Guest guest Posted February 16, 2003 Report Share Posted February 16, 2003 PAMHO.ALGTSP. thanks-One of my favorite pastimes... your servant behind the TV, Pandava vijaya dasa > February 9th, 2003, Sunday (Astami) - Bhismastami > > >From Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva > > > At midday a fierce rivalry took place between the Grandsire Bhishma > and the Somakas. That renowned Kaurava warrior consumed the enemy ranks in > thousands. Coming to challenge Bhishma were Drupada, Virata, Dhristadyumna > and Shikhandi. They showered arrows on Bhishma, and there was not a two > finger breadth of space where he wasn't pierced. However, the grandsire was > not affected. He returned those arrows and struck Drupada, Virata and > Dhristadyumna in the same way that they had pierced him. However, he would > not release a single weapon against Shikhandi on account of his having been > a female in his youth. Bhishma blazed with anger and began to destroy the > Pandava ranks. He killed elephants, chariot fighters and horsemen with his > deadly shafts. On hearing the twang of his bow, the Pandava troops were > struck with fear. Not only did his arrows pierce the combatant's armor, but > passed right through them into the ground. In front of him, the grandsire > created a cemetery of dead bodies, broken chariots, fallen horses and > deceased elephants. With broad headed shafts, he smashed chariots to pieces > including the axle and wheels. Severed heads and numerous weapons lay in > front of the Grandsire. His arrows were like meteors scorching the > Kurukshetra plain. The Pandavas, with the greatest effort, could not rally > their army, so frightened by Bhishma's prowess. The grandfather was endowed > with a young man's power, and when he came upon Arjuna, he began to afflict > him with blazing arrows. > > Witnessing the rout of the Pandava army by Bhishma, Lord Krishna > spoke to Arjuna, "The hour has come which you have longed for. You must kill > Bhishma now, or he will kill you. In the assembly of Kings at Virata's > court, you promised that slay this great warrior. Now is the time to make > those words come true." > > Arjuna replied, "Which would be better: another twelve years in the > forest or sovereignty with hell at the end? Which of these should I achieve? > Urge the horses on, O Hrishikesha, I will fulfill your desire. I will > overthrow the powerful Grandsire, that invincible warrior." > > Thus Lord Krishna drove the chariot to the place where Bhishma was > fighting. The Pandava army rallied behind Arjuna and opposed the Grandsire > eager for battle. Seeing Partha coming, Bhishma roared like a lion and > covered Dhananjaya's car with a curtain of arrows. Then Partha shattered > Bhishma's bow, cutting it into fragments. While Bhishma was stringing > another bow, Arjuna cut that one to pieces, and Shantanu's son exclaimed, > "Well done! Well done!" Then Bhishma, taking up another bow, began to > lacerate Arjuna's body. Arjuna, too, released many arrows piercing his > grandfather and drawing his blood. Bhishma then fought with greater prowess > and began to vanquish thousands of Arjuna's supporting troops right before > his very eyes. The Grandsire then covered Arjuna's chariot with hundreds of > arrows so that Arjuna and Krishna could not be seen. > > It was obvious that Arjuna was not fighting to full capacity, and > that Bhishma was going to emerge victorious. Arrows were filling the sky, > and Arjuna was falling into danger. Seeing the situation, Lord Krishna could > no longer tolerate the possible defeat of Arjuna. Breaking his own promise > not to fight, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, descended from the > chariot, and picking up the wheel of a broken chariot, He rushed at Bhishma > while his hair and yellow garments flowed in the breeze. Bhishma had > promised that he would kill Arjuna, and to save His devotee, Lord Krishna > would have to fight. This was the vow of Bhishma. Roaring like a lion, the > Lord of the universe, the mighty Lord Krishna assaulted Bhishma. Lord > Krishna resembled a rain cloud passing through the sky decorated with > flashes of lightning. Beholding the lotus eyed Lord rushing towards him, > Bhishma began to release arrows that pierced Lord Krishna's body. The > Supreme Godhead whose body is completely transcendental received those > arrows like a lover receives the affectionate bites of his beloved girl > friend. Bhishma said to the Supreme Lord, "Come, come, O lotus-eyed one. I > offer you my respectful obeisances, O God of gods. O my Lord, destroy me in > this battle so that I may win great fame. O Govinda, You may strike me as > you please for I am Your eternal servant life after life." > > Descending from his chariot, Arjuna ran after Lord Krishna and > seized him. Stopping Him with great effort, Arjuna pleaded, "O mighty armed > Keshava, You should not break the promise you made in the King's assembly. > You said at that time, 'I will not fight.' Alas this great burden rests on > me. I swear I will slay the grandsire. I swear by my weapons, by truth and > by my good deeds. You will behold this mighty warrior thrown down by me with > the greatest ease." Lord Krishna did not reply to the statement of Arjuna, > but in great anger, He mounted the chariot and again guided the horses of > His devotee. Bhishma once more showered arrows upon Arjuna's chariot. Once > again the Grandsire began to slay hundreds and thousands of troops by using > his celestial arrows. No one could even look at him as he released his death > dealing weapons. One could only see thousands of slain horses, elephants, > and men, as well as the sky filled with his arrows. The Pandavas gazed on > Bhishma in wonder and could do nothing to stop him. Thus without a > protector, the Pandava Army broke and fled the battlefield. At this time the > sun set its course on the horizon and with its disappearance, the great > divisions of both sides withdrew to their camps. > > Witnessing the slaughter of his men, Yudhisthira could not find > peace. The Kauravas, extremely delighted at the turn of events, followed > Bhishma to his tent glorifying his prowess. Meanwhile the Pandavas along > with their generals held consultation to discus the days events. Reflecting > on what had taken place, King Yudhisthira said to Lord Krishna, "Behold the > prowess of the Grandsire, Bhishma, O Vasudeva. He has crushed my troops like > an elephant in a sugar cane field. I think it is possible to defeat Yamaraja > or Indra in battle, but this Bhishma cannot be slain. When this is the case, > I have fallen into an ocean of grief. O Invincible one, I will now retire to > the forest for I have no purpose to fulfill. Witnessing the slaughter of my > troops, I do not desire sovereignty of the universe. O slayer of Madhu, my > brothers are greatly afflicted by our grandfather, and I am afraid that they > might be slain. Please show us Your favor, O Krishna, and tell me what will > benefit us at this time." > > Smiling with compassion, Lord Krishna, the protector of His > devotees, advised Yudhisthira, "O son of Dharma, You are follower of the > religious principles, and therefore, there is no need to lament. When you > have these invincible heroes for your protectors, why fall into an ocean of > sorrow? Arjuna and Bhima alone are capable of routing the enemy. Both Nakula > and Sahadeva are as capable and qualified as the King of heaven himself. > Even I, O son of Pandu, will fight with this Bhishma and slay him. If > Arjuna, out of weakness, will not kill him, then I will kill him in the very > sight of Dhritarastra's sons. He, who is the enemy of the Pandavas, is also > my enemy. Your brother, Arjuna, is my friend, relative and disciple. I will, > O King, cut off My flesh and give it away for Arjuna's sake. Therefore, > order Me, O King, to fight with Bhishma. Formerly at Upaplavya, Arjuna spoke > up in the King's assembly, promising, 'I will slay Ganga's son.' If provoked > in battle, Arjuna can fulfill that promise, or I can fulfill that promise > for him. Bhishma has fallen under the sway of demons, and the reaction that > will accrue to them will also fall upon him. That is the way > of karma." > > Hearing Lord Krishna's advice, Yudhisthira said, "It will certainly > be as You say, O Madhava. All these Kauravas taken together cannot bear Your > prowess. I am sure that all my desires will be fulfilled as long as You, My > Lord, are our protector. O Govinda, what is there to say about Bhishma, > although he is a mighty warrior? Before the battle he agreed to to give > counsel to us although he would not fight on our side. Therefore, O slayer > of Madhu, let us approach him and ask him to advise us about this situation. > When we were fatherless and orphans, he raised us with great affection. Thus > we love him much. O to hell with the profession of a kshatriya!" > > Hearing these words, the descendent of Vrishni, spoke to > Yudhisthira, "O son of Pandu, your counsel is filled with wisdom and very > pleasing to hear. Let us go to Bhishma's tent and ask him how we can obtain > his death. When you question him, he will certainly reply with the truth." > > Thus the Pandavas followed Lord Krishna to Bhishma's abode and > offered their obeisances unto him. Then the mighty armed Bhishma addressed > them, "Welcome, O descendent of Vrishni, welcome O Dhananjaya. Welcome, King > Yudhisthira, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva. What can I do to enhance your joy? > Even if it is difficult to achieve, I will endeavor with all my soul to > fulfill it." > > Unto the chief Kuru descendent, Yudhisthira lovingly spoke the > following words, "O worshipable grandfather, you are conversant with all > knowledge. How shall we obtain victory and sovereignty? How also can this > needless destruction of the kshatriya race be stopped? Please answer these > questions, and also tell me how you will meet with death? It is not in our > power to stop your progress. While releasing your arrows, no one is able to > tell when you draw the string, place the arrow and release the arrow. This > all happens in one motion. O bull of the Bharata race, where is the man who > can stand in front of you as you shower your arrows causing great > destruction. Tell me, O Grandsire, how will we vanquish you in battle and > gain sovereignty." > > Replying to Yudhisthira's inquiry, Ganga's son said, "As long as I > am alive, O son of Pandu, you will not have victory. O possessor of great > wisdom, this is the fact of the matter. After I am slain, you will be > triumphant. If you, therefore, desire victory, then kill me without delay. I > give you permission to do so. You are fortunate to know my position, for if > you had not solicited my advice, then there would have been days of > misfortune ahead. Listen to my words, and act upon what I say. With my large > bow and other weapons, I fight very carefully in battle. No one, not even > the demigods headed by Indra, can defeat me. If, however, I lay aside my > weapons, then you may defeat me. It is known that I will never fight with a > woman or one who was once a woman. The son of Drupada, Shikhandi, was once a > woman in his youth and has since attained manhood. Keep Shikhandi before > Arjuna, and let Arjuna release his arrows and pierce my body. I will not > fight with Shikhandi. At that time I will lay down my weapons, and taking > this opportunity, Arjuna may strike me on all sides and gain victory. Except > for Devaki's divine son, Lord Krishna, or Arjuna, there is no one who can > defeat me. After I am vanquished, you will be able to defeat Dhritarastra's > sons and their allies." > > After hearing the Grandsire's instructions and offering their > respectful obeisances, the Pandavas went back to their tents. Knowing that > he would have to be the cause of his grandfather's death, Arjuna said to the > Personality of Godhead, "How, O Madhava, will I be able to fight with the > Grandsire who is senior in years, who possesses great wisdom, and is the > oldest member of our dynasty? While sporting in our childhood days, O > Vasudeva, I used to climb up on his lap and smear him with dust. O > Janardana, he is my grandfather worthy of great respect. I use to address > him as father, but he would correct me and say, 'I am the father of your > father.' O how can I kill this worshipful person in combat. Let my army > perish, and let me also perish. I will never kill one who is worthy of my > worship." > > Lord Krishna replied, "Having vowed to kill Bhishma before, O > Jishnu, how can you refrain from keeping your vow? You will not be > triumphant without slaying Ganga's son. This is predestined by the desires > of the demigods. It cannot happen otherwise. You are to be an instrument in > this great battle, and you should not consider yourself the cause. Such were > my instructions before the battle. Do not hesitate. Follow the advice given > by the Grandsire and obtain victory." > > "O Krishna," Arjuna said, "I will do as you say. It is true that > destiny's course cannot be changed. Therefore, keeping Shikhandi before me, > I will slay Bhishma, the greatest warrior that lives. I will check the other > maharathis with my weapons, and myself and Shikhandi will cause the > Grandsire to fall from his chariot." Having settled the affair with > Bhishma's permission, the Pandavas along with Lord Krishna, retired for the > night with contemplative hearts. > > > Thus Ends the Ninth Chapter of the Bhishma Parva, Entitled, The Ninth Day of > the Great Battle; The Invincible Bhishma. > > > > Bhishma Parva > > Chapter ten > > The Tenth Day of Hostilities; > The Fall of the Grandsire Bhishma > > > Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, on the tenth day of the famed > battle, how did Shikhandi challenge Ganga's son? The great Bhishma had > received a benediction from his father that he would die only when he > desired. Therefore, how would it be possible for Shikhandi or even Arjuna to > take the life of that great soul? Please tell me in detail, O Suta, how the > grandsire advanced against the Pandava army. > > Sanjaya said: O King, the grandsire Bhishma has always acted as your > father, friend and counselor. For your fault, you will now hear about the > fall of this great soldier. When the hour of sunrise came, the Pandavas and > the Kauravas arranged their divisions in battle formation. The Pandavas > placed Shikhandi at their head, protected by Arjuna and Bhima. Behind them > were the five sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu. The other maharathis that were > supporting them were Satyaki, Chekitana, Dhristadyumna, Virata, Drupada, the > five Kaikeya brothers, Dhrishtaketu, and Uttamaujas. > > The Kauravas, placing Bhishma in their forefront, prepared for > battle. Behind Bhishma were Dhritarastra's sons and supporting them were > Drona, Ashvatthama, Bhagadatta, Kripa, Kritavarman, the mighty Sudakshina, > the King of the Kambhojas, Jayatsena, the ruler of Magadha, Shakuni and > Brihadvala. Behind them were millions upon millions of soldiers eager for > battle. > > The two armies rushed at each other, and the clash of weapons and > armor was uproarious. Shikhandi assaulted the grandsire and released three > arrows that pierced Bhishma's chest. Grandfather Bhishma did not return any > weapon, but destroyed Shikhandi's supporting troops like a forest fire > consuming trees. Bhishma refused to fight with Shikhandi. Despite the fact > that Shikhandi deluged Bhishma with arrows, the Grandsire would not fight > with the son of Drupada. He addressed Shikhandi, "Whether you chose to > strike me first or not, I will never fight with you. You are a woman by > birth, and I can never challenge one who has changed his sex." > > "I know that you can decimate the kshatriya race," Shikhandi > replied, "and that you have even defeated the mighty Parashurama. Despite > this fact, I will fight with you and slay you. Whether you chose to strike > me or not, you will not escape with your life. O Bhishma, prepare yourself > for the next world." > > Ignoring Shikhandi, Bhishma began to rout the Somakas and the > Shrinjayas. Fighting with all his energy, he killed ten thousands elephants, > and ten thousand horsemen as well. On this final day the Grandsire killed a > full two hundred thousand foot soldiers. Even though this slaughter was > going on, the Pandavas did not waver in battle. They came forward with > upraised weapons desiring to kill Bhishma. > > Beholding Bhishma's prowess, Arjuna ordered Shikhandi, "Fight with > Bhishma! Do not feel the slightest fear for your life. Providence has > ordained his fall." Following Arjuna's command, Shikhandi, followed by > Dhristadyumna and Abhimanyu, rushed at the Grandsire releasing their > powerful weapons. > > At this time Drona was also engaged in battle with the Pandava > forces. Drona began to perceive omens indicating a great Kaurava loss. That > mighty warrior spoke to his son, "On this day, my son, the mighty Partha > will try his best to conquer the Grandsire. Today, my arrows are not coming > from their quiver of their own accord. My bow seems to yawn, and my strength > is leaving my body. My weapons are unwilling to answer my call. Animals and > birds are uttering fearful and terrible cries. My heart is cheerless, and > the sun seems to have lost its radiance. The four quarters are ablaze, and > vultures are flying overhead. The bodies of kings, belonging to the Kaurava > army, seem pale though decorated with golden ornaments. In all directions > the sound of the Panchajanya and the twang of the Gandiva can be heard. > Without doubt, Arjuna is trying to engage only the Grandsire avoiding the > other maharathis. He seeks to kill Bhishma by keeping Shikhandi in front of > him. Alas, what will be our fate?" Thus contemplating the future, Drona > again battled with the Pandava warriors. > > On this day Bhishma was causing a slaughter of the Somakas and the > Shrinjayas. Arjuna, too, was taking away the lives of hundreds and thousands > of chariot fighters, horsemen and infantry. So great was the bloodbath on > both sides that it was hard to tell which side would become victorious. > Bhishma was scorching the Pandava army, and after ten days, he gave up all > desire to protect his life. Wishing his own death would come, he thought, "I > will no longer engage in the merciless act of slaughtering large numbers of > warriors." > > Upon seeing Yudhisthira near him, he advised him, "O Yudhisthira, > listen to my words and carry out my request. I have spent so many days > killing large divisions of soldiers. O Bharata, I no longer desire to > protect this body. If you wish to fulfill my desire, then kill me as I stand > on my chariot. Place Shikhandi and Partha in the forefront of your army, and > cause my ascendence to the heavenly planets." > > Understanding Bhishma's intention, Yudhisthira ordered the Shrinjaya > army headed by Dhristadyumna to attack Bhishma. Arjuna also, following > Shikhandi, began to release his deadly arrows at the grandsire. Within a > short time the Grandsire killed fourteen thousand chariot fighters. > Shikhandi then released fourteen broad headed arrows that struck Bhishma in > the chest. The son of Ganga, however, only looked at Shikhandi with wrath. > > Arjuna ordered Shikhandi, "Rush quickly and slay the grandsire! Do > not hesitate. Challenge him immediately!" Following those instructions, the > son of Drupada released his deadly weapons for slaying the foremost Kuru > warrior. > > Coming up to protect the Grandsire was Duryodhana. He ordered all > the great warriors with their combatants to kill Arjuna. Seeing them coming, > Arjuna called upon his celestial weapons and caused a great carnage. His > celestial weapons released hundreds of thousands of arrows severing the > heads, arms, and legs of the oncoming enemy. Angered by the prowess of his > grandson, Bhishma, invoking a celestial weapon, rushed at Arjuna in the > sight of all bowmen. However, seeing Shikhandi in the forefront, the > grandsire withdrew the blazing weapon. > > Bhishma then fixed his attention on slaying the Somakas and the > Shrinjayas. He single handedly killed ten thousand elephants and seven great > rathas amongst the Panchalas and the Matsyas. He then sent to Yamaraja's > abode ten thousand horsemen and five thousand foot soldiers. Having thinned > the ranks of the Pandava army, Bhishma then killed Satanika, the brother of > Virata. Whoever followed Partha, was sent by Bhishma to the other world. > Bhishma was achieving the most glorious feats on this tenth day of the > Kurukshetra war. No one could stand before the Grandsire as he released his > weapons. The King of the Panchalas, Drupada, Dhristadyumna, Nakula and > Sahadeva, Virata, Abhimanyu, Satyaki, the sons of Draupadi, Ghatotkacha, > Bhima, and Kuntibhoja were sinking in the ocean of the Grandsire. Coming to > save them was Arjuna. He encouraged them and in their presence, he killed > all of Bhishma's supporting soldiers. Then all together the great adhirathas > and the maharathis of the Pandava army attacked Bhishma hoping to kill him. > Keeping Shikhandi in front of them, they pierced Bhishma with hundreds of > Arrows. Arjuna managed to cut Bhishma's bow, and with this act the Kauravas > became enraged. They all attacked Arjuna using their celestial weapons and > showering upon him thousands of arrows. Shikhandi continued piercing > Bhishma, but the Grandsire ignored him and penetrated through the enemy > ranks. Arjuna attacked Ganga's son and tore his bow to pieces. Bhishma took > up another weapon, but that was also shattered by Arjuna's arrows. Partha > managed to cut all the bows taken up by Bhishma. Bhishma was furious and > took up a dart, and with all his might hurled it at Arjuna. Arjuna, however, > tore it to pieces as it came toward him. Seeing his dart cut off, Bhishma > reflected, "With a single bow, I could kill the Pandavas, if Vishnu had not > been their protector. For two reasons, I will not fight with them. One is > that they are protected by Lord Krishna, and the other is that Shikhandi > stands in front of them. I cannot be killed on the battlefield. Such was the > benediction given by my father Shantanu. He said that I would die only when > I wanted too. Now I think that that time has come." > > Reflecting like this, the demigods and rishis confirmed his > meditation by saying, "Your departure from this world is close at hand, O > King. Withdraw your heart from battle." With these words, a fragrant and > auspicious breeze filled with water particles began to blow in all > directions. In the heavens Bhishma heard the sounds of conchshell, drums and > bugles. Showers of flowers then began to fall from the sky upon the Bhishma. > All this was only seen by Bhishma who now thought of attaining the kingdom > of God. > > Meanwhile, the great warriors attacked Bhishma with greater > boldness. Arjuna struck Bhishma in every part of his body, but Ganga's son > did not waver the slightest. He returned those arrows and began once again > to afflict the enemy ranks. Shikhandi and Arjuna maneuvered their chariots > near the Grandsire. Arjuna once again cut his bow from his hand and also cut > his banner from the chariot. Shantanu's son then picked up another bow, but > that was also cut to pieces. Repeatedly Arjuna cut all Bhishma's bows, and > thus Bhishma no longer desired to fight with Arjuna. Arjuna began to pierce > the Grandsire with hundreds of arrows as he stood on his chariot. Seeing > Duhshasana near him, Bhishma said, "Just see, the great bowman Arjuna is > piercing me with thousands of arrows. I cannot be subjugated by the heavenly > gods and asuras combined, what to speak of ordinary warriors of this world. > These arrows that are piercing my body are not Shikhandi's but Arjuna's. > Only he can cause me the pain I am presently feeling. These arrows are > released with the power of the thunderbolt. They are like virulent poison, > and they are entering deep into my body. Besides the wielder of the Gandiva > bow, there is no one that can cause me this much pain." > > Saying this much, Bhishma picked up a dart and hurled it at Arjuna. > Partha, however, cut that weapon to pieces. Then Shantanu's son picked up a > sword and shield to fight with Arjuna, but the son of Kunti shattered the > sword and shield before the Grandsire could descend from his chariot. This > feat was wonderful on the field of battle. > > Then King Yudhisthira ordered his army, "All rush at Ganga's son! Do > not be afraid!" With these words, the Pandava army assaulted Bhishma with > their upraised weapons. Releasing hundreds of arrows, Arjuna pierced Bhishma > in every part of his body. Indeed, there was not a two fingered breadth of > space where there was not an arrow. Mangled in this way, the aged grandsire > of the Kuru dynasty fell from his chariot to the ground. Great sounds of > lamentation were heard from the Kaurava divisions. When the grandsire fell > from his chariot, the hearts of the Kauravas fell with him. It was as if one > of the heavenly gods had fallen. He fell down from his chariot with his head > facing the eastern direction. Knowing the sun was in an inauspicious course, > he did not allow his soul to leave his body. Because his mortal frame was > pierced with many arrows, he did not touch the ground. At that time, Bhishma > looked divine. The clouds poured a cool shower, and the earth trembled. > Seeing her son fallen from his chariot, Ganga sent rishis in swan-like form. > Circumambulating him, they requested him not to leave his body until the sun > had entered its northern course. He then spoke to them, "I will never pass > from this world while the sun is in its southern route. I will proceed from > this world when the sun changes to its northern passage." The celestial > swans then again entered the heavens and informed Ganga of her son's > decision. > > When the great grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, the foremost warrior, > had fallen from his chariot, both armies ceased fighting. The Pandavas and > the Shrinjayas uttered loud roars like bulls. The Kurus were overcome with > grief. Duryodhana and Kripa sighed and wept tears of anguish. Duhshasana > went to the division where Drona was fighting and informed him of the > Bhishma's fall. Hearing the dreadful news, Drona fell from his chariot > momentarily senseless. Upon regaining consciousness, he forbade his troops > to fight with the Pandavas. Laying aside their armor, both the Pandavas and > the Kurus came to Bhishma's side. They offered their obeisances to the > Grandsire and stood with joined palms. He then spoke to them, "Welcome all > you great heroes. I am joyous to see your sight before leaving this world." > Bhishma's head had not been pierced with arrows and was hanging down. He > requested the warriors present to fetch him a pillow. Quickly they brought > him pillows of the finest silk. However, Bhishma said, "O Kings, this is not > a hero's pillow." He then requested Arjuna, "O Dhananjaya, I am in need of a > pillow. Please give me a pillow as you think fit." > > Stringing his bow tearfully, Arjuna filled the ground under > Bhishma's head with many arrows. Laying his head upon that pillow fit for a > warrior, Bhishma said, "You have given me a pillow and a bed that is worthy > of a kshatriya. This is the way one should sleep on the battlefield. I will > sleep on this bed until the sun takes it's northern course." > > Duryodhana, thinking to save Bhishma's life, brought many physicians > to heal his grandfather's wounds, but Bhishma sent them all away, desiring > death only. With the greatest respect, all the Pandavas and the Kauravas > paid their respect to the eldest member of the Kuru family. They stationed > guards to protect him from Rakshasas and carnivorous animals. Then They > circumambulated him and returned to their tents. > > When the night had passed away, the Pandavas and the Kurus came > again to resting place of Grandfather Bhishma. Many people from Hastinapura > had come to pay their last respects to the dying Bhishma. They were > sprinkling flowers and sandalwood powder upon his body, and some were > blowing on trumpets and some were blowing conchshells. > > When the Pandavas and the Kauravas had surrounded Bhishma, the son > of Ganga asked for some water. The Kings immediately brought many pitchers > of water to quench his thirst. He refused them all and called for Arjuna. He > said, "My body, covered with arrows, burns and my mouth is dry. You are an > exalted bowman and are able to give me water in a befitting way." > Understanding his grandfather's mind, Arjuna picked up his Gandiva bow and > placed upon it the parjanya weapon. He then pierced the earth causing a > stream of water to quench his grandfather's thirst. Bhishma then addressed > Arjuna again, "O mighty armed Arjuna, this feat in not so wonderful. With > Lord Krishna as your ally, there is nothing in this world that you will not > achieve. Narada has told me that you are none other than Nara, the ancient > rishi of old, and that Krishna is Narayana, the Supreme Personality of > Godhead. You are the greatest bowman that has graced the earth and you are > unequaled among men. I have tried repeatedly to convince Duryodhana of this > fact, but he would not listen. Now, like a fool, he will lay on the > Kurukshetra plain overcome by Bhima's mace." > > Hearing these prophetic words, Duryodhana's heart saddened. Looking > in his direction, Bhishma advised him, "Listen, O King, abandon your anger. > You have seen how Arjuna has pierced the earth with his celestial weapon. > There is none other who can perform such an act. Indeed, all the celestial > arms are known to Arjuna as well as to Lord Krishna. There is no one else > who possesses them. This Arjuna is superhuman and cannot be conquered. While > the remnants of your brothers have not yet been killed, why don't you make > peace with the Pandavas? As long as Krishna has not cast his wrathful glance > upon your army, make peace. I speak this wisdom for your good. Give > Yudhisthira his city of Indraprastha, and let all these monarchs return to > their kingdoms. If you do not listen to my advice, then you will have to > lament your fate." Speaking these words out of affection for Duryodhana, > Bhishma fell silent. Duryodhana could not accept his grandfather's counsel > because of his wicked heart. Thus he was like a dying man refusing to take > medicine. > > After the Kauravas and the Pandavas had returned to their tents, > Karna came to the Grandsire as he lay mortally wounded. He approached > Bhishma and offered his obeisances. With a faltering voice and tears falling > from his eyes, he said, "O chief of the Kurus, I am Radha's son, who you > have always looked upon with anger." > > Hearing Karna's voice, Bhishma opened his his eyes and seeing the > place deserted of men, he embraced Karna with one of his arms. He then said > with great affection, "If you had not humbly come to me, things would have > not gone well with you. Do you realize that you are Kunti's son and not > Radha's? I have heard about this from Narada as well as Krishna Dvaipayana > Vyasa. Without doubt it is true. Honestly, I bear no hatred toward you. It > was only for cooling your envy of the Pandavas that I spoke to you in such a > way. Without any reason you have spoken ill of the Pandavas. Due to bad > association with Duryodhana, you have become like him. Indeed, you are equal > to Arjuna and Krishna in bowmanship. There is no doubt about this. Whatever > anger I have had against you is gone. The heroic sons of Pandu are your > brothers. Therefore, unite with them and let these hostilities end." > > "What you have told me is true," Karna replied. "I am Kunti's son, > but I have been raised by a suta. I was abandoned by Kunti to die. For so > long I have enjoyed Duryodhana's wealth with my relatives. I dare not > falsify it now. As Krishna is dear to the Pandavas, so Duryodhana is dear to > me. I know well that Arjuna and Krishna are undefeatable in battle, but > still it is my duty to try to kill Arjuna on behalf of my friend Duryodhana. > Please give me your permission to fight. Please also forgive any offense > which I may have committed against you out of foolishness." > > "If you are not able to cast off this anger," Bhishma said, "then I > give you permission to fight. Through Arjuna you will attain the regions of > heaven. I have tried to make peace, but I have not succeeded. All good > fortune to you. Go and fight." Having said this much, the Grandsire became > silent. Karna then offered his obeisances to Bhishma and circumambulated > him. He then proceeded to Duryodhana's tent. > > > Thus Ends the Tenth Chapter of the Bhishma Parva, Entitled, The Tenth Day of > Hostilities; The Fall of the Grandsire Bhishma. > > Thus Ends the Bhishma Parva to the Summary Study of the Mahabharata. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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