Mahabharata

Kunti requests that Krishna relay a message to her eldest son, Yudhishthira, urging him to fulfill his duties as a kshatriya. Kunti recounts the tale of Vidula, a noblewoman who inspired her defeated son to rise and reclaim his kingdom. Vidula admonishes her son for his despondency after defeat, emphasizing the benefits of honor and courage and the disgrace associated with inaction. She urges him to embody the true spirit of a warrior by fighting for his rightful inheritance rather than living in shame and poverty.

Kunti hopes that by sharing this story, Yudhishthira will be motivated to assert his claim to the throne, even if it leads to war against their cousins, the Kauravas. She emphasizes that upholding righteousness and duty is paramount, especially in the face of injustice.

After his conversation with Kunti, Krishna seeks out Karna. Krishna reveals that Karna is actually the eldest Pandava, hoping to persuade him to join his brothers. Despite acknowledging his lineage, Karna remains loyal to Duryodhana, refusing to abandon him. Karna predicts the catastrophic war to come and accepts his fate to die at the hands of his brother Arjuna.

Bhishma and the Kauravas address Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava prince. Bhishma recounts the tale of Nara and Narayana (an epithet for Vishnu), two ancient and powerful deities known for their asceticism and might. These divine beings once aided Indra, the king of the gods, in vanquishing the asuras (demons), showcasing their unparalleled prowess.

Bhishma draws a parallel between Nara and Narayana and the duo of Arjuna and Krishna. He emphasizes that Arjuna and Krishna are invincible when united, warning Duryodhana that waging war against them would be disastrous. Bhishma advises making peace with the Pandavas, highlighting that arrogance and disregard for wise counsel will lead to ruin.

Despite Bhishma’s admonitions, Karna dismisses the warnings, boasting of his own capabilities. Bhishma criticizes Karna, reminding him of past failures and the might of the Pandavas, particularly Arjuna. Drona supports Bhishma’s counsel, urging peace. However, Duryodhana remains obstinate, overestimating his own strength and that of his allies and underestimating the Pandavas.

Dhritarashtra expresses concern over his son’s defiance. He pleads with Duryodhana to seek peace, foreseeing the catastrophic consequences of war. Vidura, the wise counselor and half-brother to Dhritarashtra, shares parables about the perils of internal strife—such as the story of two birds ensnared due to their quarrel—to illustrate the folly of Duryodhana’s path.

Sanjaya, the king’s charioteer and envoy, recounts his meeting with Krishna and Arjuna, conveying their warnings about impending doom should war ensue. Yet Duryodhana remains unyielding, driven by pride and hubris.

Duryodhana consults with Bhishma about the upcoming battle against the Pandavas. Duryodhana seeks to understand what to expect and how Bhishma will engage the enemy.

Bhishma explains that while he will fight valiantly against the Pandava warriors, he refuses to harm Sikhandin, a warrior who was born Amva, the eldest daughter of the king of Kasi, a prominent ancient city. Amva was abducted by Bhishma along with her sisters to become brides for his brother Vichitravirya. However, while Amva had already given her heart to King Salwa, after being released by Bhishma, she was rejected by Salwa due to her abduction. Seeking vengeance, Amva underwent severe penances and was reborn as Sikhandin, changing gender through a mystical exchange with a yaksha (nature spirit). Bhishma, bound by his vow not to harm a woman or someone who was once a woman, declares that he will not fight Sikhandin.

Meanwhile, Duryodhana questions other key warriors—Drona, Kripa (an esteemed tutor), Aswatthaman, and Karna—about their ability to defeat the Pandavas. Each boasts the short time they would need to annihilate the enemy forces.

In parallel, Yudhishthira consults his brothers. Arjuna confidently asserts that with Krishna by his side, he can swiftly vanquish the Kaurava army.

The epic battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas commences at dawn. Both armies assemble in grand formations. The Kaurava army is led by Bhishma, known for his invincibility and vow of lifelong celibacy. His presence is so formidable that the Pandava warriors tremble at the sight of him.

The Pandavas arrange their forces strategically, with Bhima leading the charge, along with Arjuna protected by Krishna. Ominous signs appear—meteors fall, the sun loses its brilliance, and animals exhibit strange behaviors—foreshadowing the bloodshed to come.

As the battle ensues, Bhishma wreaks havoc on the Pandava army, causing massive casualties. Arjuna hesitates to fight Bhishma due to their familial ties and Bhishma’s revered status. Witnessing Arjuna’s reluctance, Krishna becomes enraged and momentarily breaks his vow not to engage in combat, attempting to attack Bhishma himself. Arjuna intervenes, restraining Krishna and promising to confront Bhishma earnestly.

Despite their efforts, the Pandavas cannot overcome Bhishma. At day’s end, disheartened, they seek counsel. Yudhishthira proposes that they approach Bhishma himself for guidance. Bhishma reveals that he will not fight Sikhandin, due to his vow not to harm a woman or someone who was once a woman. He advises them to place Sikhandin at the forefront during combat; if they do so, Bhishma will cease fighting, allowing the Pandavas a chance at victory. Embracing this strategy, the Pandavas prepare for the next day’s battle, hopeful that Bhishma’s fall will turn the tide in their favor.

The valiant Abhimanyu—son of Arjuna and Subhadra—penetrates the Kaurava army’s formation. Despite being surrounded by six formidable warriors—Drona, Kripa, Karna, Aswatthaman, Vrihadvala, and Kritavarman—Abhimanyu fights fiercely. However, following Drona’s strategy, they manage to disarm and kill him. His death brings immense grief to the Pandavas.

Yudhishthira laments the loss of his nephew, fearing the reaction of Arjuna. The sage Vyasa appears to console Yudhishthira. Vyasa recounts the story of King Akampana, who loses his son Hari in battle and is overwhelmed by sorrow. To assuage Akampana’s grief, the celestial sage Narada narrates the origin of Death: The creator god Brahma, in anger at the indestructibility of his creation, produced a devastating fire to annihilate it. The god Shiva intervened, urging Brahma to reconsider. From Brahma’s wrath emerged a female entity, Death, tasked with destroying creatures. Reluctant to cause suffering, Death initially refused but eventually accepted her role when reassured by Brahma that it is a necessary part of the cosmic order and not sinful.

Narada’s story emphasizes that death is a natural and inevitable part of life preordained by the gods. By sharing this tale, Vyasa consoles Yudhishthira, urging him to accept Abhimanyu’s death as part of the divine plan and to fulfill his duty as a warrior.

The intense battle reaches a climax. The Pandavas, led by Arjuna, implement a strategy to bring down Bhishma. They place Sikhandin at the forefront, knowing that Bhishma has vowed not to fight him. Protected by Arjuna, Sikhandin attacks Bhishma, while Arjuna simultaneously shoots arrows that Bhishma attributes to Sikhandin due to his vow.

Despite Bhishma’s unparalleled prowess, the combined assault overwhelms him. Pierced by countless arrows, he falls from his chariot but remains suspended above the ground, lying on a bed of arrows. Exercising his boon to choose the time of his death, Bhishma resolves to wait until the auspicious northern solstice before passing away.

Both armies cease fighting to pay respect to the fallen warrior. Bhishma advises Duryodhana to seek peace with the Pandavas, warning of the dire consequences if the conflict continues. Duryodhana, however, refuses to relent. Later, Karna visits Bhishma. Bhishma reveals his knowledge of Karna’s true heritage and urges him to reconcile with his brothers. Bound by loyalty to Duryodhana, Karna declines but seeks Bhishma’s blessings.

Bhishma lies on his bed of arrows, awaiting his chosen time of death during the winter solstice. Yudhishthira visits Bhishma daily to ask questions about morality, governance, and duty. Bhishma imparts his vast knowledge, resolving all of Yudhishthira’s doubts.

As the solstice approaches, Vyasa advises Bhishma to allow Yudhishthira to return to the capital, Hastinapura, to fulfill his kingly duties. Bhishma agrees and instructs Yudhishthira to rule justly, protect his subjects, and honor the brahmins and elders. He asks Yudhishthira to return when the sun begins its northward journey, signaling his imminent departure.

After 50 days, Yudhishthira returns with his brothers, the blind King Dhritarashtra, Queen Gandhari (Dhritarashtra’s wife, who is known for her virtue), their mother Kunti, and Krishna. They bring offerings for Bhishma’s funeral rites, including sandalwood and fragrant materials. Sages like Narada, Devala, and Asita gather to honor Bhishma.

Bhishma delivers his final teachings and blessings, acknowledging Krishna’s divine nature by referring to him as Narayana (Vishnu) and recognizing Arjuna as Nara (a divine sage). Seeking Krishna’s permission to depart, Bhishma withdraws his life force through yogic practice, passing away peacefully. Celestial signs, such as divine music and showers of flowers, mark his passing.

The Pandavas and Kauravas perform Bhishma’s funeral rites with great reverence. They cremate his body on a pyre made of sandalwood and other sacred materials. Following the cremation, they proceed to the sacred river Ganga (personified as a goddess and Bhishma’s mother, also known as Bhagirathi) to offer water oblations. The goddess Ganga emerges, lamenting the death of her son. Krishna consoles her, explaining that Bhishma has attained the highest spiritual realms due to his unwavering righteousness and duty.

The chapter concludes with the assembled kings and sages paying their respects to both Bhishma and the goddess Ganga before departing.