Jayadrath respect thread (saved)
Another underrated character though he was given some credit in TV serials still no one has pro trayed him accurately, this great mard was a better fighter than bhishma, parashuram and karna combined the reasons will be stated below. He was a real man based on his fighting skills. But fans continue to underrate him.
Before Kurukshetra war.
Jayadrath was the owner of 10 nations:
"That hero who had under his sway ten kingdoms, having Sindhu for their chief, him who was ever obedient to thee, Jayadratha of mighty energy."
Commentary; either he got them through inheritence or he got them through conquest, regardless theirv would be at least a few revolts in these kingdoms yet to maintain his control over them Jayadrath would have to be incredibly skilled. Like Ravan was a owner of ten islands, similarly Jayadrath was a owner of ten kingdoms he was an emperor and unlike Ravan he ruled in the north not in the south.
Source; https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08005.htm
1) Droupadi's claim:
"Art thou, as sole ruler, governing with justice the rich countries of Saivya, Sivi, Sindhu and others that thou hast brought under thy sway?"
Commentary; she confirmed two other kingdsoms besides sindhu/sauvira that Jayadrath had control over.
Link; https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03265.htm
2) These people (Trigarta's, Ikshwaku's) were warriors that served Jayadrath:
And the great warrior killed in battle, with the arrow, the leaders of the Ikshwakus and the hosts of Sivis and Trigartas and Saindhavas. And a great many elephants with their colours, and chariots with standards, were seen to fall by the hand of Arjuna. And heads without trunks, and trunks without heads, lay covering the entire field of battle. And dogs, and herons and ravens, and crows, and falcons, and jackals, and vultures, feasted on the flesh and blood of warriors slain on that field. And when Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, saw that his warriors were slain,
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03269.htm
Conclusion; this means that the descendants of Ram and Dashrath were submissive to Jayadrath.
Jayadrath's allies.
1) Shalva:
"Meanwhile, the famous king of Sindhu, the son of Vriddhakshatra was, with a view to matrimony, proceeding to the kingdom of Salwa, dressed in his best royal apparel and accompanied by numerous princes."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03262.htm
2) Ayodhya:
"The dark and handsome young man, the scourge of his enemies, standing at the edge of that tank, is the son of Suvala of the race of Ikshwaku."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
3)Suratha (king of sivi's clan):
"I am king Suratha's son whom people know by the name of Kotika." [read the previous chapter in the link it says that Jayadrath ordered Kotika]
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
4) Trigart:
"That man with eyes large as the petals of the lotus, sitting on a chariot of gold, like the sacrificial fire on the altar, is the warrior known by the name of Kshemankara, king of Trigarta."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
5) Pulinda:
"And behind him is the famous son of the king of Pulinda, who is even now gazing on thee. Armed with a mighty bow and endued with large eyes, and decorated with floral wreaths, he always liveth on the breasts of mountains."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03263.htm
6) Sauviras and sindhu were 2 main kingdoms that Jayadrath ruled.
Vaishampayan claims Jayadrath was a ruler of other countries (besides those top two):
"Thus addressed, the evil-minded Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, Sauvira and other countries."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03265.htm
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Jayadrath was the star of Kshatriyas in sapta sindhu (the region with seven rivers in south west asia).
During Kurukshetra.
1st day.
Quote 1:
"That chastiser of foes, king Drupada, then, in great wrath rushed against Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus, cheerfully waiting (for battle). The ruler of the Sindhus pierced Drupada in that combat with three shafts, and Drupada pierced him in return. And the battle that took place between them was terrible and fierce"
Commentary; he definitely put up a better fight against Drupad than karna, yuyutsu, suyodhana, duhsasan, vikarn etc did, this jaydrath was better than karna & 101 sons of dhritarashtra combined.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06045.htm
Drupad vs Bhishma (9th day):
"And Drupada pierced Bhishma with five and twenty shafts, and Virata pierced him with ten, and Sikhandin with five and twenty. Deeply pierced (with those shafts) he became covered with blood, and looked beautiful like a red Asoka variegated with flowers. Then the son of Ganga pierced, in return, each of them with three straight shafts. And then, O sire, he cut off Drupada's bow with a broad-headed arrow. The latter then, taking up another bow, pierced Bhishma with five shafts. And he pierced Bhishma's charioteer also with three sharp shafts on the field of battle."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06104.htm
Drona vs Drupad (day 9);
"And so king Drupada also, having pierced Drona with many whetted shafts, once more pierced him with seventy shafts and his charioteer with nine. The valiant Drona, pierced the latter's charioteer also, Then, O king, Drupada, thus afflicted at the head of his troops, retreated by the aid of his fleet steeds, recollecting the hostility that existed from days of old (between himself and Drona)."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06105.htm
CONCLUSION; jaydrath did better against droopada than bhishma did but drona did better than jaydrath
it is true they fought on seperate days but the fact is Jayadrath was a top warrior for his achievements.
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2nd day.
Quote 1:
Bhishma the son of Santanu, protected by the warriors headed by Saindhava and by the combatants of the East and the Sauviras and the Kekayas, encountered with great impetuosity
Commentary; he defended bhishma and protected him this day. Because ganga's beta is a cub who gets protected by a tiger like jaydrath.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06052.htm
3rd day.
Jaydrath destroyed chariot-warriors of the pandava army:
"Then Bhishma and Drona, and Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus and Purumitra, and Vikarna, and Sakuni the son of Suvala-these warriors invincible in battle and possessed of leonine prowess-staying in battle broke the ranks of the Pandavas."
Commentary; as per the badass scribe sanjaya the fact is that jayadrath was invincible in battles AND he was breaking the ranks of the pandav army.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06057.htm
Other things Jayadrath did during this day was lose to Arjun in warfare and participate in futile group attacks.
4th day.
Nothing major was done by him, he was just a recurring side character for this day. In my opinion Jayadrath was being smart and choosing to take it easy this day by resting so he would perform better the next day like a real man unlike that namard parashuram.
5th day.
Quote 1:
"Then, O king, with many huge and fleet steeds of the Kamvoja breed, and surrounded by many thousand of Gopas with a large Gopayana force and supported by the Madras, the Sauviras, the Gandharas and the Trigartas, and surrounded by all the principal Kalingas, the king of the Kalingas, and king Jayadratha accompanied by all the kings."
Commentary; Jayadrath was considered a leader of kings here.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06071.htm
Quote 2:
"Bhishma engaged in battle with the diadem decked (Arjuna). And the king of Avanti engaged with the ruler of Kasi, and the ruler of the Sindhus engaged with Bhimasena."
Commentary; Jayadrath was involved in one of the 3 main battles that day.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06071.htm
"as also that mighty bowman the ruler of the Sindhus supported by his friends and kinsmen and many kings of the west and the south also."
Commentary; as it is Jayadrath was aiding Drona and Kripa to fight Arjun though some people may consider it a low point, the fact is that it's not a matter of shame for Jayadrath as even overrated namards like karna get respect despite the amount of group attacks they did even Hanuman gets respect from ignorant people so its unfair to insult Jayadrath for a group attack, i agree he was supported by many people it was unfair but the problem is this is all against Arjuna, the same warrior that conquered forty kingdoms in his digvijay and slayed millions of warriors (nivatakavachas).
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06072.htm
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6th day story - their was nothing important done by Jayadratha for most of this day.
Then that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the mighty king of the Sindhus, supported by many brave warriors, placed himself on the flank of Duryodhana. And then that great car-warrior, viz., Kripa, O king, caused the vindictive Duryodhana, that son of Kuru's race, of immeasurable energy, to mount on his own car. Then king Duryodhana, deeply pierced by Bhimasena and feeling great pain, sat down on the terrace of that car. Then Jayadratha, desirous of slaying Bhima, surrounded him on all sides with several thousands of cars. Then, O king, Dhrishtaketu and Abhimanyu of great energy, and the Kekayas, and the sons of Draupadi, all encountered thy sons.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06080.htm
7th day - Jaydrath cut the bows of Yudhishthir, Nakul, Bheem, Arjun etc.
Quote 1:
"Of fierce might and great energy king Jayadratha of sure aim, advancing in battle, forcibly cut off with his own excellent bow the bows of all those mighty car-warriors."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06086.htm
Whose bow did he cut off?
Answered by a Quote:
"The high-souled Yudhishthira also, accompanied by Bhima and the sons of Madri towards Bhishma, the son of Santanu, for battle."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06086.htm
2nd quote:
"And having slain also the forces of those kings, Jishnu sped for Bhishma's slaughter."
3rd quote:
"Then that distinguished bowman, desirous of approaching Bhishma beheld Duryodhana and other kings headed by the ruler of the Sindhus. Fighting with great energy for a moment and checking those warriors that were desirous of protecting Bhishma, the heroic Arjuna of great valour and infinite prowess avoiding Duryodhana and Jayadratha and others"
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06086.htm
8th day - he lost to the same ghatotkatch that defeated karna and many other warriors no shame in jayadrath losing to a warrior that was better than parshuram, bhishma etc
9th day
Quote:
"son of Subhadra careered on the field on his car whose limbs were decked with gold, people were incapable of finding an opportunity (for striking him). Confounding Kripa and Drona and mighty son of Drona, as also the ruler of the Sindhus, the great bowman moved on the field of battle with great activity and skill. As he consumed thy troops, O Bharata, I beheld his bow incessantly drawn to a circle and resembling on that account the circular halo of light that is sometimes seen around the Sun."
Commentary; after this incident duryodhan tells the raksh warrior Alamvus to focus on Abhimanyu while bhishma with drona will focus on arjun
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06101.htm
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10th day.
Bhimasena then, with three arrows, despatched unto Death's domain the steeds of the ruler of the Sindhus as also his charioteer. Thereupon that mighty car-warrior, (viz., Jayadratha), quickly jumping down from that car whose steeds had been slain, shot in that battle many sharp-pointed shafts at Bhimasena. Then, O sire, with a couple of broad-headed arrows, he cut off, O chief of the Bharatas, the bow of the high-souled king of the Sindhus in the middle. His bow cut off, himself deprived of car, his steeds and charioteer slain, Jayadratha then, O king, quickly mounted on the car of Chitrasena. Indeed, the son of Pandu achieved in that battle a most wonderful feat, for piercing all those mighty car-warriors and holding them in check, he deprived, O sire, the ruler of the Sindhus of his car in the very sight of all the army.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06114.htm
His weapons failed against his enemy;
"And the Sindhu king, of strong arms, hurled at him a lance and an axe.The son of the Wind-god then cut off, with a sharp shaft, that lance in twain. And he cut off that axe also with three shafts, as if it were a sesame stalk."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06114.htm
Jaydrath vs Arjun and Bheem:
"Jayadratha, staying on the car of Chitrasena, pierced Partha (in return), O Bharata, and then, without loss of time, Bhima also, with his shafts."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06115.htm
Jaydrath contributed to the firing of a million arrows:
"The kings quickly sped at Dhananjaya's car myriads upon myriads and millions upon millions of arrows furnished with peacock feathers."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06115.htm
Jaydrath fought king Virat:
"And Virata, at the head of his forces, encountered Jayadratha supported by his own troops."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06116.htm
Stalemate;
"The king of Sindhus, having pierced Virata with nine straight arrows of keen points, once more struck him with thirty. Virata, however, O king, that commander of a large division, struck Jayadratha in the centre of his chest with thirty shafts of keen points. The ruler of the Matsyas and the ruler of the Sindhus, both armed with beautiful bows and beautiful scimitars, both decked with handsome coats of mail and weapons and standards, and both of beautiful forms looked resplendent in that battle."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06117.htm
Group effort;
"Jayadratha the ruler of the Sindhus, and Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Salya, and Bhagadatta could not brook that act of Arjuna. Inflamed with rage, they rushed at him. Indeed, those mighty car-warriors, invoking into existence celestial weapons, fell with great wrath upon that son of Pandu, and covered him with their arrows."
"Hearing that furious uproar, the mighty car-warriors of the Pandava army rushed forward, O bull of Bharata's race, for protecting Arjuna. They were Satyaki, and Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race, and both Virata and Drupada, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and the wrathful Abhimanyu. These seven, inflamed with rage, and armed with excellent bows, rushed with great speed. And the battle that took place between these and the Kaurava warriors was fierce, making the hair stand on end, and resembling O chief of the Bharatas, the battle of the gods with the Danavas."
Commentary; this proves that Jayadrath could use celestial weapons.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06120.htm
commentary; satyaki, yudhisthir, the twins and bheem that is five warriors
commentary; eight warriors were listed
Rescuer of karna:
Behold that Jayadratha, who was protected by the illustrious Drona, slain by Partha bent on accomplishing his vow, after penetrating through eleven Akshauhinis of troops. Inauspicious vultures, O Janardana, are feeding upon Jayadratha, the lord of the Sindhu-Sauviras, full of pride and energy! Though sought to be protected by his devoted wives, see, O Acyuta, carnivorous creatures are dragging his body away to a jungle in the vicinity. The Kamboja and Yavana wives of that mighty-armed lord of the Sindhus and the Sauviras are waiting upon him for protecting him (from the wild beasts).
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m11/m11021.htm
He had at least 3 wives.
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What happened on day 13?
1st (his position):
"And at the head of that army was the commander Drona looking like the rising sun. And there stood the ruler of the Sindhus, of great beauty of person, and immovable like the cliff of Meru. Standing by the side of the ruler of the Sindhus and headed by Aswatthaman, were, O king, thy thirty sons, resembling the very gods. There also on Jayadratha's flank, were those mighty car-warriors, the ruler of Gandhara, the gamester (Sakuni), and Salya, and Bhurisrava."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07032.htm
2nd: Jaydrath checked 20 characters combined including Bheem, Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumn, Yudhisthir etc. Its harder to do it when they come at you together at the same time.
Pandav warriors that followed Abhimanyu:
"(five) sons of Draupadi, who had on their banners the images of Yama and Maruta and Sakra and the twin Aswins, and Satyaki, and Chekitana, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Sikhandin, and the Kekayas, and Dhrishtaketu, and the Matsyas, Panchalas, and the Srinjayas, and the Pandavas headed by Yudhishthira, were filled with joy. And all of them rushed with speed, desirous of piercing Drona's array. Then a dreadful battle took place between the warriors and those of the foe"
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07037.htm
Jayadrath lasted the longest against Abhimanyu:
"Amongst thy warriors thus slaughtered by Abhimanyu with sharp shafts, none, O monarch, stayed any longer on the field of battle except the ruler of the Sindhus."
Commentary; basically he lasts longer in battles than karna, drona, ashwathama, suyodhana, shalya etc do
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07038.htm
Jayadrath's enemies move: "Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, and Sikhandin and Satyaki, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna and Virata, and Drupada, and Kekaya, and Dhristaketu, all filled with wrath, and the Matsya warrior, rushed to battle. Indeed, Abhimanyu's sires accompanied by his maternal uncles, those smiters of foes, arrayed in order of battle rushed along the self-same path that Abhimanyu had created, desirous of rescuing him."
Jayadrath's war:
"Beholding those heroes rushing, thy troops turned away from the fight. Seeing then that vast army of thy son turning away from the fight, the son-in-law of great energy rushed to rally them. Indeed, king Jayadratha, the son of the ruler of the Sindhus, checked, with all their followers, the Parthas, desirous of rescuing their son. That fierce and great bowman, the son of Vriddhakshatra, invoking into existence celestial weapons resisted the Pandavas, like an elephant sporting in a low land."
Commentary; its clear that Jaydrath had celestial weapons based on the above text. However this battle did not have a result as their was no one who lost the important factor (besides jaydrath's weapons) is that at least 11 commanders teamed up on jayadratha and he alone was able to hold them in check.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm
Opinion of king dhritarashtra:
"I think, Sanjaya, that heavy was the burthen thrown upon the ruler of the Sindhus, inasmuch as alone he had to resist the angry Pandavas desirous of rescuing their son. Exceedingly wonderful, I think, was the might and heroism of the ruler of the Sindhus. Tell me what the high-souled warrior's prowess was and how he accomplished that foremost of feats. What gifts did he make, what libations had he poured, what sacrifices had he performed, what ascetic austerities had he well undergone, in consequence of which, single-handed, he succeeded in checking Parthas excited with wrath?"
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm
Jaydrath's tapasya:
"Restraining his senses from all objects dear to them, bearing hunger, thirst and heat, he reduced his body till his swollen veins became visible. Uttering the eternal words of the Veda, he paid his adoration to the god Mahadeva. That illustrious Deity, always inspired with compassion for his devotees, at last, became kind towards him. Indeed, Hara, appearing in a dream unto the ruler of the Sindhus."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm
"In consequence of that boon which he had received and of the strength also of his celestial weapons, Jayadratha, single-handed, held in check the entire army of the Pandavas. The twang of his bow-string and the slaps of his palms inspired the hostile Kshatriyas with fear, filling thy troops, at the same time with delight. And the Kshatriyas (of the Kuru army), beholding that the burthen was taken up by the ruler of the Sindhus, rushed with loud shouts, O monarch, to that part of the field where Yudhishthira's army was."
Commentary; the 2nd reason for Jaydraths performance was his celestial weapons, this proves that he was a competent fighter and since bhishma never achieved such a feat we can not claim that he was better than Jaydrath. Though Jayadrath was alone able to check the pandav army with each of its warriors it is mentioned at the end that a few kuru warriors came to his side (either to witness his power or to assist him).
Jayadrath also had the power of creating fear in his opponents and enemies by twanging his bow and by clapping his palm.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07039.htm
Jaydrath's equipment that day:
Large steeds of the Sindhu breed, well-trained and fleet as the wind, and obedient to the commands of the charioteer, bore him (on that occasion). His car, duly equipped, looked like a vapoury edifice in the welkin. His standard bearing the device of a large boar in silver, looked exceedingly beautiful. With his white umbrella and banners, and the yak-tails with which he was fanned--which are regal indications--he shone like the Moon himself in the firmament. His car-fence made of iron was decked with pearls and diamonds and gems and gold. And it looked resplendent like the firmament bespangled with luminous bodies. Drawing his large bow and scattering countless shafts, he once more filled up that array in those places where openings had been made by the son of Arjuna.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07040.htm
Jayadrath fought many top tiers:
"And he pierced Satyaki with three arrows, and Vrikodara with eight; and having pierced Dhrishtadyumna with sixty arrows, he pierced Drupada with five sharp ones, and Sikhandin with ten. Piercing then the Kaikeyas with five and twenty arrows, Jayadratha pierced each of the five sons of Draupadi with three arrows. And piercing Yudhishthira then with seventy arrows, the ruler of the Sindhus pierced the other heroes of the Pandava army with thick showers of shafts."
commentar; at least 196 arrows were fired by jayadrath here
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07040.htm
Jayadrath's fight continues:
"Then, O monarch, the valiant son of Dharma, aiming Jayadratha's bow, cut it off with a polished and well-tempered shaft, smiling the while. Within the twinkling, however, of the eye, the ruler of the Sindhus took up another bow and piercing Pratha (Yudhishthira) with ten arrows struck each of the others with three shafts. Marking that lightness of hands showed by Jayadratha, Bhima then with three broad-headed shafts, quickly felled on the earth his bow, standard and umbrella. The mighty Jayadratha then, taking up another bow, strung it and felled Bhima's standard and bow and steeds. O sire! His bow cut off, Bhimasena then jumping down from that excellent car whose steeds had been slain, mounted on the car of Satyaki, like a lion jumping to the top of a mountain. Seeing this, thy troops were filled with joy. And they loudly shouted, 'Excellent! Excellent!' And they repeatedly applauded that feat of the ruler of the Sindhus."
Commentary; though jaydrath had the advantage the fact is he had to do labour to win as his bow was cut off twice its a good thing he had a fresh supply of bows in his chariot that he could use otherwise he might not have succeeded, bheem & yudhisthir clearly lost this fight
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07040.htm
"Indeed, all creatures highly applauded that feat of his, which consisted in his resisting, single-handed, all the Pandavas together, excited with wrath. The path that the son of Subhadra had made for the Pandavas by the slaughter of numerous warriors and elephants was then filled up by the ruler of the Sindhus. Indeed, those heroes, viz., the Matsyas, the Panchalas, the Kaikeyas, and the Pandavas, exerting themselves vigorously, succeeded in approaching the presence of Jayadratha, but none of them could bear him. Everyone amongst thy enemies who endeavoured to pierce the array that had been formed by Drona, was checked by the ruler of the Sindhus in consequence of the boon he had got (from Mahadeva)."
The rest of Jaydrath's battle was offscreened (meaning Sanjay didnt mention further details):
"As regards the other combatants of thy army, beholding that Jayadratha had taken upon himself the heavy duty (of keeping off the Pandavas), they supported him, O king, by rushing against Yudhishthira. Many amongst them, endued with great strength, drawing their bows full six cubits long, showered on the heroic son of Subhadra arrowy downpours like torrents of rain. Subhadra's son, however, that slayer of hostile heroes, paralysed by his shafts all those great bowmen, conversant with every branch of learning."
Commentary; It is mentioned that Jayadrath was keeping off the pandavs and their army, but then other kuru warriors (the ones that did not engage in conflict with abhimanyu) were supporting Jayadrath in his battle, they ran to Yudhisthir to attack him, though it makes no sense cause these un named warriors seem to have changed their mind and changed their attack target to Abhimanyu instead. After that Abhimanyu rendered them motionless with his arrows.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07044.htm
Yudhisthir's opinion after the war:
"I asked Abhimanyu to open a passage for us in battle. He penetrated within the hostile army, but we could not follow him, obstructed by the ruler of the Sindhus. Alas, they that betake themselves to battle as a profession, always fight with antagonists equally circumstanced with themselves."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07049.htm
His description of Jaydrath's power:
"Then, O sire, the wretched king of the Sindhus, viz., Jayadratha, in consequence of the boon granted to him by Rudra, checked all of us!"
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07070.htm
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Accolades.
Quote 1:
Who is there that could think of the death of such heroes as Jayadratha and Karna and Drona and Bhishma and Abhimanyu?
Commentary: though it is true i dont think highly of karn and bhishm at the same time the point of this quote is that Jayadrath was at the very least ranked in the same category as those two people. Yet thesedays the fans continue to underrate jaydrath.
Source: https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m11/m11015.htm
Quote 2:
The king of the Sindhus, O monarch, is in my judgment, equal to two Rathas. That best of car-warriors will fight in battle, displaying great prowess. Humiliated, O king, by the Pandavas on the occasion of his, abducting Draupadi, and bearing that humiliation in mind, that slayer of hostile heroes will fight (for thee). Having practised after that, O king, the severest austerities, he obtained a boon, highly difficult of acquisition, for encountering the Pandavas in battle. That tiger among car-warriors, therefore, remembering his old hostility, will, O sire, fight with the Pandavas in battle, reckless of his very life which is so difficult to lay down.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05166.htm
Jayadrath is equal to 2 rathis, while karna is half a rathi so Jayadrath is 4x stronger than karna.
Quote 3:
Stationing himself in the van of his division with his beautiful standard of silver bearing the device of the boar, the famous Jayadratha looked highly resplendent
Commentary; Jaydrath was one among the famous warriors of Mahabharat. He had a good reputation.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06017.htm
Quote 4:
"I shall now fight in battle against Bhishma, and Drona and Kripa and Salya and Jayadratha and all the proud monarchs (on the Kuru side)."
Commentary; Jaydrath was in the same rank of importance and power as Dron, Krip, Shalya, Bhishma etc.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06050.htm
Quote 5:
The high-souled son of Pandu hath, indeed made a most difficult resolve. King Jayadratha is endued with mighty energy.
Commentary; this is krishna's opinion he labelled Jayadratha as a mighty king.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07076.htm
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Comparing Jayadrath to other warriors.
Ashwathama; when it comes to close combat jayadrath will win based on their perofrmances against abhimanyu while ashwathama just ran away it is jaydrath who was brave enough to stand toe to toe with the mighty abhimanyu in a sword fight and match his skill briefly.
My claim: Jayadrath was better than Ashwathama in close combat with swords, maces and maybe fists, but as a archer i consider Ashwathama slightly better. If we bring celestial weapons then its no contest cause Ashwathama has narayanastra, brahmasheer, vajra etc.
How they fared against Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu vs Jaydrath (day 11).
Taking up a sword as also a shield that bore the device of a peacock and was decked with a hundred bells of small size suspended in rows, Jayadratha jumped down from his car with a loud roar. They cheerfully attacked each other with their swords like a tiger and a lion with their claws and teeth.
And none could notice any difference between those two lions among men as regards the whirl-strokes, and descent of their swords and shields. And as regards the descent and the whiz of their swords, and the warding off of each other's blows, it seemed there was no distinction between the two. Coursing, beautifully in outward and inward tracks, those two illustrious warriors seemed to be like two winged mountains.
Then Jayadratha struck on the shield of the renowned Abhimanyu when the latter stretched his sword for making a pass at him. Then, O Bharata, Jayadratha's large sword sticking into Abhimanyu's shield covered with golden plate, broke, as the ruler of the Sindhus attempted to draw it off forcibly. Seeing his sword broken, Jayadratha hastily retreated six steps and was seen within a twinkle of the eye to be mounted on his own car.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07014.htm
Abhimanyu vs Ashwathama (day 13).
"Abhimanyu (mace in hand) rushed against Aswatthaman. Beholding that mace upraised, which looked like the blazing thunderbolt, Aswatthaman, that tiger among men, rapidly alighted from his car and took three (long) leaps (for avoiding Abhimanyu)."
"Slaying Aswatthaman's steeds and two Parshni charioteers with that mace of his, Subhadra's son, pierced all over with arrows, looked like a porcupine."
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07046.htm
Note; that i have excluded the arrow fights where Abhimanyu repeatedly defeated Ashwathama. As this is about close combat.
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What Drona said about Jaydrath & Arjun.
In hitting the aim, in hitting it from it distance, in tightness of hand, and in the force of the stroke, O illustrious one, tell the difference between myself and Phalguna! O preceptor, I wish to know accurately the difference as regards proficiency (in the science of arms) between myself and Arjuna! Say it unto me truly [the question ends]
"Of tutorial instruction, both of you, thyself and Arjuna, have had the same measure, O son! In consequence, however, of yoga and the hard life led by Arjuna, he is superior to thee!" [the answer of drona]
Commentary; drona talked about the instruction he gave them but it is doubtful whether he was honest because he might have hidden the fact he taught more to arjun than he did to his other students
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07071.htm
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Comparing Jayadrath to Karna;
Jaydrath was active on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12 besides the 13th day.
That is 7 days where he did something meaningful. 8 if you count the thirteenth day, now compare him to a flop warrior like karna that lost from days 12 to 17 and night 14, the reason karna didnt lose on the 11th day was due to a factor of having ten days of rest, a advantage none of his opponents had.
It is clear that Jaydrath had a bigger contribution to Kurukshetra than karna did, he was more famous and owned more kingdoms in the aryan continent than karna did.
Jaydrath was independent while karna was a slave to Duryodhan.
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