Sacrifice of Aravana scene opens in the court of Duryodhana. Shakuni tells Duryodhana he should perform katapali, a battlefield (kalam) sacrifice (pali) to Kali to guarantee victory. In response to Shakuni, Bhisma says Aravana is the most suitable victim for the Kalappali, and he recommends that Duryodhana ask should Sahadeva (whom the Tamil tradition regards as a great astrologer) the ideal time for the offering. Faithful to the integrity of his astrological profession, Sahadava tells Duryodhana that the correct time for the sacrifice is midnight of the amavashya. If he performs it then, it will spell certain victory. Duryodhana then obtains Aravana`s agreement to come secretly to the battlefield to be sacrificed the following night, and leaves. Throughout all this, the youthful Aravan is very noble and dutiful, considering him fortunate to be able to sacrifice himself for Duryodhana, who as his true father`s parallel cousin is his own classificatory "father" as well. But Aravana leaves a loophole: he will come the next night for the Kalappali only if no harm comes before that to his life, his body, or his thirty-two bodily parts.

In the Pandavas` camp, Lord Krishna now takes matters in hand. Aware of Duryodhana`s plan, Krishna urges the Pandavas to perform Kalappali first. But only slowly does he reveal how it must be done and who must be the victim: It will be performed to Goddess Kali, or more exactly, to the "Great Kali of Heroes," as part of the ayudhapuja the ceremonial blessing of weapons that occurs traditionally as a sub rite during Dussehra festivals, where it is connected with the opening of military campaigns at the end of the rainy season, and more specifically, with the opening of the armory.

The various epic accounts says that when Aravan stepped forth he chided Dharma for his vacillation, and says that as he is obviously the victim Dharma would prefer, he would agree to perform the Kalappali for the Pandavas were it not that he had already promised the same to Duryodhana. Dharma congratulaes Aravan`s courageous dedication to his "father" Duryodhana, and leaves it to Krishna to work out the details so that Aravan`s Kalappali will be performed for the right side.

Finally Lord Krishna orchestrates the sacrifice. He asks Aravan if he will cheat in any way, and Aravan assures him he is fearless. Krishna then tells him to take up a knife for the miracle of cutting his own body. Aravan tells Krishna to regard his firmness. He is ready for the battlefield sacrifice, but requests three boons in compensation.