(Kavitraya) MAHAA BHAARAT
(In Simple English)

Originally written in Sanskrit by Bhagavan Veda Vyaasa
(Krishna Dvaipaayana)
Translated into Telugu (a Regional Language of South India)
b y
Sri Nannaya Bhattaarakah
Sri Tikkana Somayaaji
Sri Yerra Pragada.
in Eleventh Century
( popularly known as Kavitrayam)
Commentary in simple English
by Sri. M.V.Subrahmanyam,
Saint Vaisampaayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata.
On hearing about the defeat of his son on the 6th day OF war, Dhritarashtra was very much annoyed and asked Sanjaya to tell him what had happened later. Sanjaya continued to say:
"On 6th day night, your son, Suyodhana, went to the place of stay of Bhishma and asked him: "O my grandsire! Day by day, our troops are diminishing. Today, I was defeated by Bhimasena and fainted. What more insult will be there in my life? I earnestly requested you to defeat Pandavas. But you are unable to do anything. I do not know how they got such an enormous strength and bravery" said Suyodhana.
"O Suyodhana! why you are blaming me like this? Did I keept quiet without taking part in war? How many times, the enemies fled away on seeing my chariot. I have been telling you since beginning that it is not an easty task to conquer pandavas. You have not cared for my words. Dont be disheartened. I will fight and gain victory for you." said Bhishma.
Having been pacified with the words of Bhishma, Suyodhana went back to his place of stay and slept peacefully. Next day morning, the troops on both sides were arrayed in the battle field, one against the other.
Bhishma arrayed his army in the form of Mandala Vyooha.(In the shape of a circle). Suyodhana stood in the middle of the circle. Rest of your sons stood on either side of Suyodhana. Beholding Mandala Vyooha, Yudhishtira asked Dhrushtadyumna to array their troops in the shape of Diamond (Vajra vyooha). Both the troops were ready for war. The sounds of Trumpets, horns and conches rose to the sky. The two armies charged against each other.
Drona attacked Virata; Asvathaama attacked Sikhandi; Duryodhana attacked Dhrushtadyumna; Salya, the King of Madra, attacked Nakula and Sahadeva; Vinda and Anuvinda attacked Yudhamanyu; and several car-warriors attacked Arjuna. Bhimasena attacked Kritavarma; Abhimanyu attacked Chitrasena, Dussaasana, and Vikarna; Ghatotkacha attacked Bhagadatta; Satyaki attacked Alambasa; Dhrishtaketu attacked Bhoorisravasa; Chekitana attacked Kripacharya; Yudhishtira attacked Srutaayu and the rest of the Kings attacked Bhishma. There was a fierce battle between both sides.
Arjuna was wielding Gaandeeva and shooting arrows with both hands on kourava troops. All of them attacked Arjuna at a time and showering arrows both on Krishna and Arjuna. All your sons applauded them. Excited with rage, Arjuna launched Indra Astra. That Indra Astra cut all the arrows shot by Kourava warriors into pieces. It killed all the horses tied to the chariots. That Astra churned the kourava warriors like Mandhara Mountain in the sea. Unable to retaliate, all the Kourava troops fled away and sought refuge behind Bhishma.
The Kings of Trigartha and other kings also fled away along with their troops. Bhishma alone attacked Arjuna. Beholding this, Suyodhana waved his hand, calling back his troops "Why you are fleeing away. Bhishma alone is fighting. Will you all remain as silent spectators. I have not seen such a cowards like you. Come back. Fight along with Bhishma." Suyodhana rallied his troops and asked them to go in aid of Bhishma.
At another front, Drona broke the bow and the flag of Virata. King Virata picked up another bow and shot three sharp arrows on the body of Drona. King Virata also killed the chariot driver of Drona. With another four arrows, he broke the bow of Drona. Drona was enraged with wrath. With eight arrows, Drona killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Virata and broke his chariot.
King Virata immediately mounted the chariot of his son, Shankhu. Along with his son, he showered numerous arrows on Drona. Drona launched a divine astra upon Sankhu. That Astra pierced into the heart of Sankhu. Sankhu fell down on the chariot, leaving his bow and arrows and died. Beholding the death of his own son, King Virata fled away along with his army.
At another front, Sikhandi shot three arrows on the forehead of Asvathaama. Asvathama cut those arrows in the middle and showered powerful arrows on Sikhandi and killed his steeds and chariot driver and broke his bow and flag. Sikhandi jumped from his chariot, picked up a sword to ward off the arrows shot by Sikhandi. Asvathama cut the sword of Sikhandi. Sikhandi mounted the chariot of Satyaki.
In another front, Drushtadyumna covered your son, Suyodhana, with innumerable shafts. But your son, without any agitation, cut them into pieces in the middle, and in return, pierced Dhrushtadyumna, with sharp shafts. Dhrushtadyumna cut the bow of your son. While your son was picking up another bow, he cut that bow also. Dhrushtadyumna killed the steeds and broke the chariot of your son. Suyodhana picked up a sword and jumped to the ground. Dhrushtadyumna also took up another sword and attacked Suyodhana. In the meanwhile, Sakuni arrived there and your son, Suyodhana, mounted his chariot.
Satyaki was fighting with Alambasa. He shot most cruel shafts on Alambasa. Alambasa with an arrow, resembling crescent moon, cut the bow of Satyaki and pierced his body with sharp arrows. At that time, Satyaki launched Indra Astra which vanished all the miracles of Alambasa and made him to suffer a lot. Unable to attack Indra Astra, Alambasa fled away. Then Satyaki rushed against the Kourava forces.
In another front, Kritavarma was fighting with Bhimasena. Bhimasena killed the horses tied to the chariot of Kritavarma and also killed the chariot driver. Bhimasena pierced the entire body of Kritavarma with sharp arrows. Then Kritavarma mounted the chariot of Vrishaka. Leaving Kritavarma, Bhimasena rushed against the Kaurava forces with great speed." said Sanjaya, the events of war.
Dhritarashtra stopped him and said: "O Sanjaya! You are always speaking about the deaths and defeat of our side. You never said about the defeat and killings on the side of Pandavas. You always speak that Pandavas are cheerful and victorious. What is this mystery?" said Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra! Even the Kourava troops are also fighting according to their might and courage. But Pandavas troops penetrated into Kourava troops as the rivers are rushing into the sea. Your troops were unable to resist them and fled away. It is not their fault. It is of no use to repent now for the faults committed earlier. Any how, I will narrate the incidents of war. Please listen." Sanjaya continued to narrate the incidents of war.
"Yudhamanyu covered Vinda and Anuvinda, Kings of Avanti, with his arrows. Yudhamanyu broke the chariot of Aruvinda. Anuvinda mounted the chariot of Vinda. Yudhamanyu killed their chariot driver with one arrow. On the death of chariot driver, the steeds tied to the chariot drageed the chariot to another side. Their troops fled away.
At another front, Bhadatta was fighting with Pandava troops and was chasing them. Ghatotkacha entered the war field and instilled confidence in the Pandava troops, as a result, all the Pandava troops rallied to the war field. Ghatotkacha attacked Bhagadatta and showered innumerable arrows on Bhagadatta. Bhagadatta broke all those arrows and shot Ghatotkacha with 14 steep shafts. He also broke the chariot of Ghatotkacha. Then Ghatotkacha launched Sakti Astra upon Bhagadatta. But Bhagadatta broke it into pieces and shot Ghatotkacha with most powerful arrows. Unable to resist him, Ghatotkacha ran away.
Mounting on his elephant, Bhagadatta rushed against Pandava troops. At another place, Nakula and Sahadeva were fighting with Salya. Salya broke the chariot of Nakula. Nakula mounted the chariot of Sahadeva. Sahadeva shot one sharp cruel shaft on Salya which struck him on his chest, as a result, he fainted. Salya fell down. His charioteer drove chariot away. Beholding this, Nakula and Sahadeva roared like lions and blew their conches. It was noon at that time.
At another front, Yudhishtira shot nine arrows on Srutaayuvu. Srutaayuvu cut them in the middle and shot seven arrows on Yudhishtira. Yudhishtira grew angry. He shot one sharp shaft in the shape of Varaha Karna (ear of a pig) which pierced into his heart. With antoher shaft he broke the flag post. Srutaayuvu shot seven shafts against Dharmaja. Dharmaja killed the horses tied to the chariot; broke his bow, cut his flag. The body of Srutaayuvu was drenched in blood. Beholding this, all the Kourava troops fled away. Pandava troops acclaimed Yudhshtira.
In another front, Chekitana and Krupacharya were combatting with each other. Krupacharya with his sharp arrows cut the bow of Chekitana and also killed the horses tied to his chariot. Chekitana took out his mace and jumped out of his chariot. He broke the chariot of Krupacharya with his mace and killed the horses. Then, Krupacharya, shot Chekitana with 16 shafts fitted with iron point heads. Chekitana hurled his mace towards Krupacharya. Krupacharya cut the mace in the middle. Chekitana got down from his chariot, took out a sharp sowrd. Krupacharya also took out a sword and jumped against Chekitana. Both had a dual fight with their swords and both fell down unconscious. Beholding this, Sakuni from Kourava side and Karakarshana from Pandava side took them away in their respective chariots.
At another place, Drishtaketu was fighting fiercely with Bhoorisravasa. Dhrishtaketu shot nine sharp arrows upon Bhoorishravasa. In return, Bhoorishravasa killed the horses and shot his body with sharp arrows. Unable to fight with Bhoorishravasa, Dhrishtaketu mounted the chariot of Sataaneeka and moved to another place.
At another front, there was a big fight between Abhimanyu on one side and Dussasana, Vikarna and Chitrasena on other side. Abhimanyu broke the chariots of all those warriors but did not kill them and spared them for the sake of Bhimasena. Beholding this, Bhishma arrived there with all his troops and joined Dussaasana. Both Dussaasana and Bhishma were fighting with Abhimanyu. Now Abhimanyu was fighting alone with those warriors.
Looking at this, Arjuna told krishna: "Krishna! Along with Bhishma, all the main car-warriors(Radhikas) are at one place. Let us go there." Krishna drove the chariot against Bhishma. On the way, King of Trigartha attacked Arjuna. "Oh. King of Trigartha, Susharma! Welcome. I heard that you are a great warrior in Kourava Army. Today you have to fight with me without fear." requested Arjuna. Excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing Susharma, Arjunt shot numerous arrows against Susarma. The entire Kourava Army attacked Arjuna. Pandava troops also arrived there in aid of Arjuna. There was a fierce battle between both the troops.
Arjuna was killing the horses, breaking the chariots, and cutting the flags tied to the chariots, with his sharp arrows. Arjuna was vigorously moving in the battle field, mercilessly killing the kourava forces, as none was there to attack him. It was afternoon at that time.
The King of Trigartha provoked his 32 warriors(chakra rakshakas) to fight with Arjuna. Arjuna killed all those 32 warriors with 62 sharp pointed shafts. Beholding this, The King of Trigartha himself went against Arjuna. In the meanwhile, Sikhandi and other warriors joined Arjuna and fought with King of Trigartha. Though Suyodhana and Saindhava were standing before him, Arjuna never looked at them. He drove his chariot towards Bhishma.
Looking at this, Yudhishtira who was, till then, fighting with Salya, left that place and proceeded towards Arjuna along with Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva, with a view to help Arjuna. Bhishma was fighting with all Pandavas. Your son, Suyodhana, along with Saidhava, rushed against Pandavas. From another side, Sala, Salya, Chitrasena and Krupacharya attacked Pandavas.
In between, Sikhandi intruded and tried to fight with Bhishma. But Bhishma just broke his bow and turned his chariot to other side. Observing this, Yudhishtira provoked Sikhandi
"O Sikhandi! Have you forgotten your vow that you will kill Bhishma. Bhishma is before you. Fight with him". Yudhishtira cried aloud. On hearing those words of Yudhishtira, Sikhandi incessantly poured arrow showers on Bhishma.
Beholding this, Salya launched Agneyastra on Sikhandi. As a reply to Agneyastra, Sikhandi launched Varunaastra on Salya. Both Astras were nullified. Bhishma broke the bow of Dharmaja and cut the flag. Bhimasena got down from his chariot, armed with a huge mace, rushed against Suyodhana. Saindhaya showered 500 sharp pointed shafts on Bhimasena. Bhimasena cut those arrows with his mace into pieces. Bhimasena killed horses of Saindhava and broke his chariot. Saindhaya mounted another chariot and fled away. On seeing his defeat, his troops also fled away.
Suyodhana, while continuing the fight with Bhimasena, tryied to stop his troops from running. Chitrasena intervened and launched Sakti arrow on Bhimsena. Bhimasena hurled his mace towards Chitrasena. That mace after cutting the Sakti launched by Chitrasena, was whirling in the sky. Looking at that mace, all the Kourava troops were frightened, as if it was falling on their heads. Inspite of the warnings of Suyodhana, the Kourava troops were running away with fear. That mace was coming down with great speed towards Chitrasena. Chitrasena jumed down from his chariot and ran away. Then that mace broke the chariot of Chitrasena and killed the horses. Vikarna rescued Chitrasena by taking him up on his chariot.
Bhishma killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Dharmaja and pierced innumerable arrows into the body of Dharmaja. Dharmaja launched Sakti arrow on Bhishma. Bhishma cut that into pieces. Dharmaja mounted the chariot of Nakula and Sahadeva. Bhishma incessantly showered sharp pointed arrows on Nakula and Sahadeva. Dharmaja waved his hand and called all the warriors on his side and provoked them to fight with Bhishma. All those warriors, at a time, rushed against Bhishma. The invincible Bhishma, was fighting with all those warriors. Bhishma was cutting the heads of the soldiers on Pandava side as fruits from palm trees. Bhishma was speedily moving in the Pandava army like a lion in the forest and was massacring them mercilessly. Pandavas, unabel to Attack Bhishma, were gazing at him.
In the meanwhile, Sikhandi intervened and stood before Bhishma and launched most cruel shafts against Bhishma. Bhishma, did not care for him. He never looked at his face, turned to other side, and was fighting with Pandavas and their army.
At another place, Satyaki and Dhrushtadyumna together were slaughtering the Kourava forces. Vinda and Anuvinda attacked them with great vigour. They killed the horses tied to the chariot of Dhrushtadyumna. Dhrushtadyumna mounted the chariot of Satyaki. Beholdinng this, Dharmaja rushed to that spot along with his forces to help Dhrushtadyumna. Your son, Suyodhana, waved his hand to his troops to attack Dharmaja. Accompanied by Bhishma and Drona, Suyodhana also attacked Dharmaja from another side. Arjuna also rushed to that spot to help his brother, Dharmaja. Drona shot Arjuna with sharp edged arrows. With renewed vigour, Kourava forces rushed against Pandava forces. Dharmaja provoked his forces to fight against Kourava forces. There was a fierce battle between both the forces. It was afternoon at that time.
By conquering Susarma and Saindhava, Arjuna and Dharmaja were in a joyous mood. Bheemasena was always by the side of his brother, Arjuna, and slaughtered the Kourava army. As the darkness plunged in, both sides stopped war and departed to their respective places of stay. Thus the seventh day war ended" said Sanjaya to Dhrutarashtra.
On the morning of eighth day, Bhishma arrayed his forces in the form of Kurma (tortoise). Having come to know about this through his spies, Dharmaja asked Dhrushtadyumna to think about a suitable vyuha. Accordingly, Dhrushtadyumna arrayed Pandava troops in the form of Srungataka vyooha. Both the forces were ready for the eighth day battle.
Great was the uproar heard there, resembling the loud uproar of the ocean itself. The high sounds of Trumpets, horns were heard. The eighth day war began. The dust rose in the battle field due to the movement and running of chariots, elephants, horses and foot soldiers, covered the sky. Bhishma roared like a lion and rushed against the Pandava army and began to massacre them. Unable to stand before Bhishma, Pandava forces fled away. Excited with rage, Bhimasena attacked Bhishma. With one steep arrow, he killed the charioteer of Bhishma. The horses tied to the chariot of Bhishma, dragged the chariot to the otherside. The Pandava troops were overwhelmed with joy and acclaimed Bhimasena.
Your son, Sunabha, attacked Bhimasena. Bhiamsena, cut the head of Sunabha, with one sharp arrow and roared like a lion. Beholding the death of their brother, Sunabha, your sons, Adityaketu, Aparajitha, Bahvaasi, Pandita, Kundadhaara, Visaalasha, Mahodara, all at a time fell upon Bhimasena with great anger and shot innumerable shafts into the body of Bhimasena from all sides. Bhimasena, launched sharp edged arrows in the crescent shape and consigned all of them to the abode of Yama. The rest of your sons were very much frightened. "Bhimasena may redeem his vow even today itself. the words of Vidura may become true" they thought. Unable to stand before Bhimasena, they all fled away.
Your son, Suyodhana, instigated his forces to fight with Bhimasena. He approached Bhishma: "O my beloved Grandsire! Do you know what is happening. Are you keeping quiet while Bhima is killing all my brothers? You are behaving like an indifferent spectator. I think you are favouring the slaughter of my brothers at the hands of Bhima."said Suyodhana in a distressed mood.
Bhishma also was very much annoyed. "Suyodhana! I told you many a time that even Lord Siva cannot conquer Pandavas. Not only me, none can save any of your brothers from death, if they attack Bhimasena. There is no use of feeling grief and sorrow. The only way left for us is, if we win the war, we will rule this universe, otherwise, we will enjoy heavenly plealsures. We are all fighting with our might. We may win the war." pacified Bhishma.
On hearing the words of Sanjaya, Dhrutarashtra said: "What a dreadful fate it is! Even in the presence of Bhishma and Drona, my sons were killed by Bhima. What can I do? Without heeding my words, Suyodhana invited his brothers' slaughter. There is no use of thinking about past. Continue." said Dhritarashtra with terribel grief.
Beholding the deaths of your sons, Bhishma enraged with anger. He rushed against Bhimasena. Dharmaja waved his hand and signalled Dhrushtadyumna, Sikhandi, Satyaki to speedily come there to help Bhimasena. Immediately, all of them rushed to that spot. All the great car-warriors, incited by Suyodhana, attacked Arjuna. With the help of Chekitana and sons of Droupadi, Arjuna attacked the Kourava forces. Abhimanya along with Ghatotkacha were fighting with Kourava forces and massacring them. Dronacharya, riding on his chariot in zig zag manner, incessantly showered steep arrows on the Panchala forces. Bhimasena was killing the elephant forces with his sharp edged arrows. Nakula and Sahadeva, with their swords, were destroying the cavalry in kourava forces.
At this juncture, Iravanta, son of Arjuna through Uloochi, daughter of a Serpant King, with his cavalry, surrounded the kourava forces. Beholding this, the six brothers of Sakuni viz., Suka, Sarmavanta, Vrushaka, Arja, Gaja, Gavaksha, wi their cavalry attacked Iravanta. There was a dreadful battle between them. They all together killed the horse of Iravanta. Iravanta jumed on the ground and was fighting with a sword in hand. The brothers of Sakuni also jumed to the ground and were fighting with Iravanta. Iravanta was wielding his sword in different angles and warding off the blows delivered by the brothers of Sakuni. Iravanta mercilessly cut all the brothers of Sakuni into 12 pieces.
Beholding the death of the brothers of Sakuni, Suyodhana alerted Alambasa "Alambasa! It appears that Iravanta may vanish our army in no time. You control his prowess and kill him." The Rakshasa warrior, Alambasa, miraculously created an illusory cavalry force like that of Iravanta. Both the cavalry forces attacked each other and vanished. Now Iravanta remained alone. Iravanta cut the sword and bow of Alambasa into pieces. Then Alambasa speedily rose up into the welkin, confounding with his illusion. He shot many miraculous arrows against Iravanta. As Iravanta also was an expert in miracle war, he also rose up into the welkin and began to fight with Alambasa. With his steep powerful arrows, Iravanta cut the head of Alambasa. Another head rose in that place. He did not die. Iravanta created dreadly poisonous cobras. Alambasa transformed himself into an eagle and killed those cobras. Then he transformed into human and cut the head of Iravanta with his sword. Iravanta fell down and died. It was midday.
Beholding the death of Iravanta, Ghatotkacha, along with his Rakshasa army, charged against Kourava army. Armed with a blazing spear upraised in his hand, Ghatotkacha was killing the elephants, horses and foot solders mercilessly. Looking at this, Suyodhana and the King of Vanga, with their resepctive elephant forces, rushed against Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha was highly inflamed with rage. He picked up a sword and began to cut the tusks and trunks of elephants, heads of horses into pieces. Suyodhana himself jumped into the field. With his most powerful sharp arrows, Suyodhana killed Vegavanta, Vidyutjihva, Bahvaasi and others who were the most trusted warriors of Ghatotkacha. He pierced innumerable darts into the body of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha picked up a bow and showered powerful arrows on Suyodhana.
Looking at Suyodhana, Ghatotkacha said: "O Suyodhana! having forgotten truthfulness and virtues, you have insulted my parents, Pandavas and Droupadi. Now be ready to wreak the dire consequences." So saying Ghatotkacha shot many arrows resembling cobras into the body of Suyodhana. Suyodhana cut them in the middle and shot 20 fiercest arrows upon Ghatotkacha. In retaliation, Ghatotkacha launched Sakti arrow on Suyodhana. The King of Vanga intervened in between. The Sakti hit the elephant of King of Vanga and pierced into its body. The King ofVanga jumped on the ground and fled away. His forces also fled away along with him.
Now Suyodhana alone attacked Ghatotkacha. He launched all kinds of Astras and Sastras, known to him. But all are in vain before the power of illusion of Ghatotkacha. Then Suyodhana launched a great astra on Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha smashed that Astra also in air and roared like a lion. Bhishma realised that Suyodhana was in danger. He raised hue and cry "Save Suyodhana from Ghatotkacha" and alerted all his troops. On hearing those cries, Drona, Asvathaama, Krupacharya, Chitrasena, Bruhadbala, Bahlika, King of Avanthi, Bhoorisravasa, Sandhava, Somadatta, Vivimsati, Vikarna, all at a time, rushed towards Suyodhana to save him. All of them were combatting with Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha, excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing them all, shooting most powerful arrows against them. He killed their charioteers, cut the bows and broke the chariots. All are annoyed. Dronacharya along with 12 Maharadhas, at a time, surrounded Ghatotkacha and launched Mahastras from all sides. Ghatotkacha rose to the sky and was using his power of illusion.
Beholding this, Dharmaja called Bhimasena and said: "Bhima! here Arjuna is fighting with Bhishma. You proceed towards Ghatotkacha and help him". Immediately, Bhimasena, roaring like a lion, drove his chariot towards Ghatotkacha. Suyodhana shot one crescent shaped powerful dart upon Ghatotkacha. He also cut the bow of Bhima and shot another terrible shaft piercing the chest of Bhima. Bhimasena fainted. Beholding this, sons of Droupadi attacked Suyodhana. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkacha joined them. All of them poured incessant showers of arrows on Suyodhana. Krupacharya, Bahlika, Bhoorisrava and other Kuru warriors, joined Suyodhana and attacked the sons of Droupadi. Bhimasena regained his consciousness. Again he rushed against the enemy. Drona showered innumerable sharp arrows against Bhima. Bhima cut them into pieces and in return shot a powerful arrow which pierced into the chest of Drona. Drona fell down and fainted.
Beholding the fate of his father, Asvathaama along with Suyodhana rushed to that spot and attacked Bhimasena. They shot powerful darts upon Bhima. Bhima, holding his mace on his shoulder, got down from his chariot, and cut all the arrows shot by Suyodhana into pieces. Drona regained consciousness. He took out his bow and again showered innumerable arrows on Bhimasena. On seeing this, Ghatotkacha, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi arrived at that spot to help Bhimasena. One Neela, a friend of Bheemasena, attacked Asvathaama. Asvathama inflicted serious injuries to Neela with his sharp shafts. Ghatotkacha showered innumerable arrows on Asvathama. Drona shot most dreadful arrows against Bhimasena's body.
Ghatotkacha began to use his power of illusion. He created a scene with his power of illusion, to the vision of Kourava troops, as if Suyodhana, Kripacharya, Drona, and other Maha Radhas were seriously injured and fell unconscious with their bodies drenching in blood. Believing it to be true, all the Kourava troops were frightened and ran away. Bhishma realised that it was nothing but the illusion. Bhishma cried aloud: "Stop! dont run! This is illusion. None are injured. All are safe" alerted the Kourava troops. But nobody cared for his words. All were running hither and thither with terrible fear.
Beholding this, with a sorrowful face, Suyodhana approached Bhishma. "When youself and Drona were very much present, all this had happened. What more insinuation will be there for me than this. I intend to fight with Pandavas alone. I will decide either to survive or vanish today itself."said Suyodhana.
"Suyodhana! How can you attack Pandavas alone without anybody's help. They are all nothing but games of illusion played by Rakshasas. We are here to put an end to it. Dont fear." said Bhishma. Bhishma called Bhagadatta and said; "Bhagadatta! None of these illusins will work out before you. Go and fight with Ghatotkacha" said Bhishma. Bhagadatta mounted his royal elephant, Suprateeka, and rushed against Ghatotkacha.
Beholding this, all the Kourava forces returned back to the battle field and began to fight with Pandava forces. Ghatotkacha also mounted another elephant resembling a hill and attacked Bhagadatta. Bhimasena, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi were by the side of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha shot the elephant of Bhagadatta with sharp edged Bhalla arrows. Bhagadatta cut those arrows and killed the horses tied to the chariot of Ghatotkacha and showered numerous arrows on Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi. Bhagadatta killed all the horses of their chariots, broke their chariots and slaughtered their army. Bhagadatta was moving in the battle field vigorously like Mandhara mountain churning the milk sea. The mighty elephant, Suprateeka was crushing the soldiers under its feet, holding them with its trunk and throwing them to all sides. Several soldiers, horses were being crused under its feet and died.
While Bhagadatta was fighting with Pandava forces in the above manner, Suyodhana, Drona, Kripacharya and other Maha Radhis were helping him. Pandavas could not withstand his prowess. Beholding this, Dharmaja, waving his hand to his troops, instigated them to attack Bhagadatta. He along with Arjuna and King of Panchala attacked Bhagadatta. Arjuna, blowing his conch Devadatta, rushrd against the kourava forces and massacring them.
At that time, Bhimasena informed Arjuna about the death of Iravanta. Arjuna was very much annoyed. "Where is the dead body?" asked Arjuna. Bhima led him to the place where Iravanta was laid. Arjuna saw the dead body of his son, Iravanta whose head was cut, with tearful eyes. Arjuna was overwhelmed with grief and wept loudly. "What a tragic incident? Now I realise why Dharmaja tried to restore peace always. I do not know for whose sake we are fighting? Why this mass massacre?" Arjuna cried aloud. Looking at Arjuna, Krishna smiled. Arjuna could understand what is passing on in the mind of Krishna. "Having heard my divine words at the beginning of war, still you are weeping for your kith and kin.". Arjuna wiped out his tears. "No. Nothing. I have to discharge my Kshatriya Dharma. Krishna! let us go. I have to discharge my duty" said Arjuna. Krishna, with a smiling face, drove the chariot against the Kourava forces.
Bhagadatta, Kripacharya, King of Trigartha attacked Arjuna and showered arrows incessantly from all sides. Satyaki intervened in between. Kritavarma and Bahlika attacked Satyaki. Bhimasena attacked Drona. Drona and Suyodhana were fighting with Bhimasena together. Bhimasena was cutting all the arrows launched by Drona and Suyodhana into fragments and in return shot many powerful darts against them. Bhimasena killed your sons, Kundabhedhi, Aradhrushya, Kanakadwaja, Viravi, Subaha, Deergabhaahu, Dheerghalochana with his powerful astras. Rest of your sons fled away. Bhimasena entered the Kourava troops with great prowess and was slaughtering the kourava army indiscriminately.
Beholding this, your son Suyodhana was instigating his troops to charge against Bhishma. Pandava troops, with greatest enthusiasm, were rushing against Kourava troops. Blood was flowing like water in canals. The ornaments on the dead bodies of warriors were shining in the light of evening sun. Darkness plunged down. Both sides stopped war for that day and retired to their respective places of stay.
Your son, Suyodhana, was very much annoyed with the death of his brothers. He was not inclined to go back to his residence. He asked Dussasana to send for Karna and Sakuni. Dussaasana was present before him along with Karna and Sakuni in no time. Looking at Karna, Suyodhana spoke thus: "Karna! My grand father Bhishma, Our Guru Drona and Kripacharya were keeping themselves neutral, though they are fighting on our side. They are not inclined to kill Pandavas. There are no much casualities on the side of Pandavas but our army is diminishing day by day. I do not know what to do.." said Suyodhana.
Having heard those words, Karna who was always very eager to fight against Pandavas, said: "Suyodhana! Ask Bhishma to desist from war. I will jump into action and kill Pandavas within a day.
"Dussaasana! Let us go to Bhishma and convey this message to him." So saying, Suyodhana and Dussaasana went to Bhishma. They both bowed before the feet of their Grandsire, Bhishma and sat by his side. "O my Grandsire Bhishma! Having trusted you in abundance, I waged war against Pandavas. I do not know what is happening now. You are capable of conquering divine forces and Danavas. Though, you have been fighting with Pandavas since eight days, none of the Pandavas was killed. Atleast, you have not killed Arjuna. But I am losing my brothers, ten per day. I cannot say more than this. I am praying with folded hands. Kindly stay away from war and give an opportunity to Karna to fight. This is my huble request" requested Suyodhana.
Having heard those words resembling sharp edged arrows, Bhishma was very much annoyed. He kept quiet for some time. "Suyodhana! Arjuna is not an orindary warrior. You should know it. He conquered Indra and got Khandava forest burnt by Agni. He fought with Lord Siva and acquired Pasupata. When this Karna fled away, leaving you and your relatives to your fate, this Arjuna fought with Gandharva and got yourself and your men released. It is this Arjuna who conquered all of us and returned back with cows of Virata. There are so many victories in his account, which you and I have heard already. I have fought with Pandavas all these eight days without sparing any of my efforts. Still, I am hearing such harsh words from your mouth. You unnecessarily bore grudge against Pandavas, without any reason. Let it be. Without wasting time with these words, show your prowess against Pandavas tomorrow. I will reiterate my words once again. I cannot conquer Arjuna and I do not fight with Sikhandi. Except these two, anybody who comes before me will never survive. I along with my army will fight with King Drupada, King Virata, Yadavas and their forces. Yourself, your brothers and followers will fight with Pandavas, their sons and their army. What will you gain by coming over here at this dead of night and hurting me with your harsh words like this. Any how, You will taste my prowess tomorrow in battle field. You can go." said Bhishma.
Having satisfied with the words of Bhishma, Suyodhana along with Dussaasana returned back to his place of stay. Next day morning, both sides were ready for the ninth day war. Before going to war, Suyodhana addressed the warriors on his side: "O best among the car-warriors, yesterday night, Bhishma promised me that he will vanish entire Panchala and Matsya army, and conquer Pandavas in the war. We all should help him to discharge his vow." said Suyodhana sarcastically.
With those words, Bhishma was enraged with great wrath but he controlled himself. Observing his facial expressions, Suyodhana told Dussaasana: "Dussasana! Yourself and your troops shall always be by the side of our Grandsire and protect him. Keep 22,000 eminent car-warriors always at his disposal." ordered Suyodhana.
Then Suyodhana addressed Drona, Kripacharya and Asvathaama: "O Great Warriors! You are all aware that Bhishma will never fight with Sikhandi. It is his vow. Therefore, we should take all care that Sikhandi shall not stand before him."
Bhishma arrayed Kourava troops in the form of Sarvatobhadra vyooha. Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Salya, Sakuni, Sudakshina, Saindhava, all your sons, were made to stand in the front. Drona, Bhoorisravasa, Bhagadatta were made to stand on right side. Somadatta, Asvathaama, Vinda and Anuvinda were made to stand on left side. Srutaayuvu was standing at the rear end and Suyodhana accompanied by The King Trigartha was standing in the middle.
Having known about this vyooha, Dharmanandana told Dhrushtadhumna thus: "O Dhrushtadyumna! Have you seen the array of troops arranged by my Grandsire, Bhishma. Today we have to fight with Bhishma, keeping Sikhandi in our front. Array our troops in that manner" asked Dharmanandana. Accordingly Dhrushtadyumna arrayed Pandava troops in a counter vyuha. Satyaki and King of Virata were standing on the right side. Abhimanyu, Kings of Panchala, Kekaya were standing on the left side. Yudhishtira along with Nakula, Sahadeva, sons of Droupadi was standing in the middle. Chekitana, Kuntibhoja were standing on the rear side. Sikhandi was kept in the forefront. On either side of Sikhandi, stood Bhimasena and Ghatotkacha on one side, and Arjuna on the other side. Rest of the Maharadhas and Athiradhas stood around them. Like this, the Pandava troops were arrayed for the ninth day war.
Both sides were ready with their array of troops for war. The sounds of kettle drums, blowing of conches, horns rose to the sky. War began. Abhimanyu rushed against the Kourava vyooha. He darted through the Kourava forces like a spark of fire in a bundle of cotton. He was massacring the kourava troops. He is driving his chariot in a circular form and attacking Drona, Kripa and Saindhava with great prowess. Beholding this, Suyodhana alerted Alambasa: "Alambas! look at Abhimanyu. He is falling on our troops like a thunderbolt. You have to control him. Attack him and kill him." said Suyodhana.
Alambas along with his Rakshasa forces fell upon Abhimanyu with great fury. He was chasing Pandava forces. Pandava forces were fleeing away like dry leaves flying in the air. Sons of Droupadi arrived there to help Abhimanyu. All of them were slaughtering the Rakshasa army. Alambas with great wrath, showered innumberable arrows on sons of Pandavas. In return, Abyhimanyu incessantly poured arrow showers on Alambas, as a result, Alambas fainted. Next moment, he regained consciousness. Again he began to shower sharp edged darts, great in number, on Abhimanyu and sons of Droupadi. All the bows shot by the sons of Droupadi were broken and their flags were cut. He shot each five arrows on all of them.
Beholding the ferocious attack of Alambas, Abhimanyu shot dreadful arrows on Alambas penetrating into his body, breaking his coat of mail. . For a while, both sides stopped war to witness the dual combat between Alambas and Abhimanyu.
"Alambas is well versed in miracle war. Abhimanyu is an expert in launching divine astras and sastras. Who will gain upperhand, we have to see" thought the great warriors on either side.
Abhimanya and Alambas were fighting like Devendra and Vritrasura. Both their bodies drenched with blood. With his power of illusion, Alambas plunged darkness in the battle field. Abhimanyu launched Bhaskara Astra and put an end to that darkness. Alambas used all his powers of illusion which were in vain before the prowess of Abhimanyu. Unable to stand before Abhimanyu, Alambas got down from his chariot and ran away. With renewed vigour and valour, Abhimanyu charged against Kourava troops and slaughtered them.
Beholding this, Bhishma, rallying Kourava troops, rushed to that spot. The unshaken Abhimanyu, was moving in the battle field with great speed and fighting with all at a time. Arjuna was feeling proud looking at the prowess of his son Abhimanyu. Arjuna rushed against Bhishma. There was a dual fight between Bhishma and Arjuna.
Meanwhile, Kripacharya attacked Abhimanyu and showered arrows incessantly upon him. Satyaki intervened and cut all the arrows shot by Kripacharya. Satyaki shot most dreadful arrows against Kripacharya, which were cut by Asvathaama in the middle. Asvathaama cut the bow of Satyaki. Satyaki picked up another bow and shot dreadful arrows against Asvathama, as a result, Asvathaama fainted. In a moment, he regained consciousness, shot against the chest of Satyaki and cut his flag and roared like a lion. Satyaki was enraged with wrath. He shot innumerable arrows against Asvathaama and made his chariot invisible. Beholding his son Asvathama in that critical condition, Drona rushed against Satyaki and showered sharp edged arrows on him. Arjuna came to the help of Satyaki and attacked Drona." told Sanjaya, the ninth day war details to Dhritarashtra.
Now, Dhritarashtra entertained a doubt. "Sanjaya! Arjuna is a beloved student of Drona. Arjuna also got great reverence towards his teacher. How they fought with each other? Tell me in detail." asked Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra! As per Kshatriya Darma, when once any Kshatriya enters the battle field, he does not mind whether his opponent is his teacher, father, brother, son or any kith and kin. If he entertains such feeling, he can never fight. Therefore, Drona and Arjuna fought like enemies not like Teacher and Student. I will tell you in detail" said Sanjaya.
"Then Arjuna shot most dreadlful arrows on Drona. Drona cut them into pieces and showered arrows on Arjuna. Instigated by Suyodhana, King of Trigarta went near Drona to help him. Trigarta went in between Arjuna and Drona and shot Bhalla Arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna cut them into fragments in between and launched Vaayavyaastra on the forces of Trigartha. Drona launched Sailaastra against Vavyaastra. Both the Astras were nullified. Arjuna chased the sons of King Trigartha by shooting sharp arrows against them. Beholding this, Suyodhana, Kripacharya, Salya, Bahlika and other Maharadhas rushed against Arjuna. Arjuna incessantly showered powerful arrows not only on Suyodhana and others but also on Drona. Looking at the prowess of Arjuna, all have freezed. `Bhishma drove his chariot against Arjuna and showered arrows on him. Bhishma was cutting the heads of hundreds and thousands of Pandava warriors with his dreadful arrows.
At another front, Sakuni and Bhoorisravasa were fighting with Nakula and Sahadeva. Bhagadatta and King of Kalinga were fighting with Bhimasena with their elephant forces. Bhima took his mace, jumped out of his chariot as a lion from the top of a hillock. He began to break the heads of the elephants one by one. Frightened with the blows of the mace of Bhimasena, the elephants were running away hither and thither. On seeing their elephants running, Bhagadatta and Srutaayuvu hit Bhimasena with steep edged arrows on his chest.
While Bhishma was massacring pandavastroops mercilessly, Yudhishtira waved his hand and called Bhimasena. Leaving the King of Kalinga and Bhagadatta, Bhimasent went to Yudhishtira. By that time Virata, Drupada, Dhrushtadyumna were already there. All of them at a time rushed against Bhishma and showered different kinds of innumerable arrows on Bhishma from all sides. .There was a fiercest battle between them.
Sun rose to the middle of the sky. The battle field was filled with broken chariots, dead bodies of horses and elephants and soldiers, canals of blood. The forces on both sides were moving in between the dead bodies and were fighting with each other. The Kourava forces were deeply depressed and their morale was shattered. They were thinking aloud. "What is this? Why for we are fighting? Is it not due to the greediness, aggrandizement and foolishness of Suyodhana, this mass massacre and loss of life is happening? Is there any warrior on the face of the earth who can defeat Pandavas, or, for that matter, Arjuna?" Like that, they were discussing among themselves.
Beholding Bhishma and Drona and others who were carefully hearing these murmurings, Suyodhana said: "O mighty warriors! Why are you paying heed to those useless words. Many may say may things. Let us fight together" Suyodhana encouraged them to fight. At that time, Bhimasena, with his mace in hand, was vigorously moving in the battle field, slaughtering the enemy troops. The charioteer of Bhimasena brought his chariot and stood before him. Bhimasena mounted his chariot, took his bow, and broke the chariot of Bahlika with his powerful arrows.
Chitrasena annoyed Abhimanhyu with his wonderful arrows. Abhimanyu, not caring for those arrows, broke his chariot, killed the charioteer and the horses. Chitrasena mounted the chariot of Durmukha and both fled away.
Drupada, king of Panchala, had a dual combat with Drona, beat him with his powerful arrows. With enraged anger, Drona broke his coat of mail. Drupada ran away. Susarma was fighting with Arjuna. Susarma showered sharp edged arrows on Sri Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna cut them in the middle and chased Susarma away from the battle field. Susarma's army was scattered. Unable to attack Arjuna, Susarma fled away along with his army.
Beholding this, Bhishma rushed against Arjuna. Satyaki intervened and showered arrows incessantly on Bhishma. Enraged with wrath,Bhishma launched a dreadful Sakti on Satyaki. Satyaki bent his body and warded off that Sakti. Satyaki caught it with his hand and hurled it back on Bhishma. Bhishma destroyed his own Sakti. Satyaki launched nine most powerful arrows on Bhishma. The Pandava Army at a time charged against Bhishma with utmost vigour.
Looking at this, Suyodhana told Dussaasana thus: "Dussaasana! our Grandsire Bhishma is fighting alone. You along with Sakuni should atonce proceed towards Bhishma for his help." ordered Suyodhana. Dussaasana along with Sakuni and their respective forces rushed towards Bhishma. All of them penetrated into the Pandava forces and shattered them.
Beholding this from a distance, Dharmaja waved his hand towards Nakula and Sahadeva and signalled them to proceed towards Bhishma. Nakula and Sahadeva, at the instance of their brother, rushed against Bhishma along with their forces. Suyodhana ordered ten thousand strong cavalry to attack the Pandava forces. The cavalry penetrated into pandava forces and began to slaughter them mercilessly. Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva were shooting those horses with their arrows fitted with stone heads. The horses with broken legs were rolling on the ground.The Ten Thousand strong cavalry was diminishing gradually. Not caring for the soldiers mounted on their back, the horses were running away, throwing them down. Those soldiers were being crushed under the feet of their own horses. The ten thousand strong cavalry was reduced to none. The Kettle drums and conches and horns were blown by Pandava forces with joy.
Beholding this, Suyodhana told Salya in great distress: "O King of Madra! The Pandava forces were rushing towards us as an ocean transgressing the shore and tearing our forces into pieces. You have to stop that ocean of army." requested Suyodhana.
Salya along with his army drove against Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva, and shot numerous dreadful arrows upon them. Arjuna and Bheema attacked Salya from other side. They both incessantly showered sharp arrows on Salya. Bhishma and Drona proceeded towards Salya. They both launched innumerable Astras and Sastras upon Bheema and Arjuna.
It was noon at that time. Bhishma was shining as midday sun in midsummer and massacring the Pandava troops. He hit three sharp arrows each against Dharmaja, Arjuna, Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva and hit Satyaki, Dhrushtadyumna with his sharp shafts and caused injuries all over their bodies. Beholding this, King Virata, King Pandya, Somaka, King of Madhagha, King of Karoosa, with the resepctive armies surrounded Bhishma and attaked him from all sides. Drona intervened and attacked Satyaki and Pandavas. Bhishma frightened those warriors who surrounded him, with his powerful Astras and Sastras. He was moving on his chariot in different directions and massacring the Pandava warriors. He was killing the horses, elephants and foot soldiers.
The entire battle field was covered with the dead bodies of horses, elephants and soldiers. None was dare enough to stand before Bhishma. All Pandavas and their armies were amazingly staring at Bhishma beholding his prowess. Bhishma was moving with great speed in the battle field , as if he is any where and everywhere, massacring mercilessly the Pandava forces. He was killing all kinds of car-warriors, their horses and elephants. The foot soldiers were being crushed by Bhishma. The battle field was filled with hands and legs cut and bodies without hands and legs. The sounds of breaking of chariots, shrieking of elephants, horses and cryings of soldiers were echoing in the battle field. Bhishma was slaughtering Pandava troops as if wild fire destroying the dry bamboo forest.
Krishna looked at Arjuna. "Arjuna! Today, with great prowess, Bhishma is destroying our troops. You are staring at him as a silent spectator. Is it proper for a valiant soldier like you?" Krishna sarcastically remarked. Arjuna kept quiet.
"Arjuna! Are you not hearing my words? Have you forgotten those words uttered by you with Sanjaya in the open court of King Virata? If you keep silent like a coward, will, all the Kings who have come from far off places to fight for your sake, not laugh at you?" provoked Sri Krishna. But Arjuna was in utmost delusion.
"Krishna! After destroying the entire Kuru Dynasty, by killing all my kith and kin, grandsire and teachers, friends and relatives, how can I enjoy these royal pleasures? What great task I have accomplished to feel pride? No. My hands are refusing to fight. What can I do? Whatever be the situation, I have to discharge my duty as Kshatriya. Drive our chariot against Bhishma. I will fight with my grandsire." said Arjuna with great anguish. Krishna with a smile on his face, drove the chariot against Bhishma.
Arjuna alerted all his troops who were running away. "Stand there! Return back! Let us fight with Bhishma! I am here. Dont be afriad" Arjuna cried aloud. Arjuna roared like a lion. Twanged his Gandeeva. He launched powerful Astras on Bhishma. Bhishma destroyed those astras in middle and hit the entire body of Arjuna with powerful sharp shafts. The body of Arjuna was drenched in blood. Once again the Pandava troops fled away. Bhishma was chasing the Pandava troops. Arjuna excited with wrath. Putting forth his prowess, Arjuna cut the bow of Bhishma with sharp edged arrows. Bhishma took another bow. Arjuna broke that bow also. Bhishma took another and showered innumerable arrows on Arjuna.
Arjuna was severely injured. He was tired. He was unable to stand on the chariot. He fainted. Bhishma was furiously fighting with great anger. When Arjuna himself fainted, none were there to attack Bhishma. Krishna realised that the situation is going out of control. He was enraged with anger. Keeping the reigns on the chariot, he jumped down. Krishna rushed against Bhishma with a view to kill him.
Both sides stopped war. Everybody was thinking that Bhishma would have his last breath. All are staring at them. Bhishma was very much surprised. He also jumped down from his chariot. With folded hands he proceeded towards Krishna "Krishna! Come on! Hasten fast! Kill me. Bless me with salvation at your hands" Bhishma prostrated before Lord Krishna.
Arjuna was in a perplexed mood. He lost his senses. Having jumped down from the chariot, he ran behind Sri Krishna. He caught him from behind and was dragging him towards the chariot. "Krishna! You have given me word that you will never fight. Will you violate your own words? How the world will think of you? Now I am alright. I am ready to fight with Bhishma. Please come back and occupy your seat as charioteer. Please. Dont defame me" requested Arjuna.
On hearing the words of Arjuna, Krishna cooled down. With peaceful mind, Krishna returned back to his chariot, mounted it and occupied the seat of charioteer holding the reigns of horses. Arjuna roared like a lion, twanged the bowstring of Gandeeva and began to fight. He was massacring the Kourava troops. Bhishma also mounted his chariot. He shot numerous powerful sharp arrows against the bodies of Krishna and Arjuna. He was tearing the Pandava army into pieces. Again Pandavas remained as silent spectators.
Bhishma was slaughtering the Panchala forces as if a strong man with huge body was crushing small ants on the ground. Unable to witness that diastrous slaughter, Sun was set on the west. Both sides stopped war for that day and retired to their respective places of stay. Beholding the prowess of Bhishma, Dharmaja was very much annoyed. Having been defeated at the hands of Bhishma, he along with his brothers, retired to his place of stay. In Kouravas' tents, all were rejoicing as Bhishma had vanquished all Pandava troops. Bhishma was acclaimed by your sons and other great car-warriors. " said Sanjaya, the 9th day war details.
On that night, Dharmanandana did not get sleep. He, along with his brothers, went to the place where Krishna was staying. "Krishna! today, Bhishma crushed our troops like an elephant crushing a forest of reeds. We dare not even look at that great warrior.
O Krishna, I am, through the weakness of my under-standing, plunged in an ocean of grief having got Bhishma as a foe in battle. Once again I will go back to forests and spend the rest of my life in peace. I no longer desire the battle. Even on earlier occasion also, my brothers suffered a lot in forests, on account of me. Tomorrow my brothers will be destroyed by Bhishma as insects rushing into a blazing fire. The welfare of my brothers is of utmost importance to me. If, with my brothers, O Kesava, I am worthy of your favour, tell me, what is for my benefit, without contravening the duties of Kshatriya." asked Dharmaja.
Krishna carefully listened to the words of Dharmaja. "Dharmaja! you always regard truth. Yours brothers are invincible warriors. Besides that, I am always with you. I will be your friend, guide and philosopher. You need not worry about future. Even if Arjuna is not inclined to kill Bhishma, I myself will kill Bhishma and save you from his wrath. Arjuna is my friend, relation, and student. Arjuna also is very much devoted towards me. It is my duty to make true the words of Arjuna spoken to Sanjaya and Ulooka. I also spoke with them in the same manner. You have also heard those words of mine and Arjuna. Me and Arjuna shall have to accomplish our promises. Time has come. You remain peaceful." said Krishna.
"Krishna! You have agreed to help us without fighting in the battle. Now how can I allow you to fight with Bhishma. Krishna! my grandsire Bhishma has given me a word that though he fights for Kouravas, he will help me also. Krishna! since my father's death, our gransire Bhishma brought, all of us, up with great love and affection. But today, I am inclined to kill him. Is kshatriya dharma is so cruel?" said Dharmaja in a sorrowful voice.
Krishna understood his inner feelings. Dharmaja was inclined to meet Bhishma and elicit from him the way to kill him. Krishna remembered the words of Dharmaja with Bhishma on the first day of war viz., "I will meet again".
Hence, Krishna said: "O Dharmaja! Your idea is appreciable. You yourself said that nobody will face Bhishma's wrath. If you approach him and ask him, he will certainly tell you about his fall in battle field. Let all of us go secretely and meet Bhishma. We have to pray him with utmost devotion for his death secret." said Krishna.
Dharmaja, along with his brothers, attired in plain clothes, proceeded to the place of stay of Bhishma. All of them prostrated before Bhishma and sought his blessings. Bhishma was very happy. He blessed all of them, offered them seats and enquired them about their arrival at that odd hour.
"O Grandsire Bhishma! How can we get back our kingdom? How can we protect our army without diminishing.? Kindly tell me.".asked Dharmaja with a sorrowful face.
"Dharmaja! As long as I fight in the battle field, your army shall have to diminish. You will never get back your kingdom unless I fall down.." said Bhishma.
"O Grandsire! As long as you are in the war field, resembling Lord Siva armed with his Trishool, nobody can beat you. Kindly tell me the way to conquer you!" asked Dharmaja.
"Dharmaja! What you said is correct. As long as I am holding bow in my hand, even the divine forces cannot conquer me. You have all come to me to know about my fall. You can conquer me when I drop my bow and arrows. I will stop fighting in the following circumstances:
I wont fight with ladies; with a person who removed his coat-of-mail; who is unarmed; who put down his flag, who was originally born as lady later transformed into male; who are called with ladies names, who removed his turban, and who has no brothers and sons. On seeing them, I will immediately drop my bow and arrows.
I got another vow. I never fight with a person, who was born initially, not as male, but subsequently attained manliness by God's gift. Sikhandi, son of King Drupada, is such a person. Originally he was as female. By divine grace, he attained manliness. You are all aware of this fact. Hence I wont fight with Sikhandi.
Therefore, Arjuna can keep Sikhandi in front of him and fight with me. As I drop my bow and arrows, he can easily kill me. Then it will be very easy for you to conquer Suyodhana and his brothers, relatives and friends. Therefore, do as I say." said Bhishma.
Having accomplished his desire, Dharmaja took leave from his Grandsire, Bhishma, returned back to his place of stay. While going back, on the way, Arjuna was seen very much distressed, thinking about the words of Bhishma, revealing his death secret.
"Krishna! Bhishma is my Guru. He is a man of virtues. He is at the evening of his life. He is respected by all. He is so generous. How can I kill such a great personality? After playing in the dust, in my child-hood, when I ran to him, he used to hug me and kiss me with great love and affection. While we were orphans, having lost our father in our childhood, he protected us and provided us with all amenities. Is it proper to kill such a great personality in this wicked manner, for the sake of kingdom. Even if he kills all our forces, I donot mind. But I never kill him. Pandavas are not that much cruel." said Arjuna.
Having heard these words of Arjuna, Krishna said: "O Arjuna! Dont you know Kshatriya Dharma. By tolerating cruelty to some extent, a kshatriya should, without agitated mind, kill the enemies and protect his people. With the taxes they pay, he should take up all social welfare works and strive hard for the welfare of the society. This is Kshatriya Dharma. This was told by Brihaspati to Indra. We cannot say that those words are not correct. Besides that, you have taken a vow, in the presence of all, many a time, that you will kill Bhishma in the battle. If you drop like this, the entire world will laugh at you. Killing of enemy in battle is regarded as Kshatriya Dharma but not as a cruel act. Therefore, shed your anguish and fight with Bhishma with a desire to kill him." said Krishna.
"O Krishna! what you said is correct. It is well known to the world that Sikhandi was born only to kill Bhishma. Our Gransire said that he will drop his arms on seeing Sikhandi. Let Sikhandi kill Bhishma.I will fight with others." said Arjuna.
Krishna with a smiling face said: "Arjuna! Bhishma is not an ordinary warrior. He is a man of great prowess. His death is in your hands. Nobody can avert his fate. Dont waste time with unnecessary conversation. Fight with Bhishma and kill him." said Krishna.
Unable to argue with Krishna, Arjuna said: " I will fight as you like. Let the fate take its own course.".
All have retired to their respective places of stay." said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.
"Sanjaya! what had happened on tenth day war. How Pandavas fought with Bhishma, keeping Sikhandi, in front of them. Tell me in detail." asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to tell the 10th day war details.
"Next day morning, Pandavas and Kouravas, accompanied by their respective armed forces, proceeded to the battle field. Pandavas arrayed their forces in the following manner. They kept Sikhandi in the forefront. On either side of him, stood Bhima and Arjuna. On his rear side stood Abhimanyu and the sons of Droupadi. On either side of Abhimanyu and Sons of Droupadi, stood Chekitana and Satyaki. Behind them, Dhrushtadyumna and other sons of King Panchala were standing. Yudhishtira, accompanied by Nakula and Sahadeva on either side was standing on the rear side. As protectors of all these forces, King Virata, King Drupada, Five Kekaya Kings and Dhrushtaketu with their mighty forces, were standing around them. In this manner, Pandava forces were arrayed for the tenth day battle.
Beholding this, Suyodhana arrayed his troops in the following manner. Bhishma was standing in the forefront. The remaining Kouravas were standing around him. Drona and Asvathaama were standing on either side of Bhishma. Suyodhana accompanied by Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Bhaga-datta was standing in the middle. Brihadbala, King of Kambhoja and other Kings were standing around Suyodhana. The King of Trigarta was standing on the rear side. In this manner, Kouravas arrayed their troops for the tenth day war.
The huge and terrible sounds of blowing of trumpets, kettle drums and horns rose to sky. All the warriors were blowing their conches. Two armies approached each other for the tenth day battle. The war on that day resembled the war between Divine Forces and Danava forces. There was heavy rush in the abode of Yama.
Nakula and Sahadeva, excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing the enemies, was massacring the rival forces. Bhima and Arjuna, from the other side was slaughtering the Kourava forces. With the support of these warriors, all the Pandava forces were rushing against Kourava forces with renewed vigour and were vanquishing the Kourava forces. Bhishma enraged with anger, fell on the Pandava troops and incessantly showered arrows upon them. Horses tied to the chariots, horses in the cavalry forces, elephants and the foot soldiers were rolling on the ground, losing their lives.
Sikhandi shot three sharp arrows on Bhishma. Bhishma did not even look at him. "You were born as lady but attained manliness in middle. Even if you shower arrows upon me, I will smile. I will never fight with you." said Bhishma.
"Bhishma! you have conquered many kings. You opposed Parasurama. Why cannot you show your prowess to me also? Even if you do not shot arrows at me, I will never leave you. I will kill you with my keen edged arrows. Come on. fight with me" Sikhandi provoked Bhishma.
Arjuna surprised with these words. " Strange is the behaviour of Sikhandi today. I think time has come for Bhishma to fall down. That is why Sikhandi is enraging like this." thought Arjuna for himself.
Looking at Sikhandi Arjuna said: "Sikhandi! after boasting yourself like this, if you do not do anything, the world will laugh at you. I am behind you. Dont be afraid. Rush against Bhishma. Fight with him and Kill him."encouraged Arjuna.
By that time, Bhishma was fighting with King Panchala at another place. Arjuna along with his forces attacked Bhishma. Unable to withstand the prowess of Arjuna, kourava army fled away.
"O my grandsire! Look at that side. Our forces are fleeing away. Why are you keeping quiet." asked Suyodhana.
Being annoyed with the words of Suyodhana, Bhishma replied: "Suyodhana! I have given you word that I will kill ten thousand warriors in ten days. I have killed more than ten thousand and I discharged my promise. A keen observance of today's war reveals that either I should kill Pandavas or Pandavas should kill me, will certainly happen. I am a human being. They are divine bodies. It is impossible for divine bodies to be killed by a common man like me. Anyhow, I will show my vigour and valour." said Bhishma.
Accompanied by several kings, Bhishma rushed against Pandava troops and was massacring them. With renewed vigour, your sons were fighting with their enemies. Beholding this, Pandavas, Kings of Matsya, Panchala, Yadavas, Pandya and Kekaya kings, along with their forces, at a time jumped against Bhishma.There was a fierce battle.
Arjuna was provoking Sikhandi. "Sikahandi! Attack Bhishma. I will be by your side. Bhishma will not look at your face. He will drop his bow and arrows. Then I will hit him with my arrows" suggested Arjuna.
Dhrushtadyumna was instigating his troops: "Come on! Let us gather here. We should charge against Bhishma all at a time. Arjuna is behind us. No fear. Rush against Bhishma." Dhrushtadyumna was crying aloud.
On hearing his cries, Dharmaja, Bheema, Nakula, Sahadeva, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi, King Virata, Satyaki, Chekitana, Dhritaketu, Kekaya Kings, Magadha kings and other renowned warriors in Pandava Army, with their respective forces surrounded Bhishma. Observing this development, Asvathaama, Bhoorisravasa, Kritavarma, Kripa-charya, King of Kambhoja, Vikarna, Durmukha, Vivimsati, Chitrasena and other car warriors on Kourava side rushed to that spot guarding Bhishma.
Sikhandi and Arjuna were on one chariot. Arjuna was standing behind SikhanDi. Dussasana intervened in between Sikhandi and Bhishma. Dussaasana shot 20 keen edged shafts on Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna cut them in the middle and shot one hundred iron edged shafts on Dussaasana. In return, Dussaasana shot five sharp arrows hitting the forehead of Arjuna. Enraged with fury, Arjuna broke the bow of Dussaasana. Dussaasana took up another bow and shot 20 sharp edged arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna broke them into pieces and shot another sharp arrow aiming at the chest of Dussaasana. With that blow, Dussaa-sana fainted. The charioteer drove his chariot from that place and stood behind Bhishma. Dussaasana regained consciousness and again attacked Arjuna with renewed vigour.
There were dual fights between Satyaki on one side and Alambasa and Bhagadattaon the otherside; Abhimanyu and Sudakshina; Asvathaama on one side and King Virata and King Drupada on the other side; Sahadeva and Kripacharya; Nakula with Vikarna; Ghatotkacha and Durkukha; Bhimasena and Bhoorisravasa; Chekitana and Chitrasena; Dharmaja and Drona. The mighty warriors on both sides were breaking the flags of the others; breaking the bows; killing the horses and elephants and slaughtering one another. The blood was flowing like canals. It was noon at that time.
While cutting all the Astras and Sastras launched by Dussaasana, Arjuna broke his bow and flag, and pierced numerous sharp edged arrows through his body and roared like a lion. Unable to stand before Arjuna, Dussaasana fled away. Then Arjuna began to massacre the kourava foreces.
Beholding this, Drona, excited with wrath, rushed against Arjuna. In between, along with his mighty forces, Dharmaja arrived there and attacked Drona. Drona called his son Asvathaama. "Asvathaama! Today my hands are shaking. I am unable to remember the divine Astras. Mybody is trembling. Bow is slipping from my hand. My mind is going out of control. I am unable to hold the bow firmly. I am afraid that Arjuna may kill Bhishma today and accomplish his desire. See how all the horses and elepahnts are rolling down. Chariots are being broken into pieces. It is as if Yama is wandering here in the form of Arjuna. Some how I am expecting some danger to Bhishma. See how the face of Yudhishtira is excited with wrath. I am unable to come there and save Bhishma as I have to fight with Dharmaja and other warriors here. You immediately proceed towards Bhishma and protect him from Arjuna." said Drona.
On hearing the words of his father, Drona, Asvathaama immediatley proceeded towards Bhishma. At that time Bhimasena was slaughtering the kourava forces, standing in front of Bhishma. Beholding this, Bhagadatta, Kriacharya, Kritavarma, Salya, Saindhava, Chitrasena, Durmarshana, Vinda, Anuvinda along with their respective forces formed as a protecting wall in front of Bhishma. They were all fighting with Bheemasena. The unshaken Bheemasena was fighting with those ten mighty warriors. Arjuna came there to help Bhimasena. Arjuna broke the flags, bows and chariots of those ten warriors with his sharp edged shafts. Arjuna penetrated into the kourava forces and massacring them.
Suyodhana directed Susarma to fight with Bheema and Arjuna. Susharma joined those ten warriors. All were fighting with Bheema and Arjuna. Suyodhana was very much disturbed. He waved his hand, loudly calling all his troops to come there. The entire war concentrated there itself. Abhimanyu and Satyaki also joined Bhima and Arjuna with their respective forces. Bhishma was fighting with Arjuna with powerful Astras.
In that terrible, fierce and awful battle, charioteers were dying. Horses and elephants were being slaughered cruelly. Bhishma was moving in the battlefield like whirlwind and massacring the enemy forces. Sun was slowingly setting on west.
Bhishma thought for a while. "During these ten days, I have killed many virtuous kshatriya warriors and thousands of soldiers. I am vexed with this carnage. It is better to cut the bondage with this body." so thinking Bhishma drove his chariot near the chariot of Yudhishtira. While passing by the side of his chariot, Bhishma told Yudhishtira:
"O my dear Yudhishtira! Since my childhood, I have been killing several kings and their forces, most cruelly. Still I am continuing these killings. I am advancing in age. My time is over. I am very much tired with this cruel carnage. I am disgusted. If you are really my well wishers, rush against me with Sikhandi in your forefront and fight with me, desirous of killing me. Dont delay. Kindly relieve me from this human body." spoke Bhishma and was passing away on his chariot.
As a dutiful soldier, he was continuing to combat with the enemy forces. On hearing these words of Grandsire, he called Dhrushtadyhumna "Dhurshtadyumna! Yourself, Bhimasena, Arjuna and other mighty warriors all atonce surround Bhishma." ordered Yudhishtira. Dhrushtadyumna waved his hand towards Kings of Matsya, Kekaya and other mighty car-warriors to come there. He along with Bhimasena and Arjuna, rushed against Bhishma.
Beholding this, Suyodhana along with his brothers and other car-warriors stood by the side of Bhishma, protecting him carefully. There was a dreadful battle between both sides. Abhimanyu, along with his army, rushed against Suyodhana and shot most cruel shafts against him. Asvathaama pierced several sharp arrows in the body of Satyaki.
"Kill Bhishma. Dont leave him" the pandava troops were shouting aloud.
"Save our Grandsire. kill the enemies" Kourava troops were crying aloud.
Both Bhishma and Arjuna were fighting as lions. Dussaasana intervened in between Bhishma and Arjuna, along with his forces. Arjuna shot Dussaasana with his most powerful shafts. Dussaasana fled away unable to withstand the wrath of Arjuna.
Then Bhagadatta attacked Arjuna. Arjuna killed the elephant of Bhagadatta. Then Bhagadatta left Arjuna and went away.
At that time, Arjuna told Sikhandi "Sikhandi! shoot your arrows aiming at the chest of Bhishma."encouraged Arjuna.
Sikhandi darted powerful arrows against Bhishma, aiming at his chest. Bhishma never cared him. Bhishma turned to otherside and was fighting with others. Sikhandi was continuing to dart most powerful arrows aiming at his chest, and other sensitive parts of his body. Bhishma is not trying to avert those blows. He was not even looking at Sikhandi but was fighting with Arjuna.
Dussaasana enraged with wrath, intervened in between Bhishma and Arjuna and was fighting with Arjuna. Suyodhana waved his hand towards the Kings of Kalinga, Malava, Bahlika, Videha and other warriors like Soorasena and signalled them to rush to that spot. All of them along with their respective forces, rushed to that spot. Arjuna, remained unperturbed, and controlled all of them with his prowess. Arjuna chased all of them to a distance. On Arjuna's chariot, Sikhandi was standing before him. Arjuna provoked Sikhandi to shoot powerful arrows agaisnt Bhishma. Enraged with wrath, Sikhandi darted most powerful arrows against Bhishma, penetrating through his coat of mail, piercing his chest cavity. Blood was coming out of the body of Bhishma like fountain. Sikhandi blew his conche and roared like a lion. Entire body of Bhishma was drenched in blood.
Dussaasana was shocked. He along with Kripacharya, Salya, Vivimsati, Vikarna, rushed in between Bhishma and Arjuna. Arjuna broke the chariots of all of them. Suyodhana and his brothers, were excited with anger. Suyodhana waved his hand signalling all his Akshouhini forces to rush against Arjuna. All the Kourva forces surrounded Arjuna.
Bhishma, as a last resort, tried to launch a most dreadful Astra to kill the rest of the Pandava Army. When he tried to launch that Astra, Sikhandi appeared before him. Immediatly Bhishma dropped down his bow and arrows and turned aside and launched that Astra on Virata forces. Virata forces fled away.
Sataaneeka, brother of King Virata, encouraging his forces, rushed against Bhishma. He afflicted Bhishma with terrible shafts. Bhishma, enraged with great fury, broke the bow and flag of Sataaneeka, killed his charioteer and the horses tied to his chariot. Unable to withstand the prowess of Bhishma, Sataaneeka launched a powerful Astra against Bhishma. Bhishma cut it in middle and with another Astra, cut the head of Sataaneeka.On seeing the death of Sataaneeka, all the Virata forces fled away.
Beholding all these developments, Krishna told Arjuna: "Arjuna! look at our forces. They are fleeing away unable to withstand the wrath of Bhishma. It is time to kill Bhishma. You have no othergo except to kill Bhishma. Launch most dreadful Astras against Bhishma" provoked Sri Krishna.
Now Arjuna decided to kill Bhishma. First Arjuna killed the charioteer of Bhishma and also the horses tied to his chariot. Seeing this, Sikhandi was excited with wrath. He shot keen edged shafts against Bhishma. Bhishma did not retaliate. Arjuna cut the bow of Bhishma. Unable to control themselves, Salya, Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Chitrasena, Bhoorisravasa and others, rushed against Arjuna launching divine Astras, stood in between Bhishma and Arjuna.
Bhima, Satyaki, Abhimanyu, Virata, Drupada, Ghatotkacha and other mighty warriors with their respective forces attacked them. The battle was fierce, terrible and awful. Arjuna was moving fastly in the battle field, launching Indra, Varuna and Vavya Astras upon the enemy forces. While protecting Sikhandi on one side, Arjuna was provoking Sikhandi to strike Bhishma with his arrows.
Arjuna broke the bow of Bhishma. Bhishma took up another bow which was also broken by Arjuna. Arjuna was continously breaking the bows of Bhishma and averted him from shooting arrows. Vexed with the attitude of Arjuna, Bhishma launched a dreadful Sakti. Arjuna broke that Sakti into fragments. Arjuna killed the charioteer of Bhishma and broke his flag. Arjuna blew his conch Devadatta.
Beholding the prowess of Arjuna, Bhishma thought: "Arjuna is invincible. While revealing the secret of my death to Dharmaja, I invited my death. Having done so, what is the use of fighting with them now vigorously. The only alternative is stop fighting and remain peaceful." thought Bhishma.
Having known his desire, all the divine bodies and great sages and saints from heaven commended him. Their glorifications were heard by Bhishma and, with the blessings of Vyasam, by me also. At that time, Sikhandi shot most dreadful arrows against Bhishma. Bhishma smiled and ignored them. Arjuna, standing behind Sikhandi, showered innumerable steep edged arrows on Bhishma.
Having seen this, Bhishma again took up his bow and cut all those arrows in the middle. In retaliation, Bhishma incessantly showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna broke them in the middle. Again Arjuna broke the bow of Bhishma. Arjuna darted sharp edged arrows piercing into his chest, breaking the coat-of-mail.
Bhishma called Suyodhana "Suyodhana! look at Arjuna and his way of fighting. Even the divine forces or asura forces cannot attack him. After all humans are nothing before him." said Bhishma.
Arjuna hiding his Gandeevam behind Sikhandi, shot dreadful arrows upon Bhishma. All of them were piercing his body. Bhishma called Dussaasana: "Look at these arrows. These are not emanated from the bow of Sikhandi. These are the arrows resembling the rods of death. They are striking me at all vital parts of my body. Sikhandi cannot shot such kind of arrows resembling Yama's rods. They are strong and striking at all vital parts of my body. Such arrows emanate only from Gandeeva but not from any other bow." said Bhishma.
As a last resort, Bhishma, collecting all his senses, launched Sakti against Arjuna which was destoryed by Arjuna. Bhishma tried to jump out of his chariot holding his sword and shield. Arjuna broke his sword and shield into pieces. Arjuna roared like a lion.
"Dont be afraid. Fight with Bheeshma. Surround him. Kill him" shouting Arjuna. Hearing the words of Arjuna all the Pandava forces all at a time surrounded Bhishma. Kourava forces averted them. Fierce was the battle fought there between kourava troops and those of the enemy. Sun was about to set on the west.
Arjuna was continously striking Bhishma with innumberable arrows piercing every inch of his body. Bhishma fell down from his chariot just before sun set. . While falling, he fell with his head eastwards. Pierced all over with arrows, his body touched not the ground. At that moment, the divine nature took possession of that great bowman lying on a bed of arrows.
The divine bodies, seeing the fall of Bhishma from the sky, worried: "This is Dakshina Ayan which is not auspicious. Bhishma may die during Dakshina Ayan."
"O Divine bodies! I know that it is not auspicious to die during Dakshina Ayan. Hence I retained my life still in my body. At the time of the marriage of my father with Satyavati, my father blessed me with a boon of "death at my will". Hence, my death would depend on my own wish." said Bhishma. Having heard those words, Divine bodies were satisfied.
At the instance of Mother Ganga, some saints, in the form of swans, arrived there to inform Bhishma about Dakshina Ayan. Having learnt that Bhishma was aware of it, they have gone back.
Coming to know about the fall of Bhishma, Suyodhana sent Dussaasana to inform Drona about the ir. Having heard about the fall of Bhishma through Dussaasana, Drona fainted. After regaining consciousness, he wept like a child for the fall of Bhishma. He immediately rushed to the spot where Bhishma fell.
Having seen the fall of Bhishma, jubilant atmosphere prevailed in the camps of Pandavas. Pandavas, King of Matsya, Panchala, Yadavas, were very happy. The sounds of kettle drums, horns rose to the sky. Gloomy atmosphere prevailed in our camps. As the sun was set, the war was stopped for the day." said Sanjaya the tenth day war details to Dhritarashtra.
"Sanjaya! After having heard about the fall of my father, Bhishma, I remained unperturbed. I do not know whether I am a human being or a huge rock. Sanjaya! what remains to be said, please tell me. I am ready to hear" said Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say the events happened after the fall of Bhishma.
"Then Kouravas and Pandavas, leaving their bows and arrows, went near Gangeya. Dhananjaya only approached his Grandsire with Gandeevam. Bheeshma looked at Suyodhana "Suyodhana! my head is falling down. Kindly arrange a support for my head" requested Bhishma.
Suyodhana and other kouravas brought featherlike pillows. Gangeya rejected them smoothly and looked at Arjuna. Arjuna with his Gandeevam shot three arrows under the head of Bhishma and kept the head of the Grandsire on those three arrows. Bhishma was very happy with the arrangement made by Arjuna.
Looking at both Kouravas and Pandavas, Bhishma said: "I will be lying on this arrow bed until the advent of Uttara Ayan which is auspicious for my departure to heaven. Kindly make arrangements for my safety." asked Bhishma.
Both Kouravas and Pandavas with great devotion arranged a fencing around that place and made necessary security arrangements. At the instance of Suyodhana, medical practitioners arrived there to treat Bhishma. Bhishma smoothly rejected that facility.
As he was thirsty, Bhishma requested your sons for water. Immediately, cool, sweet, pure water were brought in golden vessels.
"Suyodhana! I am lying on an arrow bed. I am attaining divinity. I never touch anything which is touched by humans. If you are capable, bring out underground water for my use. I will drink that water." said Bhishma.
Your sons and other Kings were discussing how to get underground water at that spot. Gangeya looked at Arjuna.
"Arjuna! the pain and suffering caused by these arrows is unbearable. I am thirsty. You have to get pure underground water." asked Bhishma.
Arjuna with folded hands, gone round his Grandsire, Bhishma, saluted him, and launched Parjanya Astra, into the ground. That Astra gone deep into the ground and the underground water gushed up like a fountain. Everybody amazed at this happening. As that fountain was directly falling into his mouth, Bhishma drank that pure, untouched, water.
Having satisfied with that, Bhishma told Arjuna: "Arjuna! listen carefully. Previously, I was told by Narada that you are Nara and Sri Krishna is Narayana. If you both unite together, nothing is impossible to both of you. I told many a time to King Suyodhana, not to bear grudge against you. But he didnot heed my words. He will wreak the consequences at the hands of Bhima. It is certain." said Bheeshma.
Looking at Suyodhana he said: "Suyodhana! listen to me. Arjuna is Nara, a man of great prowess. Narayana who is now in the form of Sri Krishna is his friend and relative. None can conquer these Nara and Narayana. Even now it is not too late. Make friendship with Dharmaja and give him his due share in the kingdom and Indraprastha which was built by him. Atleast your remaining brothers, friends and relatives will survive. Stop this war." suggested Bhishma.
All are silent. Without speaking single word, all of them departed to their resepctive places of stay.
While going back, Krishna told Dharmaja: "Dharmaja! Arjuna is unconquerable even to divine forces. None can defeat him." said Krishna .
"Krishna! This victory is yours. With your help and coordination only, we could achieve this but not with our prowess, vigour and valour." said Dharmaja.
Some time later, Karna arrived there alone. Karna touched the feet of Bhishma with great devotion. "O Grandsire Bhishma! Please shed your anger, bless me with your love and affection and speak few words to me." prayed Karna.
Bhishma opened his eyes,looked at Karna and called him near to him. Bhishma hugged Karna with one hand and signalled the guards to remain at a distance. Making sure that none were hearing their words, Bhishma said:
"Karna! why should I be anger towards you. Because you are creating caste feelings and fomenting jealousy between Kouravas and Pandavas, as an elderly person, I scolded you. I never bear grudge or anger upon you. Your birth is divine. Humans can never stand before you and conquer you. You are the son of Kunti not of Radha. Vyasa told me about your birth. I know about your prowess, vigour and valour. Because you are the son of Kunti, I always have love affection upon you. I was telling that enmity between Kouravas and Pandavas is not good and favourable to anybody. Because, Pandavas are unconquerable. SriKrishna is on their side. Therefore, enmity with Pandavas is not at all agreeable. Without any other thought, join Pandavas and be happy." said Bhishma.
"O Grandsire, Bhishma! The fact that I am Kounteya not Radheya was known to me much earlier. But, at this juncture, will it be possible for me to have friendship with Pandavas.? As you said, Pandavas are most powerful and they are aided by Sri Krishna. We cannot conquer them. This is certain. But, till now, I am sailing with Suyodhana at all times. I got many Honours at his hands. Is it just and proper to leave him at this crucial time?
Besides that, I insulted Pandavas in the open assembly in several ways. I was alwlays thinking to cause harm to Pandavas. In every nerve of mine, I developed jealousy against them. I originated enmity between Kouravas and Pandavas and fomented it which culminated into this mass massacre. Pandavas are very much disgusted against me.
In these circumstances, the only way left open for me is to fight with Pandavas. Nothing is in our hands. Everything is destined by fate. Kindly bless me for a war against Pandavas. I will discharge my loyalty towards Suyodhana and show my strength and prowess before Krishna and Arjuna." Karna sought the blessings of Bhishma.
"Karna! I know that you are such a great warrior of eminent prowess. Your strength, vigour and valour are the assets of Suyodhana. Do the needful to Suyodhana and feel him happy. My blessings are always with you. I am giving permission. Without having any doubt in your mind, you act according to your conscience." said Bhishma.
Karna was very happy with the kind and affectionate words of Bhishma. After taking leave from Bhishma, Karna went back to his residence." said Sanjaya the tenth day war details to Dhritarashtra.
Thus Saint Vaisampaayana told Janayamejaya, the story of Mahabharata.
MAHA BHARAT
BHISHMA PARVA
THIRD CHAPTER COMPLETED.
BHISHMA PARVA COMPLETED
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT.

Saint Vaisampaayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata.
On hearing about the defeat of his son on the 6th day OF war, Dhritarashtra was very much annoyed and asked Sanjaya to tell him what had happened later. Sanjaya continued to say:
"On 6th day night, your son, Suyodhana, went to the place of stay of Bhishma and asked him: "O my grandsire! Day by day, our troops are diminishing. Today, I was defeated by Bhimasena and fainted. What more insult will be there in my life? I earnestly requested you to defeat Pandavas. But you are unable to do anything. I do not know how they got such an enormous strength and bravery" said Suyodhana.
"O Suyodhana! why you are blaming me like this? Did I keept quiet without taking part in war? How many times, the enemies fled away on seeing my chariot. I have been telling you since beginning that it is not an easty task to conquer pandavas. You have not cared for my words. Dont be disheartened. I will fight and gain victory for you." said Bhishma.
Having been pacified with the words of Bhishma, Suyodhana went back to his place of stay and slept peacefully. Next day morning, the troops on both sides were arrayed in the battle field, one against the other.
Bhishma arrayed his army in the form of Mandala Vyooha.(In the shape of a circle). Suyodhana stood in the middle of the circle. Rest of your sons stood on either side of Suyodhana. Beholding Mandala Vyooha, Yudhishtira asked Dhrushtadyumna to array their troops in the shape of Diamond (Vajra vyooha). Both the troops were ready for war. The sounds of Trumpets, horns and conches rose to the sky. The two armies charged against each other.
Drona attacked Virata; Asvathaama attacked Sikhandi; Duryodhana attacked Dhrushtadyumna; Salya, the King of Madra, attacked Nakula and Sahadeva; Vinda and Anuvinda attacked Yudhamanyu; and several car-warriors attacked Arjuna. Bhimasena attacked Kritavarma; Abhimanyu attacked Chitrasena, Dussaasana, and Vikarna; Ghatotkacha attacked Bhagadatta; Satyaki attacked Alambasa; Dhrishtaketu attacked Bhoorisravasa; Chekitana attacked Kripacharya; Yudhishtira attacked Srutaayu and the rest of the Kings attacked Bhishma. There was a fierce battle between both sides.
Arjuna was wielding Gaandeeva and shooting arrows with both hands on kourava troops. All of them attacked Arjuna at a time and showering arrows both on Krishna and Arjuna. All your sons applauded them. Excited with rage, Arjuna launched Indra Astra. That Indra Astra cut all the arrows shot by Kourava warriors into pieces. It killed all the horses tied to the chariots. That Astra churned the kourava warriors like Mandhara Mountain in the sea. Unable to retaliate, all the Kourava troops fled away and sought refuge behind Bhishma.
The Kings of Trigartha and other kings also fled away along with their troops. Bhishma alone attacked Arjuna. Beholding this, Suyodhana waved his hand, calling back his troops "Why you are fleeing away. Bhishma alone is fighting. Will you all remain as silent spectators. I have not seen such a cowards like you. Come back. Fight along with Bhishma." Suyodhana rallied his troops and asked them to go in aid of Bhishma.
At another front, Drona broke the bow and the flag of Virata. King Virata picked up another bow and shot three sharp arrows on the body of Drona. King Virata also killed the chariot driver of Drona. With another four arrows, he broke the bow of Drona. Drona was enraged with wrath. With eight arrows, Drona killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Virata and broke his chariot.
King Virata immediately mounted the chariot of his son, Shankhu. Along with his son, he showered numerous arrows on Drona. Drona launched a divine astra upon Sankhu. That Astra pierced into the heart of Sankhu. Sankhu fell down on the chariot, leaving his bow and arrows and died. Beholding the death of his own son, King Virata fled away along with his army.
At another front, Sikhandi shot three arrows on the forehead of Asvathaama. Asvathama cut those arrows in the middle and showered powerful arrows on Sikhandi and killed his steeds and chariot driver and broke his bow and flag. Sikhandi jumped from his chariot, picked up a sword to ward off the arrows shot by Sikhandi. Asvathama cut the sword of Sikhandi. Sikhandi mounted the chariot of Satyaki.
In another front, Drushtadyumna covered your son, Suyodhana, with innumerable shafts. But your son, without any agitation, cut them into pieces in the middle, and in return, pierced Dhrushtadyumna, with sharp shafts. Dhrushtadyumna cut the bow of your son. While your son was picking up another bow, he cut that bow also. Dhrushtadyumna killed the steeds and broke the chariot of your son. Suyodhana picked up a sword and jumped to the ground. Dhrushtadyumna also took up another sword and attacked Suyodhana. In the meanwhile, Sakuni arrived there and your son, Suyodhana, mounted his chariot.
Satyaki was fighting with Alambasa. He shot most cruel shafts on Alambasa. Alambasa with an arrow, resembling crescent moon, cut the bow of Satyaki and pierced his body with sharp arrows. At that time, Satyaki launched Indra Astra which vanished all the miracles of Alambasa and made him to suffer a lot. Unable to attack Indra Astra, Alambasa fled away. Then Satyaki rushed against the Kourava forces.
In another front, Kritavarma was fighting with Bhimasena. Bhimasena killed the horses tied to the chariot of Kritavarma and also killed the chariot driver. Bhimasena pierced the entire body of Kritavarma with sharp arrows. Then Kritavarma mounted the chariot of Vrishaka. Leaving Kritavarma, Bhimasena rushed against the Kaurava forces with great speed." said Sanjaya, the events of war.
Dhritarashtra stopped him and said: "O Sanjaya! You are always speaking about the deaths and defeat of our side. You never said about the defeat and killings on the side of Pandavas. You always speak that Pandavas are cheerful and victorious. What is this mystery?" said Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra! Even the Kourava troops are also fighting according to their might and courage. But Pandavas troops penetrated into Kourava troops as the rivers are rushing into the sea. Your troops were unable to resist them and fled away. It is not their fault. It is of no use to repent now for the faults committed earlier. Any how, I will narrate the incidents of war. Please listen." Sanjaya continued to narrate the incidents of war.
"Yudhamanyu covered Vinda and Anuvinda, Kings of Avanti, with his arrows. Yudhamanyu broke the chariot of Aruvinda. Anuvinda mounted the chariot of Vinda. Yudhamanyu killed their chariot driver with one arrow. On the death of chariot driver, the steeds tied to the chariot drageed the chariot to another side. Their troops fled away.
At another front, Bhadatta was fighting with Pandava troops and was chasing them. Ghatotkacha entered the war field and instilled confidence in the Pandava troops, as a result, all the Pandava troops rallied to the war field. Ghatotkacha attacked Bhagadatta and showered innumerable arrows on Bhagadatta. Bhagadatta broke all those arrows and shot Ghatotkacha with 14 steep shafts. He also broke the chariot of Ghatotkacha. Then Ghatotkacha launched Sakti Astra upon Bhagadatta. But Bhagadatta broke it into pieces and shot Ghatotkacha with most powerful arrows. Unable to resist him, Ghatotkacha ran away.
Mounting on his elephant, Bhagadatta rushed against Pandava troops. At another place, Nakula and Sahadeva were fighting with Salya. Salya broke the chariot of Nakula. Nakula mounted the chariot of Sahadeva. Sahadeva shot one sharp cruel shaft on Salya which struck him on his chest, as a result, he fainted. Salya fell down. His charioteer drove chariot away. Beholding this, Nakula and Sahadeva roared like lions and blew their conches. It was noon at that time.
At another front, Yudhishtira shot nine arrows on Srutaayuvu. Srutaayuvu cut them in the middle and shot seven arrows on Yudhishtira. Yudhishtira grew angry. He shot one sharp shaft in the shape of Varaha Karna (ear of a pig) which pierced into his heart. With antoher shaft he broke the flag post. Srutaayuvu shot seven shafts against Dharmaja. Dharmaja killed the horses tied to the chariot; broke his bow, cut his flag. The body of Srutaayuvu was drenched in blood. Beholding this, all the Kourava troops fled away. Pandava troops acclaimed Yudhshtira.
In another front, Chekitana and Krupacharya were combatting with each other. Krupacharya with his sharp arrows cut the bow of Chekitana and also killed the horses tied to his chariot. Chekitana took out his mace and jumped out of his chariot. He broke the chariot of Krupacharya with his mace and killed the horses. Then, Krupacharya, shot Chekitana with 16 shafts fitted with iron point heads. Chekitana hurled his mace towards Krupacharya. Krupacharya cut the mace in the middle. Chekitana got down from his chariot, took out a sharp sowrd. Krupacharya also took out a sword and jumped against Chekitana. Both had a dual fight with their swords and both fell down unconscious. Beholding this, Sakuni from Kourava side and Karakarshana from Pandava side took them away in their respective chariots.
At another place, Drishtaketu was fighting fiercely with Bhoorisravasa. Dhrishtaketu shot nine sharp arrows upon Bhoorishravasa. In return, Bhoorishravasa killed the horses and shot his body with sharp arrows. Unable to fight with Bhoorishravasa, Dhrishtaketu mounted the chariot of Sataaneeka and moved to another place.
At another front, there was a big fight between Abhimanyu on one side and Dussasana, Vikarna and Chitrasena on other side. Abhimanyu broke the chariots of all those warriors but did not kill them and spared them for the sake of Bhimasena. Beholding this, Bhishma arrived there with all his troops and joined Dussaasana. Both Dussaasana and Bhishma were fighting with Abhimanyu. Now Abhimanyu was fighting alone with those warriors.
Looking at this, Arjuna told krishna: "Krishna! Along with Bhishma, all the main car-warriors(Radhikas) are at one place. Let us go there." Krishna drove the chariot against Bhishma. On the way, King of Trigartha attacked Arjuna. "Oh. King of Trigartha, Susharma! Welcome. I heard that you are a great warrior in Kourava Army. Today you have to fight with me without fear." requested Arjuna. Excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing Susharma, Arjunt shot numerous arrows against Susarma. The entire Kourava Army attacked Arjuna. Pandava troops also arrived there in aid of Arjuna. There was a fierce battle between both the troops.
Arjuna was killing the horses, breaking the chariots, and cutting the flags tied to the chariots, with his sharp arrows. Arjuna was vigorously moving in the battle field, mercilessly killing the kourava forces, as none was there to attack him. It was afternoon at that time.
The King of Trigartha provoked his 32 warriors(chakra rakshakas) to fight with Arjuna. Arjuna killed all those 32 warriors with 62 sharp pointed shafts. Beholding this, The King of Trigartha himself went against Arjuna. In the meanwhile, Sikhandi and other warriors joined Arjuna and fought with King of Trigartha. Though Suyodhana and Saindhava were standing before him, Arjuna never looked at them. He drove his chariot towards Bhishma.
Looking at this, Yudhishtira who was, till then, fighting with Salya, left that place and proceeded towards Arjuna along with Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva, with a view to help Arjuna. Bhishma was fighting with all Pandavas. Your son, Suyodhana, along with Saidhava, rushed against Pandavas. From another side, Sala, Salya, Chitrasena and Krupacharya attacked Pandavas.
In between, Sikhandi intruded and tried to fight with Bhishma. But Bhishma just broke his bow and turned his chariot to other side. Observing this, Yudhishtira provoked Sikhandi
"O Sikhandi! Have you forgotten your vow that you will kill Bhishma. Bhishma is before you. Fight with him". Yudhishtira cried aloud. On hearing those words of Yudhishtira, Sikhandi incessantly poured arrow showers on Bhishma.
Beholding this, Salya launched Agneyastra on Sikhandi. As a reply to Agneyastra, Sikhandi launched Varunaastra on Salya. Both Astras were nullified. Bhishma broke the bow of Dharmaja and cut the flag. Bhimasena got down from his chariot, armed with a huge mace, rushed against Suyodhana. Saindhaya showered 500 sharp pointed shafts on Bhimasena. Bhimasena cut those arrows with his mace into pieces. Bhimasena killed horses of Saindhava and broke his chariot. Saindhaya mounted another chariot and fled away. On seeing his defeat, his troops also fled away.
Suyodhana, while continuing the fight with Bhimasena, tryied to stop his troops from running. Chitrasena intervened and launched Sakti arrow on Bhimsena. Bhimasena hurled his mace towards Chitrasena. That mace after cutting the Sakti launched by Chitrasena, was whirling in the sky. Looking at that mace, all the Kourava troops were frightened, as if it was falling on their heads. Inspite of the warnings of Suyodhana, the Kourava troops were running away with fear. That mace was coming down with great speed towards Chitrasena. Chitrasena jumed down from his chariot and ran away. Then that mace broke the chariot of Chitrasena and killed the horses. Vikarna rescued Chitrasena by taking him up on his chariot.
Bhishma killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Dharmaja and pierced innumerable arrows into the body of Dharmaja. Dharmaja launched Sakti arrow on Bhishma. Bhishma cut that into pieces. Dharmaja mounted the chariot of Nakula and Sahadeva. Bhishma incessantly showered sharp pointed arrows on Nakula and Sahadeva. Dharmaja waved his hand and called all the warriors on his side and provoked them to fight with Bhishma. All those warriors, at a time, rushed against Bhishma. The invincible Bhishma, was fighting with all those warriors. Bhishma was cutting the heads of the soldiers on Pandava side as fruits from palm trees. Bhishma was speedily moving in the Pandava army like a lion in the forest and was massacring them mercilessly. Pandavas, unabel to Attack Bhishma, were gazing at him.
In the meanwhile, Sikhandi intervened and stood before Bhishma and launched most cruel shafts against Bhishma. Bhishma, did not care for him. He never looked at his face, turned to other side, and was fighting with Pandavas and their army.
At another place, Satyaki and Dhrushtadyumna together were slaughtering the Kourava forces. Vinda and Anuvinda attacked them with great vigour. They killed the horses tied to the chariot of Dhrushtadyumna. Dhrushtadyumna mounted the chariot of Satyaki. Beholdinng this, Dharmaja rushed to that spot along with his forces to help Dhrushtadyumna. Your son, Suyodhana, waved his hand to his troops to attack Dharmaja. Accompanied by Bhishma and Drona, Suyodhana also attacked Dharmaja from another side. Arjuna also rushed to that spot to help his brother, Dharmaja. Drona shot Arjuna with sharp edged arrows. With renewed vigour, Kourava forces rushed against Pandava forces. Dharmaja provoked his forces to fight against Kourava forces. There was a fierce battle between both the forces. It was afternoon at that time.
By conquering Susarma and Saindhava, Arjuna and Dharmaja were in a joyous mood. Bheemasena was always by the side of his brother, Arjuna, and slaughtered the Kourava army. As the darkness plunged in, both sides stopped war and departed to their respective places of stay. Thus the seventh day war ended" said Sanjaya to Dhrutarashtra.
On the morning of eighth day, Bhishma arrayed his forces in the form of Kurma (tortoise). Having come to know about this through his spies, Dharmaja asked Dhrushtadyumna to think about a suitable vyuha. Accordingly, Dhrushtadyumna arrayed Pandava troops in the form of Srungataka vyooha. Both the forces were ready for the eighth day battle.
Great was the uproar heard there, resembling the loud uproar of the ocean itself. The high sounds of Trumpets, horns were heard. The eighth day war began. The dust rose in the battle field due to the movement and running of chariots, elephants, horses and foot soldiers, covered the sky. Bhishma roared like a lion and rushed against the Pandava army and began to massacre them. Unable to stand before Bhishma, Pandava forces fled away. Excited with rage, Bhimasena attacked Bhishma. With one steep arrow, he killed the charioteer of Bhishma. The horses tied to the chariot of Bhishma, dragged the chariot to the otherside. The Pandava troops were overwhelmed with joy and acclaimed Bhimasena.
Your son, Sunabha, attacked Bhimasena. Bhiamsena, cut the head of Sunabha, with one sharp arrow and roared like a lion. Beholding the death of their brother, Sunabha, your sons, Adityaketu, Aparajitha, Bahvaasi, Pandita, Kundadhaara, Visaalasha, Mahodara, all at a time fell upon Bhimasena with great anger and shot innumerable shafts into the body of Bhimasena from all sides. Bhimasena, launched sharp edged arrows in the crescent shape and consigned all of them to the abode of Yama. The rest of your sons were very much frightened. "Bhimasena may redeem his vow even today itself. the words of Vidura may become true" they thought. Unable to stand before Bhimasena, they all fled away.
Your son, Suyodhana, instigated his forces to fight with Bhimasena. He approached Bhishma: "O my beloved Grandsire! Do you know what is happening. Are you keeping quiet while Bhima is killing all my brothers? You are behaving like an indifferent spectator. I think you are favouring the slaughter of my brothers at the hands of Bhima."said Suyodhana in a distressed mood.
Bhishma also was very much annoyed. "Suyodhana! I told you many a time that even Lord Siva cannot conquer Pandavas. Not only me, none can save any of your brothers from death, if they attack Bhimasena. There is no use of feeling grief and sorrow. The only way left for us is, if we win the war, we will rule this universe, otherwise, we will enjoy heavenly plealsures. We are all fighting with our might. We may win the war." pacified Bhishma.
On hearing the words of Sanjaya, Dhrutarashtra said: "What a dreadful fate it is! Even in the presence of Bhishma and Drona, my sons were killed by Bhima. What can I do? Without heeding my words, Suyodhana invited his brothers' slaughter. There is no use of thinking about past. Continue." said Dhritarashtra with terribel grief.
Beholding the deaths of your sons, Bhishma enraged with anger. He rushed against Bhimasena. Dharmaja waved his hand and signalled Dhrushtadyumna, Sikhandi, Satyaki to speedily come there to help Bhimasena. Immediately, all of them rushed to that spot. All the great car-warriors, incited by Suyodhana, attacked Arjuna. With the help of Chekitana and sons of Droupadi, Arjuna attacked the Kourava forces. Abhimanya along with Ghatotkacha were fighting with Kourava forces and massacring them. Dronacharya, riding on his chariot in zig zag manner, incessantly showered steep arrows on the Panchala forces. Bhimasena was killing the elephant forces with his sharp edged arrows. Nakula and Sahadeva, with their swords, were destroying the cavalry in kourava forces.
At this juncture, Iravanta, son of Arjuna through Uloochi, daughter of a Serpant King, with his cavalry, surrounded the kourava forces. Beholding this, the six brothers of Sakuni viz., Suka, Sarmavanta, Vrushaka, Arja, Gaja, Gavaksha, wi their cavalry attacked Iravanta. There was a dreadful battle between them. They all together killed the horse of Iravanta. Iravanta jumed on the ground and was fighting with a sword in hand. The brothers of Sakuni also jumed to the ground and were fighting with Iravanta. Iravanta was wielding his sword in different angles and warding off the blows delivered by the brothers of Sakuni. Iravanta mercilessly cut all the brothers of Sakuni into 12 pieces.
Beholding the death of the brothers of Sakuni, Suyodhana alerted Alambasa "Alambasa! It appears that Iravanta may vanish our army in no time. You control his prowess and kill him." The Rakshasa warrior, Alambasa, miraculously created an illusory cavalry force like that of Iravanta. Both the cavalry forces attacked each other and vanished. Now Iravanta remained alone. Iravanta cut the sword and bow of Alambasa into pieces. Then Alambasa speedily rose up into the welkin, confounding with his illusion. He shot many miraculous arrows against Iravanta. As Iravanta also was an expert in miracle war, he also rose up into the welkin and began to fight with Alambasa. With his steep powerful arrows, Iravanta cut the head of Alambasa. Another head rose in that place. He did not die. Iravanta created dreadly poisonous cobras. Alambasa transformed himself into an eagle and killed those cobras. Then he transformed into human and cut the head of Iravanta with his sword. Iravanta fell down and died. It was midday.
Beholding the death of Iravanta, Ghatotkacha, along with his Rakshasa army, charged against Kourava army. Armed with a blazing spear upraised in his hand, Ghatotkacha was killing the elephants, horses and foot solders mercilessly. Looking at this, Suyodhana and the King of Vanga, with their resepctive elephant forces, rushed against Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha was highly inflamed with rage. He picked up a sword and began to cut the tusks and trunks of elephants, heads of horses into pieces. Suyodhana himself jumped into the field. With his most powerful sharp arrows, Suyodhana killed Vegavanta, Vidyutjihva, Bahvaasi and others who were the most trusted warriors of Ghatotkacha. He pierced innumerable darts into the body of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha picked up a bow and showered powerful arrows on Suyodhana.
Looking at Suyodhana, Ghatotkacha said: "O Suyodhana! having forgotten truthfulness and virtues, you have insulted my parents, Pandavas and Droupadi. Now be ready to wreak the dire consequences." So saying Ghatotkacha shot many arrows resembling cobras into the body of Suyodhana. Suyodhana cut them in the middle and shot 20 fiercest arrows upon Ghatotkacha. In retaliation, Ghatotkacha launched Sakti arrow on Suyodhana. The King of Vanga intervened in between. The Sakti hit the elephant of King of Vanga and pierced into its body. The King ofVanga jumped on the ground and fled away. His forces also fled away along with him.
Now Suyodhana alone attacked Ghatotkacha. He launched all kinds of Astras and Sastras, known to him. But all are in vain before the power of illusion of Ghatotkacha. Then Suyodhana launched a great astra on Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha smashed that Astra also in air and roared like a lion. Bhishma realised that Suyodhana was in danger. He raised hue and cry "Save Suyodhana from Ghatotkacha" and alerted all his troops. On hearing those cries, Drona, Asvathaama, Krupacharya, Chitrasena, Bruhadbala, Bahlika, King of Avanthi, Bhoorisravasa, Sandhava, Somadatta, Vivimsati, Vikarna, all at a time, rushed towards Suyodhana to save him. All of them were combatting with Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha, excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing them all, shooting most powerful arrows against them. He killed their charioteers, cut the bows and broke the chariots. All are annoyed. Dronacharya along with 12 Maharadhas, at a time, surrounded Ghatotkacha and launched Mahastras from all sides. Ghatotkacha rose to the sky and was using his power of illusion.
Beholding this, Dharmaja called Bhimasena and said: "Bhima! here Arjuna is fighting with Bhishma. You proceed towards Ghatotkacha and help him". Immediately, Bhimasena, roaring like a lion, drove his chariot towards Ghatotkacha. Suyodhana shot one crescent shaped powerful dart upon Ghatotkacha. He also cut the bow of Bhima and shot another terrible shaft piercing the chest of Bhima. Bhimasena fainted. Beholding this, sons of Droupadi attacked Suyodhana. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkacha joined them. All of them poured incessant showers of arrows on Suyodhana. Krupacharya, Bahlika, Bhoorisrava and other Kuru warriors, joined Suyodhana and attacked the sons of Droupadi. Bhimasena regained his consciousness. Again he rushed against the enemy. Drona showered innumerable sharp arrows against Bhima. Bhima cut them into pieces and in return shot a powerful arrow which pierced into the chest of Drona. Drona fell down and fainted.
Beholding the fate of his father, Asvathaama along with Suyodhana rushed to that spot and attacked Bhimasena. They shot powerful darts upon Bhima. Bhima, holding his mace on his shoulder, got down from his chariot, and cut all the arrows shot by Suyodhana into pieces. Drona regained consciousness. He took out his bow and again showered innumerable arrows on Bhimasena. On seeing this, Ghatotkacha, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi arrived at that spot to help Bhimasena. One Neela, a friend of Bheemasena, attacked Asvathaama. Asvathama inflicted serious injuries to Neela with his sharp shafts. Ghatotkacha showered innumerable arrows on Asvathama. Drona shot most dreadful arrows against Bhimasena's body.
Ghatotkacha began to use his power of illusion. He created a scene with his power of illusion, to the vision of Kourava troops, as if Suyodhana, Kripacharya, Drona, and other Maha Radhas were seriously injured and fell unconscious with their bodies drenching in blood. Believing it to be true, all the Kourava troops were frightened and ran away. Bhishma realised that it was nothing but the illusion. Bhishma cried aloud: "Stop! dont run! This is illusion. None are injured. All are safe" alerted the Kourava troops. But nobody cared for his words. All were running hither and thither with terrible fear.
Beholding this, with a sorrowful face, Suyodhana approached Bhishma. "When youself and Drona were very much present, all this had happened. What more insinuation will be there for me than this. I intend to fight with Pandavas alone. I will decide either to survive or vanish today itself."said Suyodhana.
"Suyodhana! How can you attack Pandavas alone without anybody's help. They are all nothing but games of illusion played by Rakshasas. We are here to put an end to it. Dont fear." said Bhishma. Bhishma called Bhagadatta and said; "Bhagadatta! None of these illusins will work out before you. Go and fight with Ghatotkacha" said Bhishma. Bhagadatta mounted his royal elephant, Suprateeka, and rushed against Ghatotkacha.
Beholding this, all the Kourava forces returned back to the battle field and began to fight with Pandava forces. Ghatotkacha also mounted another elephant resembling a hill and attacked Bhagadatta. Bhimasena, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi were by the side of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha shot the elephant of Bhagadatta with sharp edged Bhalla arrows. Bhagadatta cut those arrows and killed the horses tied to the chariot of Ghatotkacha and showered numerous arrows on Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi. Bhagadatta killed all the horses of their chariots, broke their chariots and slaughtered their army. Bhagadatta was moving in the battle field vigorously like Mandhara mountain churning the milk sea. The mighty elephant, Suprateeka was crushing the soldiers under its feet, holding them with its trunk and throwing them to all sides. Several soldiers, horses were being crused under its feet and died.
While Bhagadatta was fighting with Pandava forces in the above manner, Suyodhana, Drona, Kripacharya and other Maha Radhis were helping him. Pandavas could not withstand his prowess. Beholding this, Dharmaja, waving his hand to his troops, instigated them to attack Bhagadatta. He along with Arjuna and King of Panchala attacked Bhagadatta. Arjuna, blowing his conch Devadatta, rushrd against the kourava forces and massacring them.
At that time, Bhimasena informed Arjuna about the death of Iravanta. Arjuna was very much annoyed. "Where is the dead body?" asked Arjuna. Bhima led him to the place where Iravanta was laid. Arjuna saw the dead body of his son, Iravanta whose head was cut, with tearful eyes. Arjuna was overwhelmed with grief and wept loudly. "What a tragic incident? Now I realise why Dharmaja tried to restore peace always. I do not know for whose sake we are fighting? Why this mass massacre?" Arjuna cried aloud. Looking at Arjuna, Krishna smiled. Arjuna could understand what is passing on in the mind of Krishna. "Having heard my divine words at the beginning of war, still you are weeping for your kith and kin.". Arjuna wiped out his tears. "No. Nothing. I have to discharge my Kshatriya Dharma. Krishna! let us go. I have to discharge my duty" said Arjuna. Krishna, with a smiling face, drove the chariot against the Kourava forces.
Bhagadatta, Kripacharya, King of Trigartha attacked Arjuna and showered arrows incessantly from all sides. Satyaki intervened in between. Kritavarma and Bahlika attacked Satyaki. Bhimasena attacked Drona. Drona and Suyodhana were fighting with Bhimasena together. Bhimasena was cutting all the arrows launched by Drona and Suyodhana into fragments and in return shot many powerful darts against them. Bhimasena killed your sons, Kundabhedhi, Aradhrushya, Kanakadwaja, Viravi, Subaha, Deergabhaahu, Dheerghalochana with his powerful astras. Rest of your sons fled away. Bhimasena entered the Kourava troops with great prowess and was slaughtering the kourava army indiscriminately.
Beholding this, your son Suyodhana was instigating his troops to charge against Bhishma. Pandava troops, with greatest enthusiasm, were rushing against Kourava troops. Blood was flowing like water in canals. The ornaments on the dead bodies of warriors were shining in the light of evening sun. Darkness plunged down. Both sides stopped war for that day and retired to their respective places of stay.
Your son, Suyodhana, was very much annoyed with the death of his brothers. He was not inclined to go back to his residence. He asked Dussasana to send for Karna and Sakuni. Dussaasana was present before him along with Karna and Sakuni in no time. Looking at Karna, Suyodhana spoke thus: "Karna! My grand father Bhishma, Our Guru Drona and Kripacharya were keeping themselves neutral, though they are fighting on our side. They are not inclined to kill Pandavas. There are no much casualities on the side of Pandavas but our army is diminishing day by day. I do not know what to do.." said Suyodhana.
Having heard those words, Karna who was always very eager to fight against Pandavas, said: "Suyodhana! Ask Bhishma to desist from war. I will jump into action and kill Pandavas within a day.
"Dussaasana! Let us go to Bhishma and convey this message to him." So saying, Suyodhana and Dussaasana went to Bhishma. They both bowed before the feet of their Grandsire, Bhishma and sat by his side. "O my Grandsire Bhishma! Having trusted you in abundance, I waged war against Pandavas. I do not know what is happening now. You are capable of conquering divine forces and Danavas. Though, you have been fighting with Pandavas since eight days, none of the Pandavas was killed. Atleast, you have not killed Arjuna. But I am losing my brothers, ten per day. I cannot say more than this. I am praying with folded hands. Kindly stay away from war and give an opportunity to Karna to fight. This is my huble request" requested Suyodhana.
Having heard those words resembling sharp edged arrows, Bhishma was very much annoyed. He kept quiet for some time. "Suyodhana! Arjuna is not an orindary warrior. You should know it. He conquered Indra and got Khandava forest burnt by Agni. He fought with Lord Siva and acquired Pasupata. When this Karna fled away, leaving you and your relatives to your fate, this Arjuna fought with Gandharva and got yourself and your men released. It is this Arjuna who conquered all of us and returned back with cows of Virata. There are so many victories in his account, which you and I have heard already. I have fought with Pandavas all these eight days without sparing any of my efforts. Still, I am hearing such harsh words from your mouth. You unnecessarily bore grudge against Pandavas, without any reason. Let it be. Without wasting time with these words, show your prowess against Pandavas tomorrow. I will reiterate my words once again. I cannot conquer Arjuna and I do not fight with Sikhandi. Except these two, anybody who comes before me will never survive. I along with my army will fight with King Drupada, King Virata, Yadavas and their forces. Yourself, your brothers and followers will fight with Pandavas, their sons and their army. What will you gain by coming over here at this dead of night and hurting me with your harsh words like this. Any how, You will taste my prowess tomorrow in battle field. You can go." said Bhishma.
Having satisfied with the words of Bhishma, Suyodhana along with Dussaasana returned back to his place of stay. Next day morning, both sides were ready for the ninth day war. Before going to war, Suyodhana addressed the warriors on his side: "O best among the car-warriors, yesterday night, Bhishma promised me that he will vanish entire Panchala and Matsya army, and conquer Pandavas in the war. We all should help him to discharge his vow." said Suyodhana sarcastically.
With those words, Bhishma was enraged with great wrath but he controlled himself. Observing his facial expressions, Suyodhana told Dussaasana: "Dussasana! Yourself and your troops shall always be by the side of our Grandsire and protect him. Keep 22,000 eminent car-warriors always at his disposal." ordered Suyodhana.
Then Suyodhana addressed Drona, Kripacharya and Asvathaama: "O Great Warriors! You are all aware that Bhishma will never fight with Sikhandi. It is his vow. Therefore, we should take all care that Sikhandi shall not stand before him."
Bhishma arrayed Kourava troops in the form of Sarvatobhadra vyooha. Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Salya, Sakuni, Sudakshina, Saindhava, all your sons, were made to stand in the front. Drona, Bhoorisravasa, Bhagadatta were made to stand on right side. Somadatta, Asvathaama, Vinda and Anuvinda were made to stand on left side. Srutaayuvu was standing at the rear end and Suyodhana accompanied by The King Trigartha was standing in the middle.
Having known about this vyooha, Dharmanandana told Dhrushtadhumna thus: "O Dhrushtadyumna! Have you seen the array of troops arranged by my Grandsire, Bhishma. Today we have to fight with Bhishma, keeping Sikhandi in our front. Array our troops in that manner" asked Dharmanandana. Accordingly Dhrushtadyumna arrayed Pandava troops in a counter vyuha. Satyaki and King of Virata were standing on the right side. Abhimanyu, Kings of Panchala, Kekaya were standing on the left side. Yudhishtira along with Nakula, Sahadeva, sons of Droupadi was standing in the middle. Chekitana, Kuntibhoja were standing on the rear side. Sikhandi was kept in the forefront. On either side of Sikhandi, stood Bhimasena and Ghatotkacha on one side, and Arjuna on the other side. Rest of the Maharadhas and Athiradhas stood around them. Like this, the Pandava troops were arrayed for the ninth day war.
Both sides were ready with their array of troops for war. The sounds of kettle drums, blowing of conches, horns rose to the sky. War began. Abhimanyu rushed against the Kourava vyooha. He darted through the Kourava forces like a spark of fire in a bundle of cotton. He was massacring the kourava troops. He is driving his chariot in a circular form and attacking Drona, Kripa and Saindhava with great prowess. Beholding this, Suyodhana alerted Alambasa: "Alambas! look at Abhimanyu. He is falling on our troops like a thunderbolt. You have to control him. Attack him and kill him." said Suyodhana.
Alambas along with his Rakshasa forces fell upon Abhimanyu with great fury. He was chasing Pandava forces. Pandava forces were fleeing away like dry leaves flying in the air. Sons of Droupadi arrived there to help Abhimanyu. All of them were slaughtering the Rakshasa army. Alambas with great wrath, showered innumberable arrows on sons of Pandavas. In return, Abyhimanyu incessantly poured arrow showers on Alambas, as a result, Alambas fainted. Next moment, he regained consciousness. Again he began to shower sharp edged darts, great in number, on Abhimanyu and sons of Droupadi. All the bows shot by the sons of Droupadi were broken and their flags were cut. He shot each five arrows on all of them.
Beholding the ferocious attack of Alambas, Abhimanyu shot dreadful arrows on Alambas penetrating into his body, breaking his coat of mail. . For a while, both sides stopped war to witness the dual combat between Alambas and Abhimanyu.
"Alambas is well versed in miracle war. Abhimanyu is an expert in launching divine astras and sastras. Who will gain upperhand, we have to see" thought the great warriors on either side.
Abhimanya and Alambas were fighting like Devendra and Vritrasura. Both their bodies drenched with blood. With his power of illusion, Alambas plunged darkness in the battle field. Abhimanyu launched Bhaskara Astra and put an end to that darkness. Alambas used all his powers of illusion which were in vain before the prowess of Abhimanyu. Unable to stand before Abhimanyu, Alambas got down from his chariot and ran away. With renewed vigour and valour, Abhimanyu charged against Kourava troops and slaughtered them.
Beholding this, Bhishma, rallying Kourava troops, rushed to that spot. The unshaken Abhimanyu, was moving in the battle field with great speed and fighting with all at a time. Arjuna was feeling proud looking at the prowess of his son Abhimanyu. Arjuna rushed against Bhishma. There was a dual fight between Bhishma and Arjuna.
Meanwhile, Kripacharya attacked Abhimanyu and showered arrows incessantly upon him. Satyaki intervened and cut all the arrows shot by Kripacharya. Satyaki shot most dreadful arrows against Kripacharya, which were cut by Asvathaama in the middle. Asvathaama cut the bow of Satyaki. Satyaki picked up another bow and shot dreadful arrows against Asvathama, as a result, Asvathaama fainted. In a moment, he regained consciousness, shot against the chest of Satyaki and cut his flag and roared like a lion. Satyaki was enraged with wrath. He shot innumerable arrows against Asvathaama and made his chariot invisible. Beholding his son Asvathama in that critical condition, Drona rushed against Satyaki and showered sharp edged arrows on him. Arjuna came to the help of Satyaki and attacked Drona." told Sanjaya, the ninth day war details to Dhritarashtra.
Now, Dhritarashtra entertained a doubt. "Sanjaya! Arjuna is a beloved student of Drona. Arjuna also got great reverence towards his teacher. How they fought with each other? Tell me in detail." asked Dhritarashtra.
"O King Dhritarashtra! As per Kshatriya Darma, when once any Kshatriya enters the battle field, he does not mind whether his opponent is his teacher, father, brother, son or any kith and kin. If he entertains such feeling, he can never fight. Therefore, Drona and Arjuna fought like enemies not like Teacher and Student. I will tell you in detail" said Sanjaya.
"Then Arjuna shot most dreadlful arrows on Drona. Drona cut them into pieces and showered arrows on Arjuna. Instigated by Suyodhana, King of Trigarta went near Drona to help him. Trigarta went in between Arjuna and Drona and shot Bhalla Arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna cut them into fragments in between and launched Vaayavyaastra on the forces of Trigartha. Drona launched Sailaastra against Vavyaastra. Both the Astras were nullified. Arjuna chased the sons of King Trigartha by shooting sharp arrows against them. Beholding this, Suyodhana, Kripacharya, Salya, Bahlika and other Maharadhas rushed against Arjuna. Arjuna incessantly showered powerful arrows not only on Suyodhana and others but also on Drona. Looking at the prowess of Arjuna, all have freezed. `Bhishma drove his chariot against Arjuna and showered arrows on him. Bhishma was cutting the heads of hundreds and thousands of Pandava warriors with his dreadful arrows.
At another front, Sakuni and Bhoorisravasa were fighting with Nakula and Sahadeva. Bhagadatta and King of Kalinga were fighting with Bhimasena with their elephant forces. Bhima took his mace, jumped out of his chariot as a lion from the top of a hillock. He began to break the heads of the elephants one by one. Frightened with the blows of the mace of Bhimasena, the elephants were running away hither and thither. On seeing their elephants running, Bhagadatta and Srutaayuvu hit Bhimasena with steep edged arrows on his chest.
While Bhishma was massacring pandavastroops mercilessly, Yudhishtira waved his hand and called Bhimasena. Leaving the King of Kalinga and Bhagadatta, Bhimasent went to Yudhishtira. By that time Virata, Drupada, Dhrushtadyumna were already there. All of them at a time rushed against Bhishma and showered different kinds of innumerable arrows on Bhishma from all sides. .There was a fiercest battle between them.
Sun rose to the middle of the sky. The battle field was filled with broken chariots, dead bodies of horses and elephants and soldiers, canals of blood. The forces on both sides were moving in between the dead bodies and were fighting with each other. The Kourava forces were deeply depressed and their morale was shattered. They were thinking aloud. "What is this? Why for we are fighting? Is it not due to the greediness, aggrandizement and foolishness of Suyodhana, this mass massacre and loss of life is happening? Is there any warrior on the face of the earth who can defeat Pandavas, or, for that matter, Arjuna?" Like that, they were discussing among themselves.
Beholding Bhishma and Drona and others who were carefully hearing these murmurings, Suyodhana said: "O mighty warriors! Why are you paying heed to those useless words. Many may say may things. Let us fight together" Suyodhana encouraged them to fight. At that time, Bhimasena, with his mace in hand, was vigorously moving in the battle field, slaughtering the enemy troops. The charioteer of Bhimasena brought his chariot and stood before him. Bhimasena mounted his chariot, took his bow, and broke the chariot of Bahlika with his powerful arrows.
Chitrasena annoyed Abhimanhyu with his wonderful arrows. Abhimanyu, not caring for those arrows, broke his chariot, killed the charioteer and the horses. Chitrasena mounted the chariot of Durmukha and both fled away.
Drupada, king of Panchala, had a dual combat with Drona, beat him with his powerful arrows. With enraged anger, Drona broke his coat of mail. Drupada ran away. Susarma was fighting with Arjuna. Susarma showered sharp edged arrows on Sri Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna cut them in the middle and chased Susarma away from the battle field. Susarma's army was scattered. Unable to attack Arjuna, Susarma fled away along with his army.
Beholding this, Bhishma rushed against Arjuna. Satyaki intervened and showered arrows incessantly on Bhishma. Enraged with wrath,Bhishma launched a dreadful Sakti on Satyaki. Satyaki bent his body and warded off that Sakti. Satyaki caught it with his hand and hurled it back on Bhishma. Bhishma destroyed his own Sakti. Satyaki launched nine most powerful arrows on Bhishma. The Pandava Army at a time charged against Bhishma with utmost vigour.
Looking at this, Suyodhana told Dussaasana thus: "Dussaasana! our Grandsire Bhishma is fighting alone. You along with Sakuni should atonce proceed towards Bhishma for his help." ordered Suyodhana. Dussaasana along with Sakuni and their respective forces rushed towards Bhishma. All of them penetrated into the Pandava forces and shattered them.
Beholding this from a distance, Dharmaja waved his hand towards Nakula and Sahadeva and signalled them to proceed towards Bhishma. Nakula and Sahadeva, at the instance of their brother, rushed against Bhishma along with their forces. Suyodhana ordered ten thousand strong cavalry to attack the Pandava forces. The cavalry penetrated into pandava forces and began to slaughter them mercilessly. Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva were shooting those horses with their arrows fitted with stone heads. The horses with broken legs were rolling on the ground.The Ten Thousand strong cavalry was diminishing gradually. Not caring for the soldiers mounted on their back, the horses were running away, throwing them down. Those soldiers were being crushed under the feet of their own horses. The ten thousand strong cavalry was reduced to none. The Kettle drums and conches and horns were blown by Pandava forces with joy.
Beholding this, Suyodhana told Salya in great distress: "O King of Madra! The Pandava forces were rushing towards us as an ocean transgressing the shore and tearing our forces into pieces. You have to stop that ocean of army." requested Suyodhana.
Salya along with his army drove against Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva, and shot numerous dreadful arrows upon them. Arjuna and Bheema attacked Salya from other side. They both incessantly showered sharp arrows on Salya. Bhishma and Drona proceeded towards Salya. They both launched innumerable Astras and Sastras upon Bheema and Arjuna.
It was noon at that time. Bhishma was shining as midday sun in midsummer and massacring the Pandava troops. He hit three sharp arrows each against Dharmaja, Arjuna, Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva and hit Satyaki, Dhrushtadyumna with his sharp shafts and caused injuries all over their bodies. Beholding this, King Virata, King Pandya, Somaka, King of Madhagha, King of Karoosa, with the resepctive armies surrounded Bhishma and attaked him from all sides. Drona intervened and attacked Satyaki and Pandavas. Bhishma frightened those warriors who surrounded him, with his powerful Astras and Sastras. He was moving on his chariot in different directions and massacring the Pandava warriors. He was killing the horses, elephants and foot soldiers.
The entire battle field was covered with the dead bodies of horses, elephants and soldiers. None was dare enough to stand before Bhishma. All Pandavas and their armies were amazingly staring at Bhishma beholding his prowess. Bhishma was moving with great speed in the battle field , as if he is any where and everywhere, massacring mercilessly the Pandava forces. He was killing all kinds of car-warriors, their horses and elephants. The foot soldiers were being crushed by Bhishma. The battle field was filled with hands and legs cut and bodies without hands and legs. The sounds of breaking of chariots, shrieking of elephants, horses and cryings of soldiers were echoing in the battle field. Bhishma was slaughtering Pandava troops as if wild fire destroying the dry bamboo forest.
Krishna looked at Arjuna. "Arjuna! Today, with great prowess, Bhishma is destroying our troops. You are staring at him as a silent spectator. Is it proper for a valiant soldier like you?" Krishna sarcastically remarked. Arjuna kept quiet.
"Arjuna! Are you not hearing my words? Have you forgotten those words uttered by you with Sanjaya in the open court of King Virata? If you keep silent like a coward, will, all the Kings who have come from far off places to fight for your sake, not laugh at you?" provoked Sri Krishna. But Arjuna was in utmost delusion.
"Krishna! After destroying the entire Kuru Dynasty, by killing all my kith and kin, grandsire and teachers, friends and relatives, how can I enjoy these royal pleasures? What great task I have accomplished to feel pride? No. My hands are refusing to fight. What can I do? Whatever be the situation, I have to discharge my duty as Kshatriya. Drive our chariot against Bhishma. I will fight with my grandsire." said Arjuna with great anguish. Krishna with a smile on his face, drove the chariot against Bhishma.
Arjuna alerted all his troops who were running away. "Stand there! Return back! Let us fight with Bhishma! I am here. Dont be afriad" Arjuna cried aloud. Arjuna roared like a lion. Twanged his Gandeeva. He launched powerful Astras on Bhishma. Bhishma destroyed those astras in middle and hit the entire body of Arjuna with powerful sharp shafts. The body of Arjuna was drenched in blood. Once again the Pandava troops fled away. Bhishma was chasing the Pandava troops. Arjuna excited with wrath. Putting forth his prowess, Arjuna cut the bow of Bhishma with sharp edged arrows. Bhishma took another bow. Arjuna broke that bow also. Bhishma took another and showered innumerable arrows on Arjuna.
Arjuna was severely injured. He was tired. He was unable to stand on the chariot. He fainted. Bhishma was furiously fighting with great anger. When Arjuna himself fainted, none were there to attack Bhishma. Krishna realised that the situation is going out of control. He was enraged with anger. Keeping the reigns on the chariot, he jumped down. Krishna rushed against Bhishma with a view to kill him.
Both sides stopped war. Everybody was thinking that Bhishma would have his last breath. All are staring at them. Bhishma was very much surprised. He also jumped down from his chariot. With folded hands he proceeded towards Krishna "Krishna! Come on! Hasten fast! Kill me. Bless me with salvation at your hands" Bhishma prostrated before Lord Krishna.
Arjuna was in a perplexed mood. He lost his senses. Having jumped down from the chariot, he ran behind Sri Krishna. He caught him from behind and was dragging him towards the chariot. "Krishna! You have given me word that you will never fight. Will you violate your own words? How the world will think of you? Now I am alright. I am ready to fight with Bhishma. Please come back and occupy your seat as charioteer. Please. Dont defame me" requested Arjuna.
On hearing the words of Arjuna, Krishna cooled down. With peaceful mind, Krishna returned back to his chariot, mounted it and occupied the seat of charioteer holding the reigns of horses. Arjuna roared like a lion, twanged the bowstring of Gandeeva and began to fight. He was massacring the Kourava troops. Bhishma also mounted his chariot. He shot numerous powerful sharp arrows against the bodies of Krishna and Arjuna. He was tearing the Pandava army into pieces. Again Pandavas remained as silent spectators.
Bhishma was slaughtering the Panchala forces as if a strong man with huge body was crushing small ants on the ground. Unable to witness that diastrous slaughter, Sun was set on the west. Both sides stopped war for that day and retired to their respective places of stay. Beholding the prowess of Bhishma, Dharmaja was very much annoyed. Having been defeated at the hands of Bhishma, he along with his brothers, retired to his place of stay. In Kouravas' tents, all were rejoicing as Bhishma had vanquished all Pandava troops. Bhishma was acclaimed by your sons and other great car-warriors. " said Sanjaya, the 9th day war details.
On that night, Dharmanandana did not get sleep. He, along with his brothers, went to the place where Krishna was staying. "Krishna! today, Bhishma crushed our troops like an elephant crushing a forest of reeds. We dare not even look at that great warrior.
O Krishna, I am, through the weakness of my under-standing, plunged in an ocean of grief having got Bhishma as a foe in battle. Once again I will go back to forests and spend the rest of my life in peace. I no longer desire the battle. Even on earlier occasion also, my brothers suffered a lot in forests, on account of me. Tomorrow my brothers will be destroyed by Bhishma as insects rushing into a blazing fire. The welfare of my brothers is of utmost importance to me. If, with my brothers, O Kesava, I am worthy of your favour, tell me, what is for my benefit, without contravening the duties of Kshatriya." asked Dharmaja.
Krishna carefully listened to the words of Dharmaja. "Dharmaja! you always regard truth. Yours brothers are invincible warriors. Besides that, I am always with you. I will be your friend, guide and philosopher. You need not worry about future. Even if Arjuna is not inclined to kill Bhishma, I myself will kill Bhishma and save you from his wrath. Arjuna is my friend, relation, and student. Arjuna also is very much devoted towards me. It is my duty to make true the words of Arjuna spoken to Sanjaya and Ulooka. I also spoke with them in the same manner. You have also heard those words of mine and Arjuna. Me and Arjuna shall have to accomplish our promises. Time has come. You remain peaceful." said Krishna.
"Krishna! You have agreed to help us without fighting in the battle. Now how can I allow you to fight with Bhishma. Krishna! my grandsire Bhishma has given me a word that though he fights for Kouravas, he will help me also. Krishna! since my father's death, our gransire Bhishma brought, all of us, up with great love and affection. But today, I am inclined to kill him. Is kshatriya dharma is so cruel?" said Dharmaja in a sorrowful voice.
Krishna understood his inner feelings. Dharmaja was inclined to meet Bhishma and elicit from him the way to kill him. Krishna remembered the words of Dharmaja with Bhishma on the first day of war viz., "I will meet again".
Hence, Krishna said: "O Dharmaja! Your idea is appreciable. You yourself said that nobody will face Bhishma's wrath. If you approach him and ask him, he will certainly tell you about his fall in battle field. Let all of us go secretely and meet Bhishma. We have to pray him with utmost devotion for his death secret." said Krishna.
Dharmaja, along with his brothers, attired in plain clothes, proceeded to the place of stay of Bhishma. All of them prostrated before Bhishma and sought his blessings. Bhishma was very happy. He blessed all of them, offered them seats and enquired them about their arrival at that odd hour.
"O Grandsire Bhishma! How can we get back our kingdom? How can we protect our army without diminishing.? Kindly tell me.".asked Dharmaja with a sorrowful face.
"Dharmaja! As long as I fight in the battle field, your army shall have to diminish. You will never get back your kingdom unless I fall down.." said Bhishma.
"O Grandsire! As long as you are in the war field, resembling Lord Siva armed with his Trishool, nobody can beat you. Kindly tell me the way to conquer you!" asked Dharmaja.
"Dharmaja! What you said is correct. As long as I am holding bow in my hand, even the divine forces cannot conquer me. You have all come to me to know about my fall. You can conquer me when I drop my bow and arrows. I will stop fighting in the following circumstances:
I wont fight with ladies; with a person who removed his coat-of-mail; who is unarmed; who put down his flag, who was originally born as lady later transformed into male; who are called with ladies names, who removed his turban, and who has no brothers and sons. On seeing them, I will immediately drop my bow and arrows.
I got another vow. I never fight with a person, who was born initially, not as male, but subsequently attained manliness by God's gift. Sikhandi, son of King Drupada, is such a person. Originally he was as female. By divine grace, he attained manliness. You are all aware of this fact. Hence I wont fight with Sikhandi.
Therefore, Arjuna can keep Sikhandi in front of him and fight with me. As I drop my bow and arrows, he can easily kill me. Then it will be very easy for you to conquer Suyodhana and his brothers, relatives and friends. Therefore, do as I say." said Bhishma.
Having accomplished his desire, Dharmaja took leave from his Grandsire, Bhishma, returned back to his place of stay. While going back, on the way, Arjuna was seen very much distressed, thinking about the words of Bhishma, revealing his death secret.
"Krishna! Bhishma is my Guru. He is a man of virtues. He is at the evening of his life. He is respected by all. He is so generous. How can I kill such a great personality? After playing in the dust, in my child-hood, when I ran to him, he used to hug me and kiss me with great love and affection. While we were orphans, having lost our father in our childhood, he protected us and provided us with all amenities. Is it proper to kill such a great personality in this wicked manner, for the sake of kingdom. Even if he kills all our forces, I donot mind. But I never kill him. Pandavas are not that much cruel." said Arjuna.
Having heard these words of Arjuna, Krishna said: "O Arjuna! Dont you know Kshatriya Dharma. By tolerating cruelty to some extent, a kshatriya should, without agitated mind, kill the enemies and protect his people. With the taxes they pay, he should take up all social welfare works and strive hard for the welfare of the society. This is Kshatriya Dharma. This was told by Brihaspati to Indra. We cannot say that those words are not correct. Besides that, you have taken a vow, in the presence of all, many a time, that you will kill Bhishma in the battle. If you drop like this, the entire world will laugh at you. Killing of enemy in battle is regarded as Kshatriya Dharma but not as a cruel act. Therefore, shed your anguish and fight with Bhishma with a desire to kill him." said Krishna.
"O Krishna! what you said is correct. It is well known to the world that Sikhandi was born only to kill Bhishma. Our Gransire said that he will drop his arms on seeing Sikhandi. Let Sikhandi kill Bhishma.I will fight with others." said Arjuna.
Krishna with a smiling face said: "Arjuna! Bhishma is not an ordinary warrior. He is a man of great prowess. His death is in your hands. Nobody can avert his fate. Dont waste time with unnecessary conversation. Fight with Bhishma and kill him." said Krishna.
Unable to argue with Krishna, Arjuna said: " I will fight as you like. Let the fate take its own course.".
All have retired to their respective places of stay." said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra.
"Sanjaya! what had happened on tenth day war. How Pandavas fought with Bhishma, keeping Sikhandi, in front of them. Tell me in detail." asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to tell the 10th day war details.
"Next day morning, Pandavas and Kouravas, accompanied by their respective armed forces, proceeded to the battle field. Pandavas arrayed their forces in the following manner. They kept Sikhandi in the forefront. On either side of him, stood Bhima and Arjuna. On his rear side stood Abhimanyu and the sons of Droupadi. On either side of Abhimanyu and Sons of Droupadi, stood Chekitana and Satyaki. Behind them, Dhrushtadyumna and other sons of King Panchala were standing. Yudhishtira, accompanied by Nakula and Sahadeva on either side was standing on the rear side. As protectors of all these forces, King Virata, King Drupada, Five Kekaya Kings and Dhrushtaketu with their mighty forces, were standing around them. In this manner, Pandava forces were arrayed for the tenth day battle.
Beholding this, Suyodhana arrayed his troops in the following manner. Bhishma was standing in the forefront. The remaining Kouravas were standing around him. Drona and Asvathaama were standing on either side of Bhishma. Suyodhana accompanied by Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Bhaga-datta was standing in the middle. Brihadbala, King of Kambhoja and other Kings were standing around Suyodhana. The King of Trigarta was standing on the rear side. In this manner, Kouravas arrayed their troops for the tenth day war.
The huge and terrible sounds of blowing of trumpets, kettle drums and horns rose to sky. All the warriors were blowing their conches. Two armies approached each other for the tenth day battle. The war on that day resembled the war between Divine Forces and Danava forces. There was heavy rush in the abode of Yama.
Nakula and Sahadeva, excited with rage and desirous of vanquishing the enemies, was massacring the rival forces. Bhima and Arjuna, from the other side was slaughtering the Kourava forces. With the support of these warriors, all the Pandava forces were rushing against Kourava forces with renewed vigour and were vanquishing the Kourava forces. Bhishma enraged with anger, fell on the Pandava troops and incessantly showered arrows upon them. Horses tied to the chariots, horses in the cavalry forces, elephants and the foot soldiers were rolling on the ground, losing their lives.
Sikhandi shot three sharp arrows on Bhishma. Bhishma did not even look at him. "You were born as lady but attained manliness in middle. Even if you shower arrows upon me, I will smile. I will never fight with you." said Bhishma.
"Bhishma! you have conquered many kings. You opposed Parasurama. Why cannot you show your prowess to me also? Even if you do not shot arrows at me, I will never leave you. I will kill you with my keen edged arrows. Come on. fight with me" Sikhandi provoked Bhishma.
Arjuna surprised with these words. " Strange is the behaviour of Sikhandi today. I think time has come for Bhishma to fall down. That is why Sikhandi is enraging like this." thought Arjuna for himself.
Looking at Sikhandi Arjuna said: "Sikhandi! after boasting yourself like this, if you do not do anything, the world will laugh at you. I am behind you. Dont be afraid. Rush against Bhishma. Fight with him and Kill him."encouraged Arjuna.
By that time, Bhishma was fighting with King Panchala at another place. Arjuna along with his forces attacked Bhishma. Unable to withstand the prowess of Arjuna, kourava army fled away.
"O my grandsire! Look at that side. Our forces are fleeing away. Why are you keeping quiet." asked Suyodhana.
Being annoyed with the words of Suyodhana, Bhishma replied: "Suyodhana! I have given you word that I will kill ten thousand warriors in ten days. I have killed more than ten thousand and I discharged my promise. A keen observance of today's war reveals that either I should kill Pandavas or Pandavas should kill me, will certainly happen. I am a human being. They are divine bodies. It is impossible for divine bodies to be killed by a common man like me. Anyhow, I will show my vigour and valour." said Bhishma.
Accompanied by several kings, Bhishma rushed against Pandava troops and was massacring them. With renewed vigour, your sons were fighting with their enemies. Beholding this, Pandavas, Kings of Matsya, Panchala, Yadavas, Pandya and Kekaya kings, along with their forces, at a time jumped against Bhishma.There was a fierce battle.
Arjuna was provoking Sikhandi. "Sikahandi! Attack Bhishma. I will be by your side. Bhishma will not look at your face. He will drop his bow and arrows. Then I will hit him with my arrows" suggested Arjuna.
Dhrushtadyumna was instigating his troops: "Come on! Let us gather here. We should charge against Bhishma all at a time. Arjuna is behind us. No fear. Rush against Bhishma." Dhrushtadyumna was crying aloud.
On hearing his cries, Dharmaja, Bheema, Nakula, Sahadeva, Abhimanyu, sons of Droupadi, King Virata, Satyaki, Chekitana, Dhritaketu, Kekaya Kings, Magadha kings and other renowned warriors in Pandava Army, with their respective forces surrounded Bhishma. Observing this development, Asvathaama, Bhoorisravasa, Kritavarma, Kripa-charya, King of Kambhoja, Vikarna, Durmukha, Vivimsati, Chitrasena and other car warriors on Kourava side rushed to that spot guarding Bhishma.
Sikhandi and Arjuna were on one chariot. Arjuna was standing behind SikhanDi. Dussasana intervened in between Sikhandi and Bhishma. Dussaasana shot 20 keen edged shafts on Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna cut them in the middle and shot one hundred iron edged shafts on Dussaasana. In return, Dussaasana shot five sharp arrows hitting the forehead of Arjuna. Enraged with fury, Arjuna broke the bow of Dussaasana. Dussaasana took up another bow and shot 20 sharp edged arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna broke them into pieces and shot another sharp arrow aiming at the chest of Dussaasana. With that blow, Dussaa-sana fainted. The charioteer drove his chariot from that place and stood behind Bhishma. Dussaasana regained consciousness and again attacked Arjuna with renewed vigour.
There were dual fights between Satyaki on one side and Alambasa and Bhagadattaon the otherside; Abhimanyu and Sudakshina; Asvathaama on one side and King Virata and King Drupada on the other side; Sahadeva and Kripacharya; Nakula with Vikarna; Ghatotkacha and Durkukha; Bhimasena and Bhoorisravasa; Chekitana and Chitrasena; Dharmaja and Drona. The mighty warriors on both sides were breaking the flags of the others; breaking the bows; killing the horses and elephants and slaughtering one another. The blood was flowing like canals. It was noon at that time.
While cutting all the Astras and Sastras launched by Dussaasana, Arjuna broke his bow and flag, and pierced numerous sharp edged arrows through his body and roared like a lion. Unable to stand before Arjuna, Dussaasana fled away. Then Arjuna began to massacre the kourava foreces.
Beholding this, Drona, excited with wrath, rushed against Arjuna. In between, along with his mighty forces, Dharmaja arrived there and attacked Drona. Drona called his son Asvathaama. "Asvathaama! Today my hands are shaking. I am unable to remember the divine Astras. Mybody is trembling. Bow is slipping from my hand. My mind is going out of control. I am unable to hold the bow firmly. I am afraid that Arjuna may kill Bhishma today and accomplish his desire. See how all the horses and elepahnts are rolling down. Chariots are being broken into pieces. It is as if Yama is wandering here in the form of Arjuna. Some how I am expecting some danger to Bhishma. See how the face of Yudhishtira is excited with wrath. I am unable to come there and save Bhishma as I have to fight with Dharmaja and other warriors here. You immediately proceed towards Bhishma and protect him from Arjuna." said Drona.
On hearing the words of his father, Drona, Asvathaama immediatley proceeded towards Bhishma. At that time Bhimasena was slaughtering the kourava forces, standing in front of Bhishma. Beholding this, Bhagadatta, Kriacharya, Kritavarma, Salya, Saindhava, Chitrasena, Durmarshana, Vinda, Anuvinda along with their respective forces formed as a protecting wall in front of Bhishma. They were all fighting with Bheemasena. The unshaken Bheemasena was fighting with those ten mighty warriors. Arjuna came there to help Bhimasena. Arjuna broke the flags, bows and chariots of those ten warriors with his sharp edged shafts. Arjuna penetrated into the kourava forces and massacring them.
Suyodhana directed Susarma to fight with Bheema and Arjuna. Susharma joined those ten warriors. All were fighting with Bheema and Arjuna. Suyodhana was very much disturbed. He waved his hand, loudly calling all his troops to come there. The entire war concentrated there itself. Abhimanyu and Satyaki also joined Bhima and Arjuna with their respective forces. Bhishma was fighting with Arjuna with powerful Astras.
In that terrible, fierce and awful battle, charioteers were dying. Horses and elephants were being slaughered cruelly. Bhishma was moving in the battlefield like whirlwind and massacring the enemy forces. Sun was slowingly setting on west.
Bhishma thought for a while. "During these ten days, I have killed many virtuous kshatriya warriors and thousands of soldiers. I am vexed with this carnage. It is better to cut the bondage with this body." so thinking Bhishma drove his chariot near the chariot of Yudhishtira. While passing by the side of his chariot, Bhishma told Yudhishtira:
"O my dear Yudhishtira! Since my childhood, I have been killing several kings and their forces, most cruelly. Still I am continuing these killings. I am advancing in age. My time is over. I am very much tired with this cruel carnage. I am disgusted. If you are really my well wishers, rush against me with Sikhandi in your forefront and fight with me, desirous of killing me. Dont delay. Kindly relieve me from this human body." spoke Bhishma and was passing away on his chariot.
As a dutiful soldier, he was continuing to combat with the enemy forces. On hearing these words of Grandsire, he called Dhrushtadyhumna "Dhurshtadyumna! Yourself, Bhimasena, Arjuna and other mighty warriors all atonce surround Bhishma." ordered Yudhishtira. Dhrushtadyumna waved his hand towards Kings of Matsya, Kekaya and other mighty car-warriors to come there. He along with Bhimasena and Arjuna, rushed against Bhishma.
Beholding this, Suyodhana along with his brothers and other car-warriors stood by the side of Bhishma, protecting him carefully. There was a dreadful battle between both sides. Abhimanyu, along with his army, rushed against Suyodhana and shot most cruel shafts against him. Asvathaama pierced several sharp arrows in the body of Satyaki.
"Kill Bhishma. Dont leave him" the pandava troops were shouting aloud.
"Save our Grandsire. kill the enemies" Kourava troops were crying aloud.
Both Bhishma and Arjuna were fighting as lions. Dussaasana intervened in between Bhishma and Arjuna, along with his forces. Arjuna shot Dussaasana with his most powerful shafts. Dussaasana fled away unable to withstand the wrath of Arjuna.
Then Bhagadatta attacked Arjuna. Arjuna killed the elephant of Bhagadatta. Then Bhagadatta left Arjuna and went away.
At that time, Arjuna told Sikhandi "Sikhandi! shoot your arrows aiming at the chest of Bhishma."encouraged Arjuna.
Sikhandi darted powerful arrows against Bhishma, aiming at his chest. Bhishma never cared him. Bhishma turned to otherside and was fighting with others. Sikhandi was continuing to dart most powerful arrows aiming at his chest, and other sensitive parts of his body. Bhishma is not trying to avert those blows. He was not even looking at Sikhandi but was fighting with Arjuna.
Dussaasana enraged with wrath, intervened in between Bhishma and Arjuna and was fighting with Arjuna. Suyodhana waved his hand towards the Kings of Kalinga, Malava, Bahlika, Videha and other warriors like Soorasena and signalled them to rush to that spot. All of them along with their respective forces, rushed to that spot. Arjuna, remained unperturbed, and controlled all of them with his prowess. Arjuna chased all of them to a distance. On Arjuna's chariot, Sikhandi was standing before him. Arjuna provoked Sikhandi to shoot powerful arrows agaisnt Bhishma. Enraged with wrath, Sikhandi darted most powerful arrows against Bhishma, penetrating through his coat of mail, piercing his chest cavity. Blood was coming out of the body of Bhishma like fountain. Sikhandi blew his conche and roared like a lion. Entire body of Bhishma was drenched in blood.
Dussaasana was shocked. He along with Kripacharya, Salya, Vivimsati, Vikarna, rushed in between Bhishma and Arjuna. Arjuna broke the chariots of all of them. Suyodhana and his brothers, were excited with anger. Suyodhana waved his hand signalling all his Akshouhini forces to rush against Arjuna. All the Kourva forces surrounded Arjuna.
Bhishma, as a last resort, tried to launch a most dreadful Astra to kill the rest of the Pandava Army. When he tried to launch that Astra, Sikhandi appeared before him. Immediatly Bhishma dropped down his bow and arrows and turned aside and launched that Astra on Virata forces. Virata forces fled away.
Sataaneeka, brother of King Virata, encouraging his forces, rushed against Bhishma. He afflicted Bhishma with terrible shafts. Bhishma, enraged with great fury, broke the bow and flag of Sataaneeka, killed his charioteer and the horses tied to his chariot. Unable to withstand the prowess of Bhishma, Sataaneeka launched a powerful Astra against Bhishma. Bhishma cut it in middle and with another Astra, cut the head of Sataaneeka.On seeing the death of Sataaneeka, all the Virata forces fled away.
Beholding all these developments, Krishna told Arjuna: "Arjuna! look at our forces. They are fleeing away unable to withstand the wrath of Bhishma. It is time to kill Bhishma. You have no othergo except to kill Bhishma. Launch most dreadful Astras against Bhishma" provoked Sri Krishna.
Now Arjuna decided to kill Bhishma. First Arjuna killed the charioteer of Bhishma and also the horses tied to his chariot. Seeing this, Sikhandi was excited with wrath. He shot keen edged shafts against Bhishma. Bhishma did not retaliate. Arjuna cut the bow of Bhishma. Unable to control themselves, Salya, Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Chitrasena, Bhoorisravasa and others, rushed against Arjuna launching divine Astras, stood in between Bhishma and Arjuna.
Bhima, Satyaki, Abhimanyu, Virata, Drupada, Ghatotkacha and other mighty warriors with their respective forces attacked them. The battle was fierce, terrible and awful. Arjuna was moving fastly in the battle field, launching Indra, Varuna and Vavya Astras upon the enemy forces. While protecting Sikhandi on one side, Arjuna was provoking Sikhandi to strike Bhishma with his arrows.
Arjuna broke the bow of Bhishma. Bhishma took up another bow which was also broken by Arjuna. Arjuna was continously breaking the bows of Bhishma and averted him from shooting arrows. Vexed with the attitude of Arjuna, Bhishma launched a dreadful Sakti. Arjuna broke that Sakti into fragments. Arjuna killed the charioteer of Bhishma and broke his flag. Arjuna blew his conch Devadatta.
Beholding the prowess of Arjuna, Bhishma thought: "Arjuna is invincible. While revealing the secret of my death to Dharmaja, I invited my death. Having done so, what is the use of fighting with them now vigorously. The only alternative is stop fighting and remain peaceful." thought Bhishma.
Having known his desire, all the divine bodies and great sages and saints from heaven commended him. Their glorifications were heard by Bhishma and, with the blessings of Vyasam, by me also. At that time, Sikhandi shot most dreadful arrows against Bhishma. Bhishma smiled and ignored them. Arjuna, standing behind Sikhandi, showered innumerable steep edged arrows on Bhishma.
Having seen this, Bhishma again took up his bow and cut all those arrows in the middle. In retaliation, Bhishma incessantly showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna broke them in the middle. Again Arjuna broke the bow of Bhishma. Arjuna darted sharp edged arrows piercing into his chest, breaking the coat-of-mail.
Bhishma called Suyodhana "Suyodhana! look at Arjuna and his way of fighting. Even the divine forces or asura forces cannot attack him. After all humans are nothing before him." said Bhishma.
Arjuna hiding his Gandeevam behind Sikhandi, shot dreadful arrows upon Bhishma. All of them were piercing his body. Bhishma called Dussaasana: "Look at these arrows. These are not emanated from the bow of Sikhandi. These are the arrows resembling the rods of death. They are striking me at all vital parts of my body. Sikhandi cannot shot such kind of arrows resembling Yama's rods. They are strong and striking at all vital parts of my body. Such arrows emanate only from Gandeeva but not from any other bow." said Bhishma.
As a last resort, Bhishma, collecting all his senses, launched Sakti against Arjuna which was destoryed by Arjuna. Bhishma tried to jump out of his chariot holding his sword and shield. Arjuna broke his sword and shield into pieces. Arjuna roared like a lion.
"Dont be afraid. Fight with Bheeshma. Surround him. Kill him" shouting Arjuna. Hearing the words of Arjuna all the Pandava forces all at a time surrounded Bhishma. Kourava forces averted them. Fierce was the battle fought there between kourava troops and those of the enemy. Sun was about to set on the west.
Arjuna was continously striking Bhishma with innumberable arrows piercing every inch of his body. Bhishma fell down from his chariot just before sun set. . While falling, he fell with his head eastwards. Pierced all over with arrows, his body touched not the ground. At that moment, the divine nature took possession of that great bowman lying on a bed of arrows.
The divine bodies, seeing the fall of Bhishma from the sky, worried: "This is Dakshina Ayan which is not auspicious. Bhishma may die during Dakshina Ayan."
"O Divine bodies! I know that it is not auspicious to die during Dakshina Ayan. Hence I retained my life still in my body. At the time of the marriage of my father with Satyavati, my father blessed me with a boon of "death at my will". Hence, my death would depend on my own wish." said Bhishma. Having heard those words, Divine bodies were satisfied.
At the instance of Mother Ganga, some saints, in the form of swans, arrived there to inform Bhishma about Dakshina Ayan. Having learnt that Bhishma was aware of it, they have gone back.
Coming to know about the fall of Bhishma, Suyodhana sent Dussaasana to inform Drona about the ir. Having heard about the fall of Bhishma through Dussaasana, Drona fainted. After regaining consciousness, he wept like a child for the fall of Bhishma. He immediately rushed to the spot where Bhishma fell.
Having seen the fall of Bhishma, jubilant atmosphere prevailed in the camps of Pandavas. Pandavas, King of Matsya, Panchala, Yadavas, were very happy. The sounds of kettle drums, horns rose to the sky. Gloomy atmosphere prevailed in our camps. As the sun was set, the war was stopped for the day." said Sanjaya the tenth day war details to Dhritarashtra.
"Sanjaya! After having heard about the fall of my father, Bhishma, I remained unperturbed. I do not know whether I am a human being or a huge rock. Sanjaya! what remains to be said, please tell me. I am ready to hear" said Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say the events happened after the fall of Bhishma.
"Then Kouravas and Pandavas, leaving their bows and arrows, went near Gangeya. Dhananjaya only approached his Grandsire with Gandeevam. Bheeshma looked at Suyodhana "Suyodhana! my head is falling down. Kindly arrange a support for my head" requested Bhishma.
Suyodhana and other kouravas brought featherlike pillows. Gangeya rejected them smoothly and looked at Arjuna. Arjuna with his Gandeevam shot three arrows under the head of Bhishma and kept the head of the Grandsire on those three arrows. Bhishma was very happy with the arrangement made by Arjuna.
Looking at both Kouravas and Pandavas, Bhishma said: "I will be lying on this arrow bed until the advent of Uttara Ayan which is auspicious for my departure to heaven. Kindly make arrangements for my safety." asked Bhishma.
Both Kouravas and Pandavas with great devotion arranged a fencing around that place and made necessary security arrangements. At the instance of Suyodhana, medical practitioners arrived there to treat Bhishma. Bhishma smoothly rejected that facility.
As he was thirsty, Bhishma requested your sons for water. Immediately, cool, sweet, pure water were brought in golden vessels.
"Suyodhana! I am lying on an arrow bed. I am attaining divinity. I never touch anything which is touched by humans. If you are capable, bring out underground water for my use. I will drink that water." said Bhishma.
Your sons and other Kings were discussing how to get underground water at that spot. Gangeya looked at Arjuna.
"Arjuna! the pain and suffering caused by these arrows is unbearable. I am thirsty. You have to get pure underground water." asked Bhishma.
Arjuna with folded hands, gone round his Grandsire, Bhishma, saluted him, and launched Parjanya Astra, into the ground. That Astra gone deep into the ground and the underground water gushed up like a fountain. Everybody amazed at this happening. As that fountain was directly falling into his mouth, Bhishma drank that pure, untouched, water.
Having satisfied with that, Bhishma told Arjuna: "Arjuna! listen carefully. Previously, I was told by Narada that you are Nara and Sri Krishna is Narayana. If you both unite together, nothing is impossible to both of you. I told many a time to King Suyodhana, not to bear grudge against you. But he didnot heed my words. He will wreak the consequences at the hands of Bhima. It is certain." said Bheeshma.
Looking at Suyodhana he said: "Suyodhana! listen to me. Arjuna is Nara, a man of great prowess. Narayana who is now in the form of Sri Krishna is his friend and relative. None can conquer these Nara and Narayana. Even now it is not too late. Make friendship with Dharmaja and give him his due share in the kingdom and Indraprastha which was built by him. Atleast your remaining brothers, friends and relatives will survive. Stop this war." suggested Bhishma.
All are silent. Without speaking single word, all of them departed to their resepctive places of stay.
While going back, Krishna told Dharmaja: "Dharmaja! Arjuna is unconquerable even to divine forces. None can defeat him." said Krishna .
"Krishna! This victory is yours. With your help and coordination only, we could achieve this but not with our prowess, vigour and valour." said Dharmaja.
Some time later, Karna arrived there alone. Karna touched the feet of Bhishma with great devotion. "O Grandsire Bhishma! Please shed your anger, bless me with your love and affection and speak few words to me." prayed Karna.
Bhishma opened his eyes,looked at Karna and called him near to him. Bhishma hugged Karna with one hand and signalled the guards to remain at a distance. Making sure that none were hearing their words, Bhishma said:
"Karna! why should I be anger towards you. Because you are creating caste feelings and fomenting jealousy between Kouravas and Pandavas, as an elderly person, I scolded you. I never bear grudge or anger upon you. Your birth is divine. Humans can never stand before you and conquer you. You are the son of Kunti not of Radha. Vyasa told me about your birth. I know about your prowess, vigour and valour. Because you are the son of Kunti, I always have love affection upon you. I was telling that enmity between Kouravas and Pandavas is not good and favourable to anybody. Because, Pandavas are unconquerable. SriKrishna is on their side. Therefore, enmity with Pandavas is not at all agreeable. Without any other thought, join Pandavas and be happy." said Bhishma.
"O Grandsire, Bhishma! The fact that I am Kounteya not Radheya was known to me much earlier. But, at this juncture, will it be possible for me to have friendship with Pandavas.? As you said, Pandavas are most powerful and they are aided by Sri Krishna. We cannot conquer them. This is certain. But, till now, I am sailing with Suyodhana at all times. I got many Honours at his hands. Is it just and proper to leave him at this crucial time?
Besides that, I insulted Pandavas in the open assembly in several ways. I was alwlays thinking to cause harm to Pandavas. In every nerve of mine, I developed jealousy against them. I originated enmity between Kouravas and Pandavas and fomented it which culminated into this mass massacre. Pandavas are very much disgusted against me.
In these circumstances, the only way left open for me is to fight with Pandavas. Nothing is in our hands. Everything is destined by fate. Kindly bless me for a war against Pandavas. I will discharge my loyalty towards Suyodhana and show my strength and prowess before Krishna and Arjuna." Karna sought the blessings of Bhishma.
"Karna! I know that you are such a great warrior of eminent prowess. Your strength, vigour and valour are the assets of Suyodhana. Do the needful to Suyodhana and feel him happy. My blessings are always with you. I am giving permission. Without having any doubt in your mind, you act according to your conscience." said Bhishma.
Karna was very happy with the kind and affectionate words of Bhishma. After taking leave from Bhishma, Karna went back to his residence." said Sanjaya the tenth day war details to Dhritarashtra.
Thus Saint Vaisampaayana told Janayamejaya, the story of Mahabharata.


Om Tat Sat

(Continued...)
(My humble salutations to Brahmasri M V Subrahmanyam     for the collection