Vindaअवन्ति के विन्द

An Attack on Arjuna’s Tired Team

As Arjuna and Krishna drive toward Jayadratha, the ruler of Sindhu, their horses become exhausted, hungry, thirsty and wounded. Vinda and Anuvinda notice the animals’ condition and bring their forces against the chariot. They shoot at Arjuna, Krishna and the four horses, attempting to stop their progress.

Arjuna returns their fire and wounds both princes. He cuts their bows and golden standards, but the brothers take up fresh bows and keep shooting. Arjuna cuts those weapons too. He then kills their horses, charioteers and the warriors protecting their rear, dismantling the support on which their chariot attack depends.

A broad-headed arrow from Arjuna cuts off Vinda’s head. His younger brother Anuvinda abandons his disabled chariot, takes a mace and rushes forward to avenge him. Anuvinda strikes Krishna on the forehead, but Krishna stands firm. Arjuna answers with arrows that sever Anuvinda’s limbs and kill him.

The brothers’ followers continue the attack after both princes have fallen. Arjuna fights through them and resumes his advance. The encounter is therefore one of the obstacles on his way toward Jayadratha, with the exhausted horses providing the opportunity that Vinda and Anuvinda try to exploit.