By Nirooshitha Sethuram, Yogaratna
Graphics by Sheralee (Shambhavi) Hancherow
Ninth Day of the War (continued)
That night, as suggested by Krishna, the Pandavas chose to consult Grandsire Bhishma for guidance on overcoming him in the battle.
Together, Krishna and the Pandavas visited Bhishma, showing their respect by bowing before him. Bhishma warmly welcomed Krishna and the Pandavas, embracing his grandchildren with deep love and affection.
Arjuna then approached Bhishma, saying, “Grandfather, you have blessed us with victory in this war. But how can we achieve that without first overcoming you? To win, we must find a way to defeat you.”
Grandsire calmly told Arjuna, “Only you and Krishna have the power to defeat me. But since Krishna has promised not to take up arms in this war, he cannot do so. As for you, the only way to overcome me is when I am unarmed.
“With the blessings of immense strength, I never fight those who abandon the battlefield, those without weapons, women or eunuchs (a woman or one who has been a woman before). If I encounter a woman during battle, I will refuse to engage. Now that you know my vulnerabilities. Use this knowledge to your advantage.”
The Pandavas grasped the underlying meaning in the strategic advice they received; they realized that placing Shikhandi at the forefront was key to their success. Shikhandi, the brother of Draupadi, was such a warrior, who had been born a woman and had changed her sex. They paid their respects to Bhishma and left.
Krishna, before departing, offered Bhishma a knowing smile, which Bhishma understood as a sign that his liberation was drawing near. Bhishma experienced a profound sense of relief, recognizing that his lengthy and arduous journey was finally reaching its conclusion.
Tenth Day of the War
The start of this day of the Kurukshetra battle carried a sense of unavoidability, as the Pandavas had committed themselves to defeating the powerful Bhishma — a challenge that had burdened Arjuna’s heart for many days.
Arjuna entered the battlefield determined to defeat Bhishma. He brought Shikhandi as his shield, since Shikhandi had also vowed to ensure Bhishma’s death. Wherever Bhishma went, Arjuna’s chariot pursued him.
Arjuna tactically placed himself behind Shikhandi to shield against Bhishma’s assault and shot arrow after arrow at Grandsire. Bhishma chose not to target someone who had once been a woman, but from time to time, when Arjuna’s chariot shifted suddenly, Bhishma took the chance to aim an arrow at him.
The Kauravas made every effort to ensure Bhishma’s safety. However, with Krishna skillfully serving as Arjuna’s charioteer, Arjuna was able to advance directly to Bhishma’s chariot.
Realizing his life was drawing to a close, Bhishma resolved to fulfil his duty and continue fighting until the very end. He launched a series of arrows at Arjuna’s chariot, intentionally omitting Shikhandi as a target.
Arjuna and Shikhandi kept showering arrows on Bhishma. Guided by his principles, Bhishma did not fight Shikhandi, who had been born a female. Arjuna stayed right behind Shikhandi, targeting vulnerable areas in Bhishma’s armor, and ultimately overcoming him.
Bhishma accepted Arjuna’s arrows with a smile, acknowledging his pupil’s skill. Dushasana was the one closest to Bhishma, and thought he could help. But his effort was no match to that of Shikhandi and Arjuna’s put together.
Bhishma’s whole body was pierced by arrows. He looked at Dushasana and said, “These arrows are Arjuna’s. They are not Shikhandi’s arrows.” Bhishma remained calm as he faced his fate. He was certain that this tenth day of the war would be his final day in combat.
Determined to resist, he hurled a javelin at Arjuna, who shattered it midair with three arrows. Recognizing his defeat, the grandsire prepared to dismount, but Arjuna’s arrows destroyed his shield and struck him repeatedly. He fell from his chariot, his body supported above the ground by the arrows embedded in him by Arjuna.
As his body descended, the devas (Gods) paid their respects from the heavens. A gentle mist, carrying a delightful scent, drifted through the air. The warriors on both sides stopped fighting and gathered to honor the fallen hero.
He lay on his bed of arrows, a symbol of sacrifice and duty, his body gleaming as a beacon of morality. It goes without saying that Bhishma’s fall signaled the start of the Kauravas’ defeat in the Great War at Kurukshetra.
After Bhishma was defeated, a temporary truce was declared. Soldiers from both sides gathered around him. Arjuna and Krishna rushed there.
Bhishma’s head hung unsupported, and he struggled greatly. Duryodhana instructed that pillows be arranged to support the head of their grandsire, for it hung suspended. However, Bhishma declined the offer, spoke affectionately to Arjuna, requesting suitable support so his head could be aligned with his body.
Arjuna at once understood what his dear grandfather expected him to do. He took three sharp arrows out of his quiver and shot them into the ground just near Bhishma’s head in such a way that his head came to rest on their pointed tips. Bhishma put on a broad smile and blessed Arjuna for what he had done.
Bhishma once more spoke to Arjuna, his grandson, “I’m extremely thirsty – please get me some fresh, cool water.” In response, Arjuna shot another arrow into the ground with such power that a fountain of water burst forth from the earth, soared into the sky, and then descended straight into Bhishma’s mouth. It is believed that Mother Ganga emerged from the earth to satisfy the thirst of her cherished son.
Feeling content, he turned to Duryodhana and gave his final advice. “Did you see how Arjuna skillfully brought me water? Who else in this world could achieve something like that? It is time for you to choose the right course. Let the war end as I fall and make peace with the Pandavas instead of continuing down this path of conflict. Otherwise, the Kaurava dynasty will soon face destruction, within just a few days.”
Yet Duryodhana stayed unmoved by pride and ambition. With a heavy heart, Bhishma shut his eyes and accepted what could not be changed.
Bhishma stated he would remain on his bed of arrows until the sun shifted toward the northern horizon. In the meantime, he would provide guidance to anyone who asked for it.
The tenth day of the Kurukshetra war ended with the dismissal of its greatest warrior, leaving both armies in grief as dusk fell. The field grew quiet, and the soldiers returned to their camps, leaving behind a figure who embodied sacrifice and dharma. His passing reflected the enduring values of justice.
That night, upon realizing Bhishma was alone, Karna approached him promptly, respectfully bowing at his feet. He remarked, “Grandsire, you have consistently judged me despite the absence of any wrongdoing on my part. My only circumstance was being born to Radha, the wife of the charioteer. I acted in opposition to your instructions. I failed to give you the respect you deserved. I dishonored you on many occasions, and I sincerely ask for your forgiveness.” He pleaded with all his heart for forgiveness.
Upon hearing this, Bhishma opened his eyes and stated, “You are not the son of Radha. You are the son of Kunti. I have known this for a considerable period. You are the son of Surya. Sage Narada disclosed this secret to me and Vidura many years ago, requesting that we keep it confidential.
“The Pandavas have not caused you any harm. Nevertheless, you harbored animosity toward them without just cause. My dissatisfaction stemmed solely from your support of Duryodhana’s questionable actions. I believe you had the capacity to guide him toward a more appropriate course.
“This was the sole reason for my discontent with you. It is important to remember that the Pandavas are your brothers. Accepting this fact could put an end to this conflict. By acknowledging your true identity, you have the opportunity to join the Pandavas in upholding dharma.”
Karna quietly confessed that he was already aware that Kunti was his mother. However, he made it clear that Duryodhana’s friendship meant more to him than anything else.
He explained that he had devoted his life to Duryodhana, vowing to serve him faithfully, and could not even imagine betraying him. This is why he consistently opposed the Pandavas, his dear friend’s main adversaries.
He respectfully requested that the grandsire grant him forgiveness and provide permission to join the Kauravas in battle against the Pandavas. With a gentle expression, Bhishma assured Karna that justice would triumph in the end and advised him to choose the path of virtue, then calmly shut his eyes again.
Karna, blessed by the grandsire, entered the battlefield happily, going to Duryodhana’s camp. Seeing him, Duryodhana felt immense joy and briefly forgot about Bhishma’s absence.
Duryodhana and Karna talked about who should be chosen as the commander-in-chief. Karna said, “All the kshatriyas assembled here possess the qualifications to be commanders. They have physical strength, valor, effort, courage, and distinguished lineage. In every aspect, these kings are equals.
“Not everyone can be the leader. If one person is chosen, the others may feel disappointed, which could result in losses for us. It is advisable to appoint Drona, the preceptor of all warriors, as the commander in chief. He is unparalleled among those skilled in weaponry, and no Kshatriya can match his abilities.”
Duryodhana accepted what was said by Karna and agreed that they would appoint Guru Drona as their commander in chief.
More to come…
- Bhishma addresses Krishna & Pandavas https://www.isvara.org/archive/the-pandavas-go-to-bhishma/
- Arjuna & Shikhandi https://storiesmadesimple.in/shikhandi-bhishmas-death-knell/#google_vignette
- Bhishma https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/458663543323254443/
- Bhishma, Arjuna & Krishna with others paying respect https://bharathgyanblog.wordpress.com/2020/01/18/bheeshma-nirvana/https://bharathgyanblog.wordpress.com/2020/01/18/bheeshma-nirvana/
- Krishna, Arjuna & Bhishma https://nynjbengali.com/mahabharata-episode-60-day-ten-of-the-war-fall-of-bhishma/https://nynjbengali.com/mahabharata-episode-60-day-ten-of-the-war-fall-of-bhishma/
- Karna & Bhishma https://www.sawanonlinebookstore.com/forgiveness-for-karna/
- Duryodhana & Karna https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/419397784072122659/