The war began. The vast sea of soldiers from both sides were attacking each other like two mighty oceans were trying to break their shores. The noise of the war cries and sounds of conches, drums, elephants and horses was terrible. Duryodhana and Bhishma started mowing down the Pandava army by his scythe like arrows. Dristadhyumna Abhimanyu, Bhima rushed to fight with them.

Bhishma and Arjuna were locked in a fight. Another fight was going on between Bhima on one side and brothers of Duryodhana on the other side. Duryodhana also joined them to attack Bhima. Dussasan and Nakula were engaged in a duel. Abhimanyu was furious. He was in terrible form. He brought havoc on the Kauravas army. Even Bhishma found it difficult to check his great grandson in his fiery burst. The banner of Bhishma chariot was on the ground. Bhishma, Salya and Kritavarma, all tasted the sharp ends of Abhimanyu's arrows. Everyone was looking amazed at the bravery and skill of Arjuna's son and Krishna's disciple. Uttara Kumara and Sweta, sons of Virata led a direct attack on Bhishma. Uttara Kumar saw Salya and directed his arrows on him. He killed the horses of Salya's chariot. A fierce fight took place between the two. Finally Salya threw a javelin, which pierced through Uttara Kumara's heart, and he died a brave death.

Enraged on his brother's death, Sweta came down on the army of the Kauravas like a thunderbolt. He was unstoppable. He wounded and harassed Salya. He caused such havoc on the Kaurava army that finally Bhishma had to come to stop him. Bhishma killed Sweta after a tough fight.

So fierce was the battle and the soldiers were so absorbed in their fighting that it was noticed by none when the sunset. First days fight was over. Kauravas camp was very jubilant. Bhishma had cut down the army of the Pandavas like blades of grass by a scythe. Two sons of Virata, Uttara Kumar and Sweta had fallen.

Yudhisthira was in the dumps. His disappointment was terrible. The loss of so many brave soldiers and two young sons of Virata were telling heavily upon his minds. He sought out Krishna and said, My lord, I was never in favour of this war. So many soldiers butchered and sons of Virata have fallen. There doesn't seem to away to stop Bhishma. Only Bhima's heart is in his fight on our side. How long can he survive against Drona and Bhishma? They are equipped with divine astras dear brother Bhima is no match to them. I shudder to think if anything happens to Bhima.

Krishna, Satyaki and Dhistadhyumna consoled Yudhisthira. As the night had advanced and the next day was another day, they all went to take, whatever rest they could get, so as to be ready, for the next day's fight.