Ep 71: The Eighth Day: Iravan Falls, Ghatotkacha Rises

Narrated by Kumar Varun.The eighth day of the Kurukshetra war saw Bhishma deploying the Kaurava forces in the tortoise formation, countered by the Pandavas’ three-pronged assault. Bhima killed eight of Duryodhana’s brothers, fulfilling part of his vow. The Pandavas suffered a loss with the death of Arjuna’s son, Iravan, which spurred Ghatotkacha into a ferocious assault. Bhima joined his son to wreak havoc, killing sixteen of Duryodhana’s brothers. By sunset, the Kaurava camp was left battered and demoralized.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa’s Mahabharata (Critical Edition) – Sanskrit text with descriptions of the eighth day’s formations and battles.2. C. Rajagopalachari’s Mahabharata – A retelling focusing on the human emotions and key moments of the battle.3. P. Lal’s Mahabharata (Condensed Version) – Detailed accounts of Bhima’s rampage and Iravan’s tragic fall.4. The Mahabharata: A Modern Retelling by CSatyamurtiamurti – A narrative exploration of the war’s emotional impact.