Both the armies were standing facing each other. One side led by Bhishma and the other by Dhristadhymna.Suddenly Yudhisthira came down from his chariot and to everyone's surprise, took off his armour and put down his weapons. He then started towards the Kauravas side. Seeing him doing this Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahdeva rushed after him. They also took off there armour and laid down their arms. Arjuna was at a loss to understand Yudhisthira unusual action. He asked Krishna, what was Yudhisthira up to? Krishna smiled and said, Yudhishthira is going to Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Salya to seek their permission to fight against them. Only after receiving the blessings of the elders can he hope to win the war. Yudhisthira went up to Bhishma and fell at his feet. He said, "Grand father now war is certain, being a Kshatriya, I cannot avoid it. We are in the unfortunate position. We have to fight you. We want your blessings to ensure our victory." Bhishma said, My child victory is already yours. Where is dharma, there is Krishna. He is on your side. How victory can go elsewhere? My blessings are always with you. Similarly Yudhisthira received blessings of Drona, Kripa and Salya. Then Yudhisthira came back to his side. Now everyone was ready. The war was about to commence.

Yudhisthira made an announcement. He said, "now the war is about to begin, anyone who wants to change the sides at this moment may do so now. Anyone who wants to leave the Kauravas side is welcome to join us. Yuyutsu, the brother of Duryodhana came to Yudhisthira with folded hands. He said, can you allow me to join your side. Yudhisthra welcomed him with open arms and said, "I am glad that at least you shall be there to lit the funeral pyre of your father. All others Kauravas will die. Since everyone knew that Yudhisthira could never tell lie, a shiver ran through the spines of all the Kauravas after hearing this dire prophecy. They all were also reminded of the terrible oaths of Bhima.

The Pandavas put on their armors and took up their weapons. Their very sight was causing fear in the hearts of the enemies. They looked very formidable and embodience of death itself. Conchs, drums and trumpets were sounded once again with more vigour and force.

Duryodhana observed the army of the Pandavas. He closely watched the arrangements of the arrangements of the phalanxes in a 'Vyuha'. He went up to Drona and said, "Look my lord, Look at the army of the Pandavas, which is arrayed in the battle formation by your able, disciple Dhristadhyumna. All heroes like Bhima, Arjuna, Satyaki, Virata, Drupada, Dhristaketu, Chekitan, lord of Kashi are there ready for the war. Besides them, I can see Purujit, Kuntibhoja, Saivya and other two sons of Drupada, Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas. Abhimanyu, too is there with the others sons of Draupadi. All those are (Maharathi) - is a warrior of highest ability and merit. Atirathi is just below him in rank). Maharathis. Now I shall give you the names of the chief warriors of our side for your kind information. Apart from your honoured self, Bhishma, Karna and Kripa is there who has never tasted defeat in life. Ashvatthama and Vikarna are there. Bhurishrava, the sons of Somadatta is here. I would request you all to ensure the safety of Bhishma from all the sides.

Bhishma at that moment blew his conch, after roaring like a lion to cheer up the Kaurava side. Then the sounds of Panchajanya, Krishna's conch, Devadatta, Paundra, Anantavijaya, Sughosha and manipushapaka respective conches of Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhisthira, Nakula and Sahdeva, were heard across the battlefield, then great sounds reverberating the sky were heard from the conches of the king of Kashi. Shikhandi, Satyaki, Dhistadhymna, Virata, Drupada, the sons of Draupada and Abhimanyu.