' From friendship he then gave unto Karna the town Malini."
Conclusion i came to: Jarasandh's desire was to test Karna's archery skills & sword combat skill not his wrestling skill, when they resorted to unarmed combat it was not wrestling but instead it was more of a fist vs fist fight or mixed martial arts, it was a unexpected turn of events for Jarasandh as his first action was to use a bow with arrows.
Reasoning; jarasandh upon feeling that pain chose not to resort to strength instead he said "i am gratified" and karna released him. Why do you think he chose to say it? It was not because karna was strong it is actually because Jarasandh knew that Karna would let him go after that so he refused to continue the battle. If Jarasandh wanted to then he could have continued the battle and attempt to turn the situation around in his favor but he refused. It also was not decided that the battle would be to death or that they would start with wrestling, both parties agreed to first use arrows. Some warriors wrestled for entertaining the spectators, others did it to test themselves or their peers. This incident is not credible for ranking Jarasandh's prowess. If it was a war then it would be more credible, but it was not.

3) Bhishma Parva;
"The mighty and invincible king Jarasandha also, ever boastful of his prowess in battle, could not become thy match in fight!"
while it is true that Bhishma mentions it at the tenth day of kurukshetra at the same time he contradicted himself and called Jarasandh invincible
my take on the quote is that Jarasandh was not taking the fight seriously enough and bhishma was referring to that as it was the only fight that happened between karna, jarasandh etc

Why this incident doesn't make sense. When Dhritarashtra is making attempts for peace their is a mention of Bheem getting immense praise and accolades, one of his acheivements mentioned is how he defeated Jarasandh and killed him. Nowhere do they bring Karna in the mix as even Dhritarashtra did not hold karna in high esteem, he didn't consider Karna a match for big names like Jarasandh, Bheem etc.

Quote;
"That the Kauravas in consequence of Bhishma's prowess, and the Andhakas and the Vrishnis in consequence of their policy, could not be subjugated by him was due only to their good fortune." [End quotE.]
POINT TO BE NOTED; as per Dhritrashtra the reason jarasandh didn't annex Hastinapur into his territory is Bhishma not Karna.

If karna really beat Jarasandh then these characters (shalya, ashwathama, kripa, drona, bhishma) would not be calling karna out for failing in his battles or bragging about himself. And as per Mahabharat they did call karna out for being a failed ally, friend & warrior.

Even earlier on in the Vaivahika & Viduragamana (2 sub-parvas of "Adi Parva") chapters these people warned Duryodhan and Dhritrashtra and Karna about the power that Pandava's possesed. Where was the mention of Karna fighting Jarasandh? Where did any of them say in those chapters that they have karna who beat Jarasandh so they dont need to worry about 1 Arjuna, 1 Krishna, 1 Bheem etc?

If he beat jarasandh then these people would have said "karna is right, he is justified to brag like this, the pandavs are a joke infront of karna, i want a mard like karna to be on our side not a impotent kutta like Hanuman!"

Also; The conquests of Jarasandh definitely surpassed whatever Karna did in his fakevijay yatra if Kripacharya or Bhishma were ever asked in their life who has achieved more they would pick Jarasandh not Karna as Karna never won against significant lords of the earth neither did he achieve anything spectaCular against Arjun before kurukshetra.

In this post i have provided many quotes and links to sabha parva where Jarasandh's exploits are mentioned. Compare that to pre-kurukshetra Karna and you will agree that Karna is not half as strong as Jarasandha. So bhishma mentioning it could be a clerical error or the fight he referred to was lost by Jarsandh due to the fact he didnt consider karna a enemy worthy of his full power.
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Additional conclusions;
As per Harivamsa the two pajeets (karna, bhishma) were vassals, fiefs etc (dependent servants) of Jarasandh. Ins earch for allies a sher (Jarasandh) recruited two kuttis (bhishma & karna) to be his pawns in the battle against Dwaraka, Mathura etc.

As per Mahabharat their was only one battle between Jarasandh and Karna & it was not at a Swayamvar. And if we read Udyoga Parva, Vana Parva etc it seems like Karna was inferior to Jarasandha, Bheem etc because the poets, scribes and advisors of Dhritashtra praised Bheem not Karna.

As per most TV serials Jarasandh was a minor character who didn't have much of a impact in Mahabharat.
As per Madhvacharya's text Jarasandh lost once to Karna, but then he made Karna run away when Duryodhan tried abducting the daughter of Suvraja (another king), and Jarasandh was an incarnation of Kartaveerya Sahastrarjuna, while Sisupal was Ravan's avatar & jArasandha was also a ansh of the sudarshan chakra. The reason for his defeat to karna was because Karna fought without a spirit of comeptitive feeling but then in their 2nd fight karna lost because he made the mistake of being competitive.
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What i concluded for myself;
1. I would never rank Jarasandh among the elite mace fighters of Mahabharat but i would rank him as a top wrestler.
2. I believe most of Jarasandh's fights were with bow and arrows, in his campaigns across aryavarth (yes the aryan invasion was true and it was a land of racist aryans not honorable natives).
3. Jarasandh was probably feared by people due to three reasons one - his physical strength two - the political alliances he formed with a emperor like vishmaka (rukmini's father not that pajeet son of ganga), a warrior like Sisupal (he did burn Dwaraka down once sisupal is superior to hanuman), and alot of other people. 3 - because of Jarasandh's two generals (Hansa, Dimvika), they must have been hard to defeat.
4. I dont believe the story of Kal yavan though. And i dont think their was another asura named Naraka that lived in the same era of Krishna, Balaram, Duryodhan, Arjun, Jarasandh, Sisupal. If their was such a asura that existed in that era then he cannot be considered a winner of the 3 worlds because it makes no sense how so many world conquerors can co exist at the same exact time, how can the world be repeatedly conquered by multiple people in a timespan of less than 40 years? It just doesn't make sense.
5. My last conclusion is that Jarasandh's 2 main advantages were his alliances with several kings & his close combat skills (though he almost certainly used the arrow alot more he was still more proficient in close combat with swords, axes, fists, maces etc).
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My next post will be either about Satyaki or how many Aukshounis were truly slain in the Kurukshetra battle.
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