Kurukshetra War Day-18

On the 18th day, Yudhishthira killed king Shalya, Sahadeva killed Shakuni, and Bhima killed Duryodhana's remaining brothers. Realizing that he has been defeated, Duryodhana fled the warzone and took refuge in the lake. However Pandava's caught up with him. Under the supervision of the now returned Balarama, a mace battle took place between Bhima and Duryodhana in which Duryodhana was mortally wounded. Later Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Kritvarma met Duryodhana on his deathbed and promised to avenge him. They attacked Pandava's camp later that night and killed all Pandava's son, including Dhristadyumna and Shikhandi.

Aftermath of the War

At the end of the 18th day, only ten warriors survived the war – the five Pandavas, Krishna, Satyaki, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Kritvarma. Yudhisthira was crowned king of Hastinapur. He renounced the throne after ruling for more than 30 years, passing on the crown to Arjuna's grandson Parikshita. He then left for the Himalayas with Draupadi and his brothers in what was to be their last journey. Draupadi and four Pandavas – Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva – died during the journey. Yudhisthira, the lone survivor and being of pious heart, was invited by Dharma to enter the heavens as a mortal.

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