Who Had the Upper Hand Each Day in the Mahabharata War?

The Mahabharata war, considered the greatest war in history, lasted for 18 days. Millions of warriors lost their lives. Lord Krishna guided the Pandavas and ensured the victory of Dharma. Here is a summary of how each day of the war unfolded:

**Day 1:** Before the war began, Arjuna was overcome with grief. Krishna gave him the divine knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita. Yuyutsu joined the Pandavas. The Pandavas suffered heavy losses on the first day.

**Day 2:** A fierce battle took place between Bhishma, Drona, Arjuna and Satyaki. Bhima killed thousands of soldiers. The Pandavas gained an upper hand.

**Day 3:** Bhima and Ghatotkacha pushed back the Kaurava army. Krishna was about to intervene against Bhishma but Arjuna stopped him.

**Day 4:** Bhima created havoc in the Kaurava army and destroyed their elephant division. The Kauravas suffered heavy losses.

**Day 5:** Bhishma caused massive destruction in the Pandava army. Satyaki’s sons were killed.

**Day 6:** The battle was fought using Makar and Krauncha formations. Bhishma destroyed the Panchala army.

**Day 7:** Arjuna devastated the Kaurava forces. Duryodhana faced defeat.

**Day 8:** Bhima killed many of Duryodhana’s brothers. Iravan was killed. The Kauravas suffered major losses.

**Day 9:** Bhishma’s fierce attack caused heavy damage to the Pandavas. Krishna almost took up arms.

**Day 10:** With Shikhandi’s help, Arjuna felled Bhishma Pitamah. The Kauravas lost their greatest warrior.

**Day 11:** Dronacharya became the commander. He tried to capture Yudhishthira but Arjuna saved him.

**Day 12:** The Kauravas’ plan failed again. Arjuna protected Yudhishthira.

**Day 13:** The Chakravyuh was formed. Abhimanyu fought valiantly but was killed by multiple warriors. This was the biggest loss for the Pandavas.

**Day 14:** Arjuna killed Jayadratha before sunset, fulfilling his vow.

**Day 15:** Drona was misled by the false news of Ashwatthama’s death and was killed by Dhrishtadyumna.

**Day 16:** Karna became the commander. He fought fiercely but had to use his divine weapon to kill Ghatotkacha.

**Day 17:** Arjuna killed Karna. The morale of the Kaurava army was completely broken.

**Day 18:** On the final day, Ashwatthama attacked the Pandava camp at night and killed Draupadi’s sons. Bhima killed Duryodhana. The Pandavas finally achieved victory.

The 18-day war changed the course of history and established the victory of Dharma over Adharma.