The Bhishma Parva ( Sanskrit : भीष्म पर्व ), or the Book of Bhishma, is the sixth of eighteen books of the Indian epic Mahabharata . It has 4 sub-books and 124 chapters.
137-577: The Bhishma Parva describes the first 10 days of the 18-day Kurukshetra War and its consequences. It recites the story of Bhishma , the commander in chief of the Kauravan armies, who is fatally injured and loses his ability to lead. This book of the Mahabharata includes the widely studied Bhagavad Gita , sometimes referred to as Gita , or The Song of the Lord , or The Celestial Song . Chapters of
274-845: A celestial weapon at Arjuna, Shikhandi comes dashing between them, and he withdraws that fiery weapon. Shalya, Kripa, Dushasana, and Vikarna slaughter a Pandava host. Bhishma slays twenty-seven thousand soldiers more, with seven great car warriors among them. Bhishma slays Satanika. Krishna urges Arjuna to slay Bhishma. Bhishma afflicts all the Pandava generals, and Arjuna comes to rescue them all. All pierce Bhishma; and, except for Shikhandi, he fights them all back. Arjuna cuts Bhishma's bow. Seven great car warriors from Kurus come to save him, invoking celestial weapons, at Phalguni's car; and seven great Pandava car warriors come to check them. Shikhandi pierces Bhishma and Arjuna cuts off Bhishma's bow multiple times, disarming him. Bhishma thinks that if Vishnu himself
411-627: A challenge to the prestige of the Pandavas and declaration of an act of open war. At the formal presentation of the peace proposal by Krishna in the Kuru Mahasabha at the court of Hastinapura, Krishna asks Duryodhana to return Indraprastha to the Pandavas and restore the status quo, or at least give five villages, one for each of the Pandavas; Duryodhana refuses. Krishna's peace proposals are ignored and dismissed, and Duryodhana publicly orders his soldiers to arrest Krishna despite warnings from
548-550: A duel with no clear winner. Drupada and his son Shikhandi go to help Bhima, but they are stopped by Vikarna , one of Duryodhana's brothers, who attacks and injures them badly. Drona kills many Pandava soldiers and both armies' formations are broken. Bhima penetrates the Kaurava formation and attacks Duryodhana, who is defeated but rescued. The Upapandavas (sons of Draupadi ) fight against Ashwatthama and destroy his chariot. Drona kills Shanka, one of Virata's son. Yuyutsu
685-494: A fierce battle over hours. Drona and Dhrishtadyumna similarly engage in a duel, and Drona defeats Dhrishtadyumna, who is saved by Bhima . Duryodhana sends the troops of Kalinga to attack Bhima and most of them, including the King of Kalinga, are killed. Bhishma comes to relieve the battered Kalinga forces. Satyaki , who was assisting Bhima, shoots at Bhishma's charioteer and kills him. Bhishma's horses bolt and carry Bhishma away from
822-451: A force that it pierces through Sweta armor and body, and sticks into the earth. Arjuna slowly withdraws his Pandava troops from that side. Later, Virata's son, Sankha, rushes, with the desire to slay Shalya. Bhishma comes roaring to that side, against a trembling Pandava host. Then, Arjuna, to protect Sankha from Bhishma, quickly places himself in front of him and engages Bhisma. Bhishma destroys Sankha's car, and Arjuna retreats towards Drupada,
959-414: A group with Ashvatthama among them. An army surrounds Arjuna, with his son Abhimanyu, hoping to slay them both. Dhristadyumna, beholding them both surrounded by the foe, with his division comes to aid them. Shalya battles Dhrishtadyumna and cuts off his bow. Abhimanyu comes to aid Dhrishtadyumna. A melee occurs there. Bhima terrifies the Kaurava brothers and makes them flee to save Duryodhana. Duryodhana sends
1096-701: A historical date to the Kurukshetra war, with research suggesting c. 1000 BCE. However, popular tradition claims that the war marks the transition to the Kali Yuga , dating it to c. 3102 BCE. Although the Kurukshetra War is not mentioned in Vedic literature, its prominence in later literature led British Indologist A. L. Basham to conclude that there was a great battle at Kurukshetra which, "magnified to titanic proportions, formed
1233-421: A huge dart to slay him; but Bhagadatta, mounting upon an elephant, places himself before the king. Hurling that dart he fells that elephant. Hearing the elephant roar, Bhishma sends a large army—with Jayadratha, Bhurisravas, Shalya, Ashvatthama, and Vikarna among it—to aid them. Ghatotkacha overwhelms them all, making them tremble. All attack him, covering him with a shower of arrows. Deeply pierced, he soars up into
1370-469: A human being. Ashoka aids Bhima and mounts him on his chariot. Bhima then continues killing the remaining warriors. Bhima dispatches 2700 warriors to the region of death. Kalinga's army shakes with terror and flees, Bhima pursuing. Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, and Satyaki aid Bhima. Bhishma, hearing those cries in battle, quickly proceeds towards Bhima. Bhishma faces a whole group of combatants. Bhishma slays Bhima's steeds. Satyaki, charioteer of Kuru's grand-sire,
1507-596: A large force, against both. They both fell heads of combatants by hundreds and rout the fierce host of the Kauravas. Patha cuts Shalya's bow. Drona, commanded by Duryodhana, comes to that spot. Yudhisthira meets Bhishma, who tells him to slay him as planned. Abhimanyu fights with Duryodhana who is supported by a large force. The son of Drona battles Satyaki. Bhima slaughters an elephant-division. Yudhishthira encounters Shalya. Jayadratha battles Virata. Dhrishtadyumna battles Drona, who cuts his bow. Arjuna, with Shikhandi, taking
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#17327657704031644-582: A large host, rallies, and comes again to the fight, seeing Partha proceeding for an encounter with Bhishma. Partha, with his celestial bow, twice cuts Bhishma's bow into fragments by means of his sharp shafts and is praised by Bhishma. Bhishma mangles both Partha and Vasudeva. Krishna, filled with anger and scolding Arjuna for not fighting wholeheartedly, jumps down from the car and rushes towards Bhishma, whip in hand, desirous of slaying him. Arjuna seizes Krishna and reminds him of his promise not to fight, only to drive Arjuna's chariot, or else people will call him
1781-499: A large host. Drona afflicts Drupada, making him retreat. Satyaki battles Bhishma; and Yudhishthira, with his troops, surrounds Bhishma. Again a fierce battle commences. Duryodhana sends Dushasana with a large force to protect Bhishma. Bhishma pierces all surrounding him; and Drona, too, pierces his foes. Surrounded on all sides, yet unvanquished, Bhishma slaughters his foes. Afflicted by the shafts of Bhishma, all flee away. Vasudeva encourages Vibhatsu to overthrow Bhishma. Yudhishthira, with
1918-638: A large number of cars. Ashvatthama encounters both Old Virata and Drupada. Kripa proceeds against Sahadeva, who cuts his bow. Vikarna battles Nakula. Dhrishtadyumna battles Kritavarma. Bhimsena proceeds against Bhurisravas. Drona resists Yudhishthira, who, accompanied by a large force, was going towards Bhishma. A group attacks Bhima, who resists all, breaks Kripa's and Jayadratha's bows and destroys Jayadratha's car. Shalya afflicts Bhima's charioteer and all pierce Bhima, who does not tremble, stands still, and, filled with wrath, cuts Kritavarma's bow. Arjuna, with Shikhandi, comes thither. King Duryodhana sends Susarman, with
2055-494: A liar. Krishna returns, in anger, and mounts his car. Then both sides slaughter each other's army. Pandavas troops flee when they faced Bhishma, who was grinding his foes. Sunset, with withdrawal from the field. By the end of 9th day, over 100 million have been slaughtered including many key personages of the Epic. Each night, either Duryodhana or Yudhishthira is depressed by the massive losses of their men and key generals. Embedded in
2192-484: A meeting of two sides where the rules of war are agreed upon. Rishi Veda Vyasa , the grandfather to both Kauravas and Pandavas , offers the gift of sight to King Dhritarashtra – who is blind – so he can foresee the tragedy about to unfold. Dhritarashtra declines the offer, claiming he does not want to witness the slaughter of his family and friends. Vyasa then offers a celestial vision to Sanjaya, to have knowledge of everything, manifest or concealed, even thoughts. While
2329-409: A period of 503 years. Subsequently, Indra wielded the bow for 580 years, followed by Soma for 500 years. Finally, Varuna held the bow for a 100 years before bestowing it upon Arjuna, the valiant warrior of the Pandavas. Agni , the god of fire, wanted to devour the forest of Khandavaprastha , to regain his power and splendor. He had enlisted the help of the two heroes, Krishna and Arjuna . Arjuna
2466-496: A pillow. Arjuna, taking up the bow Gandiva and 3 arrows, inspiring them with mantras, supports Bhishma's head. As he slips into death, surgeons rush to give him medical help, but Bhishma rebuffs all attempts. All are filled with wonder, astonished at the virtuous constancy displayed by Bhishma. The combatants return to their tents. Krishna , filled with joy at the fall of Bhishma, talks with Yudhishthira. At night, Bhishma asks for water. The valiant Arjuna, stretching his Gandiva, fires
2603-587: A rage, strikes Bhima in his chest with his shaft, which causes Bhima to swoon. Ghatotkacha comes to aid his father and, disappearing from view, creates a terrible illusion, reappearing assuming a fierce form, himself riding Airavata created by his power of illusion, with three other elephants following him. They four afflict Bhagdatta's elephants with their tusks, which causes that elephant to utter loud cries. And hearing those terrible and loud cries of that elephant, Bhishma—with Drona, Suyodhana, and other kings—comes to rescue him. Bhishma avoids fighting with Ghatotkacha as
2740-593: A shaft, which deeply pierces the king, making him swoon away. His charioteer bears him away over the field. The twins blow their conches joyfully after vanquishing their maternal uncle in battle. Three Kaurava brothers engage Abhimanyu. In that fierce battle, Abhimanyu deprives them of their car but does not slay them, remembering Bhima's words. Arjuna battles and vanquishes the Susarman army. The ruler of Trigartas comes to aid Susarman. Shikhandi comes to aid Arjuna. Arjuna, avoiding Duryodhana and Jayadratha, proceeds towards
2877-481: A shield, but Arjuna cuts off that shield. Yudhishthira sends an army at Bhishma and the Kaurava brothers surround Bhishma. Although Bhishma was pierced in all his vital limbs, yet that day he stayed calmly in the battle. Arjuna afflicts them all, breaking their formations and all flee from battle. All attack Bhishma, surrounding him, and soon fatally injure him. That foremost of all bowmen fell down from his car, pierced all over with arrows, which kept his body from touching
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#17327657704033014-651: A terrible form, rushes towards Bhagadatta. Bhagadatta, alone, pierces all the combatants surrounding him and damages Bhima's car. Bhima, deprived of his car, jumps down, and takes up his mace. Arjuna comes there, and King Duryodhana sends an army towards Arjuna. Arjuna grieves for his slain son Iravat. Bhima faces Kaurava brothers and slays 9 more of them; others flee. Drona checks him from pursuing. Ganga's son, Bhagadatta, and Gautama resist Arjuna. The field of battle lies covered with fallen darts, swords, arrows, lances, scimitars, axes, bearded darts, iron crows, battle-axes, spiked clubs, short arrows, and rockets. As night sets in and
3151-699: A thick darkness to set in, dimming visibility. Abhimanyu however, invokes into existence the blazing solar weapon, making everything visible once more, neutralizing the illusion. He conjures other diverse illusions, but the son of Arjuna neutralizes them all with his magical weapons. Rakshasa seeing his illusion destroyed and himself struck, flees in great fear. Bhishma battles hadra's son. Satyaki rushes in battle towards Drona's son, who cuts his bow in twain. Satyaki, taking up another bow, pierces him, making him sit on his car. Drona's son later damages his car. Drona comes there but Arjuna meets him in battle. Duryodhana dispatches an army to aid Drona. Arjuna engages them and shoots
3288-499: A woman. Shikhandi's arrows fell on Bhishma without hindrance. Arjuna positions himself behind Shikhandi, protecting himself from Bhishma's attack and aimed his arrows at the weak points in Bhishma's armor and defeats him. The Kauravas and Pandavas gathered around Bhishma and at his request, Arjuna places three arrows under Bhishma's head to support it. Bhishma had promised his father, King Shantanu , that he would live until Hastinapura
3425-511: Is a divine bow of Arjuna , one of the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata . The bow was made by Brahma . According to the Mahabharata , the legendary Gandiva bow was fashioned by Brahma, the creator of the universe, for the noble purpose of safeguarding Dharma. This sacred weapon was then passed on to Lord Shiva, who held it for a millennium before it was entrusted to Brahma for
3562-486: Is born on earth in each eon when evil raises its head. Before the battle begins, Yudhishthira drops his weapons, takes off his armor, and walks towards the Kaurava Army with folded hands in prayer. He falls on Bhishma's feet to seek his blessing for success in battle, and he is blessed. Yudhishthira returned to his chariot and the battle was ready to commence. The Pandavas suffered heavy losses and are defeated at
3699-522: Is broken by Bhima. In a rage, Duryodhana aims a terrible shaft at Bhima, which strikes his chest, and, deeply pierced, he swoons. Abhimanyu comes to aid Bhima. Regaining consciousness, Bhima faces 14 brothers of Kauravas and sends 8 of them to death's domain, shocking Duryodhana. Other brothers fled from the battle for fear of Bhima. Bhagadatta, riding his elephant, battles Bhima. A group of the Pandava army attack Bhagadatta, surrounding him, and striking fear into his elephant with their attack. King Bhagadatta in
3836-456: Is debarred from fighting. Karna joins the war later when Bhishma is severely wounded by Arjuna. The Kingdom of Vidarbha , Vidura , and Balarama are the neutral parties in this war. Rukmi , King of Vidarbha, wanted to join the war, but Arjuna refuses because he had lost to Krishna during Rukmini's svayamvara and he boasted about his war strength and army, and Duryodhana does not want Arjuna's reject. Vidura does not want to see bloodshed and
3973-473: Is deeply pierced by Bhima, and sits down in his car. Beholding him thus pained, Ashvatthama and Duryodhana, excited with wrath, rush towards Bhima. Bhima, quickly taking up a mace, jumps down from his car and rushes towards them. All afflict Bhima, from all sides. Abhimanyu, with his troops, comes to rescue him. Ashvatthama injures King Nila in battle. Ghatotkacha, with his kinsmen comes to battle Drona's son. Filled with wrath, he slays many Rakshasa, which enrages
4110-516: Is felled with a shaft. Bhishma steeds become alarmed and take him away. They then celebrate their victory. Dhrishtadyumna engages in battle with Drona's sons, Shalya and Kripa, and slays the steeds of Drona's son's car. Abhimanyu comes to aid the prince of Panchalas. Lakshmana, Duryodhana's son, battles Abhimanyu. Duryodhana comes to aid his son; so does Arjuna. Arjuna destroys all those warriors who block his path. Bhishma, with Drona, praises Arjuna's skills and at sunset withdraws their troops. Pandavas win
4247-476: Is filled with grief. Arjuna reminds him that Narada told him that where there is Dharma there is Krishna and where there is Krishna there is victory. Arjuna believed that Vedas were told by God that to attain godhood, one must become a monk by leaving home and birth-caste. As Krishna had demanded five villages for settlement so Arjuna asks his charioteer Krishna whether he should become a monk or fight (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 1, Shloka 36). Arjuna asks Krishna to bring
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4384-492: Is injured by Kripa in a sword fight. Nakula and Sahadeva fight Duryodhana's brothers but are overwhelmed by the number of them. Bhima kills 17 of Dhritarashtra 's sons. Iravan , the son of Arjuna, kills five of Shakuni 's brothers. Duryodhana deploys the Rakshasa warrior Alambusha , who kills Iravan. Bhishma destroys Pandava armies. Arjuna heads to Bhishma but fights him half-heartedly. Krishna, overwhelmed by anger at
4521-539: Is insulted by Duryodhana. The Mahābhārata states that in the year in which the war took place, three solar eclipses took place within a thirty-day period; eclipses are considered ill omens in Hindu astrology . On the first day of the war, as would be on all the following days, the Kaurava Army stood facing west and the Pandava Army east. The Pandava Army was organised by Yudhishthira and Arjuna in
4658-793: Is obtained by negotiations and other means is the best. Success which is secured by creating disunion amongst the enemy is temporary. Success secured by battle is the worst. There are many evils in battle: the first and the foremost is slaughter. Victory is always uncertain. It depends on chance. Even those that obtain victory have to suffer losses. Jamvukhanda Vinirmana Parva, Chapter 4: Kurukshetra War Overlord Yudhishthira Commander-in-chief Dhrishtadyumna (day 1-18) † Other-Commanders Bhima Drupada † Virata † Chekitana † Satyaki . Shikhandi † The Kurukshetra War ( Sanskrit : कुरुक्षेत्र युद्ध ), also called
4795-525: Is over. Later, the Pandavas retired and journeyed to the Himalayas . On their route, Agni came and asked Arjuna to return the Gandiva to Varuna , for it belonged to the gods. Arjuna obliged and dropped them in the waters of the sea. Thus the celestial bow was returned to the gods. Metaphysically, Gandiva is the “bow of self-control.” With it Arjuna was equipped for victory over “the sense soldiers of
4932-585: Is present. He orders the Samsaptakas (the Trigarta warriors headed by Susharma , who had vowed to either conquer or die) to keep Arjuna busy in a remote part of the battlefield, an order which they readily obey on account of their old hostilities with the Pandava scion. Arjuna defeats them before the afternoon, then faces Bhagadatta , who had been creating havoc among the Pandava troops, and defeated Bhima, Abhimanyu and Satyaki. Arjuna and Bhagadatta fight and
5069-486: Is right and what is wrong, Arjuna turns to Krishna for divine advice and teachings. Krishna, who Arjuna chose as his charioteer, advised him of his duty. Krishna instructs Arjuna not to yield to degrading impotence and to fight his kin. He also reminds him that it is a war between righteousness and unrighteousness ( dharma and adharma ), and it is Arjuna's duty to slay anyone who supported the cause of unrighteousness, or sin. Krishna reveals his divine form and explains that he
5206-521: Is the merit of the world we live in, says Sanjaya. Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya for the details of the war over the ten days. Sanjaya describes how Bhishma marshaled the Kaurava army by declaring, "to die at home is a waste of life, a chance to die in battle for a cause is the highest honor a man can have." Arjuna described the Kaurava army as one with 100,000 elephants trained for war, 1 million chariots, 1 million horsemen, archers, and soldiers with swords and shields. Learning about this vast army, Yudhishthira
5343-541: The Bhagavad Gita describe Arjuna 's questioning of the purpose of war, the ultimate effects of violence, and the meaning of life. Arjuna's doubts and metaphysical questions are answered by Krishna . Other treatises in the Bhishma Parva include the just war theory in ancient India, as well as strategies and tactics. The book describes the deaths of Uttar (brother-in-law of Abhimanyu and brother of Uttara,
5480-707: The Mahabharata War , is a war described in the Hindu epic poem Mahabharata , arising from a dynastic struggle between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas , for the throne of Hastinapura . The war is used as the context for the dialogues of the Bhagavad Gita . The Mahābhārata is an account of the life and deeds of several generations of a ruling dynasty called the Kuru clan. Central to
5617-561: The 4th millennium BCE. Parpola sees the finds as ox-pulled carts, indicating support for his proposal for a first wave of Indo-Aryan migrations into the Indian subcontinent at the beginning of the 2nd millennium BCE, prior to the migration of the Rig Vedic people. In the beginning, Sanjaya gives a description of the various continents of the Earth , the other planets , and focuses on
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5754-594: The Bharata battle, which would imply improbably long reigns on average for the kings listed in the genealogies. There are also analyses of parallel genealogies in the Puranas between the times of Adhisimakrishna (Parikshit's great-grandson) and Mahapadma Nanda. Pargiter estimated 26 generations by averaging 10 different dynastic lists and assuming 18 years for the average duration of a reign, arrived at an estimate of 850 BCE for Adhisimakrishna and approximately 950 BCE for
5891-454: The Bharata battle. Despite the inconclusiveness of the data, attempts have been made to assign a historical date to the Kurukshetra War. The existing text of the Mahābhārata went through many revisions, and mostly belongs to the period between c. 500 BCE and 400 CE. Within the frame story of the Mahābhārata , the kings Parikshit and Janamejaya are featured significantly as scions of
6028-575: The Brahmana literature itself to show that it cannot have been much earlier". Puranic literature presents genealogical lists associated with the Mahābhārata narrative. There are two pieces of evidence of the Puranas: there is the direct statement that there were 1,015 (or 1,050) years between the birth of Parikshit (Arjun's grandson) and the accession of Mahapadma Nanda , commonly dated to 382 BCE, which would yield an estimate of about 1400 BCE for
6165-492: The Earth and left for Vaikuntha . When Krishna was departing, he told Arjuna to rescue the people of Dwarika because he was submerging Dwarika under ocean. Arjuna temporarily could not string the bow, or remember the spells necessary in order to summon his celestial weapons when Dwarika was drowning. Arjuna knew that his time on earth was up as well, Vyasa had told him this event will happen and when it happens, Arjuna's work on earth
6302-569: The Epic. The translation does not remove verses and chapters now widely believed to be spurious and smuggled into the Epic in the 1st or 2nd millennium AD. J. A. B. van Buitenen has published an annotated edition of Bhagvadgita from Bhishma Parva, based on a critically edited and the least corrupted version of Mahabharata known in 1980. Debroy, in 2011, notes that the updated critical edition of Bhishma Parva, with so-far-known spurious and corrupted text removed, has 4 parts, 117 adhyayas (chapters) and 5,381 shlokas (verses). Debroy's translated version of
6439-468: The Indian subcontinent, then gives an elaborate list of kingdoms, tribes, provinces, cities, towns, villages, rivers, mountains, and forests of the ancient Indian subcontinent ( Bharata Varsha ). He also explains the military formations adopted by each side on each day, the death of each hero and the details of each war-racing. As a last attempt at peace is called for in Rajadharma, Krishna travels to
6576-468: The Kaurava Army. Bhishma accepts on the condition that, while he would fight the battle sincerely, he would not harm the five Pandava brothers. He also says that Karna would rather not fight under him, but serve as Duryodhana's bodyguard as long as he was in the battlefield. Having little choice, Duryodhana agrees to Bhishma's conditions and makes him the Major General of the Kaurava Army, while Karna
6713-433: The Kaurava brothers flee. Abhimanyu, accompanied by Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna, pursues them; and a dreadful conflict takes place between those mighty combatants. Abhimanyu pierces Vikarna and slays his steeds. Bhima faces Duryodhana and partially destroys his car. Jayadratha with his army comes to help Duryodhana. Kripa mounts Duryodhana on his car. Jayadratha with his army battles Bhima. Abhimanyu comes with his troops to battle
6850-427: The Kaurava brothers. Abhimanyu destroys Vikarna's car and injures him. Beholding Vikarna pierced, his other brothers rush against Abhimanyu and his troops and a terrible battle occurs there between both sides. Bhishma spends his day slaughtering Panchala's army. At last, both sides withdraw their troops and retire. Duryodhana talks with Bhishma before the day's battle. Bhishma gives him a herb for healing his wounds from
6987-602: The Kaurava brothers. Then, leaving his car and taking up his mace, goes after his cousins to smite them, penetrating the Dhartarashtra host. Dhrishtadyumna, learning of this, goes after Bhima for his welfare and takes him to his car. Dhristadyumna battles the Kaurava brothers and applies his fierce weapon, called Pramohana, on them. Their senses and strength become afflicted by that weapon, so they flee in all directions. Drona approaches Drupada for battle and pierces him with three shafts. Deeply pierced by Drona, Drupada leaves
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#17327657704037124-687: The Kaurava cavalry. In this battle, Arjuna kills a great number of kings. Iravat (Naga), Arjuna's son, joins the fight and destroys enemy forces. Duryodhana sends Alamvusha for the son of Arjuna. Alamvusha displays his power of illusion and creates 2,000 terribly-armed Rakshasa to advance against Iravan. Iravan sends them to the regions of Yama and fights with difficulty against him, and with his sword cuts off his bow. Rakshasa uses his illusion, and Iravan uses his power of changing forms, to fight and cut off his body in pieces with an axe. Rakshasa, although cut, recovers his body, and increases his size. Iravan summons his Naga force to surround him, but Rakshasa assumes
7261-518: The Kauravas ever happened cannot be proved or disproved. It is possible that there was a small-scale conflict, transformed into a gigantic epic war by bards and poets. Some historians and archaeologists have argued that this conflict may have occurred in about 1000 BCE. According to Finnish Sindhologist Asko Parpola , the war may have taken place during the later phase of the Painted Grey Ware , c/ 750–350 BCE. Popular tradition holds that
7398-479: The Kingdom of Hastinapura to persuade the Kauravas to see reason, avoid bloodshed of their kin, and to embark upon a peaceful path with him as the "divine" ambassador of the Pandavas. Duryodhana is insulted that Krishna turns down his invitation to accommodate himself in the royal palace. Duryodhana plots to arrest Krishna and insult, humiliate, and defame him in front of the entire royal court of Hastinapura as
7535-505: The Kuru clan, and Michael Witzel concludes that the general setting of the epic has a historical precedent in the Vedic period , where the Kuru kingdom was the center of political power during roughly 1200 to 800 BCE. According to Professor Alf Hiltebeitel , the Mahābhārata is essentially mythological. Indian historian Upinder Singh wrote: Whether a bitter war between the Pandavas and
7672-522: The Kurukshetra war, having defeated and killed many great warriors and the gods themselves. The Gandiva gives a wielder self confidence, self belief. It is believed to have the strength of one hundred thousand bows and the bow consisted of 108 celestial string. Gandiva was indestructible and was worshiped by the celestials and the Gandharvas. At the end of the Dvapara Yuga , Krishna departed
7809-541: The Magadha division, consisting of 10,000 elephants, to advance towards Bhima. Bhima, mace in hand, jumps down from his car and, uttering a roar, rushes towards the elephant division. He starts to slaughter those divisions and routs that large part of the army. Alamvusha (Rakshasa) battles Satyaki. Later, Bhurisravas battles Satyaki. Duryodhana and his brothers battle against Bhima. Duryodhana breaks Bhima's bow and afflicts his charioteer Visoka by his shafts, in return his bow
7946-573: The Mahabharata that provides an outline of just war theory in ancient India. Book 12 (Shanti Parva) is another instance of a significant discussion of just war theory and principles of proportional punishment. Before the first day of war, the Kurus, the Pandavas, and the Somakas meet and agree on rules of war. Some examples of the agreed rules were: Chapters 25 through 42 of Bhishma Parva present
8083-428: The Major General of the Kaurava forces according to Karna's advice. Duryodhana wants to capture Yudhishthira alive; killing Yudhishthira in battle would only enrage the Pandavas more, while holding him as a hostage would be strategically useful. Drona cuts down Yudhishthira's bow, and Arjuna stops Drona from capturing Yudhishthira. Drona tells Duryodhana that it would be difficult to capture Yudhishthira as long as Arjuna
8220-456: The Pandava brothers for their obeisance and show of respect for the enemy. Yudhishthira and the Pandava brothers return to their side. Vasudeva goes to Radha's son and asks him to come to his side as long as Bhishma is not slain. Karna said he will not do anything disagreeable to his friend. Hearing these words of Karna, Krishna ceases and heads back to his side. Yuyutsu , moved by Yudhishthira's speech, abandons his Kaurava brothers and goes over to
8357-591: The Pandava follow to protect him from any potential danger. As soon as Abhimanyu enters the formation, Jayadratha stops them with help from a boon obtained from Shiva , and defeats Bhima and Satyaki . Inside the chakra/kamala formation, Abhimanyu kills many warriors, including Vrihadvala (the king of Kosala ); the king of Asmaka , Martikavata (the son of Kritavarma ); Rukmaratha (the son of Shalya ); and Shalya's younger brother, Lakshmana (the son of Duryodhana) and Dushasana's second son, Dushmanara. Gandiva Gandiva ( IAST : Gāṇḍīva; Sanskrit : गाण्डीव )
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#17327657704038494-466: The Pandava host. Abhimanyu , in wrath, resists all those car-warriors. In that fierce combat, the mighty Bhishma aims many low-level, air-borne celestial weapons at Abhimanyu, who is then protected by ten great bowmen and car-warriors, with Bhima, Dhrishtadyumna, and Satyaki among them. Uttara engages Shalya, cripples Shalya's chariot. Shalya then hurls an iron dart, slaying Uttara outright. Sweta beholding his brother slain, blazes up in wrath and rushes with
8631-452: The Pandava side. Yudhishthira joyfully accepts. The conches signal the start of the war. On the first day, flying arrows cover the sky and a cloud of dust obscures the sun. The twang of bowstrings and battle cries of the two sides creates a tempest of sound. Arjuna goes against Ganga's son. Satyaki rushes against Kritavarma. Duryodhana struggles in the battle against Bhima. Dushasana rushes against Nakula. Yudhishthira himself encounters Shalya,
8768-582: The Pandavas army—with Bhima, Abhimanyu, Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and the sons of Draupadi among them. Bhagadatta calls out his elephant, Supratika, and rushes against them. And battle begins by means of barbed arrows, muskets, and shafts. All surround, in anger, with celestial weapons, that single elephant. Bhagadatta resists all but is deeply pierced and exceedingly pained by their attack that elephant, speedily turned back, and flees, crushing Pandava ranks. Bhagadatta returns, fights with Bhima, and crushes thousands of foot-soldiers under his elephant. Ghatotkacha, assuming
8905-741: The Pandavas should place Shikhandi in front of Arjuna, as he has taken an oath to never fight anyone who was once female; they should then destroy his weapons, only then, can they kill him. All return to their tents. On the 10th day, Bhishma slaughters divisions of Pandavas. Shikhandi pierces him, but he does not fight him. Arjuna comes to support Shikhandi and destroys car-warriors, who all flee away in fear. Bhishma slays more than 200,000 soldiers in battle. The mighty Dushasana, abandoning all fear, battles Arjuna and Partha, who cut off his bow, split his car; but he still resists Partha. Alamvusha resists Satyaki and wounds him. Bhagadatta comes to battle Satyaki, cutting off his bow, and Duryodhana, surrounding him with
9042-429: The Pandavas utter a tremendous shout. Then come the gods with Indra, with the desire of witnessing the great slaughter to come. Just before the war, Yudhishthira takes off his armor, comes down off his chariot, and, in namaste pose, walks over to the enemy's side. His brothers, amazed by his act, join him and walk across the no man's land separating the forces. Yudhishthira, with his brothers, meets and bows before
9179-548: The Parjanya weapon in the very sight of entire army, which pierces the earth, bringing forth a jet of water. And beholding that feat of Vibhatsu implying superhuman prowess, all are filled with great wonder. He calls on Duryodhana and makes another appeal to stop the war and enter into peace negotiations. Duryodhana refuses. All return to their respective quarters. Bhishma Parva was composed in Sanskrit. Several translations of
9316-409: The Samsaptakas led by Susharma challenge Arjuna and keep him busy at a remote part of the battlefield the whole day. On the other side of the battlefield, the remaining four Pandavas and their allies find it impossible to break Drona's chakra formation. Yudhishthira instructed Abhimanyu to break the chakra/padma formation. Abhimanyu knows how to enter the chakra formation, but not know how to exit, so
9453-558: The Varuna weapon. Bhishma cuts off the bow of Yudhishthira and damages his car. Until then, Jayadratha with Kuru brothers battles Bhima and pierces him. But disregarding those arrows, Vrikodara destroys his car and comes down on foot to destroy more cars with his mace. Bhishma then slays the steeds of the Pandu prince and Yudhishthira quickly mounts Nakula's car. Yudhishthira orders rulers to surround Bhishma, for his destruction, and Bhishma fells
9590-524: The Vayavya weapon against their division, causing a wind to arise that destroys their cars. Beholding the fierce Vayavya weapon, Drona shoots the Saila weapon, abating the wind. Bhagadatta surrounds Bhima with an elephant division. Bhima, taking up his mace, quickly jumps down from his car, and afflicts those elephant division, seizing and breaking some of their tusks, and slaughtering some with his mace, causing
9727-403: The apparent inability of Arjuna to kill Bhishma, rushes towards the Kaurava commander. Ghatotkacha kills the rakshasa Alambusha. Realising that the war could not be won as long as Bhishma was standing, Krishna suggests placing a transgender in the field to face him. The Pandavas put Shikhandi , who had been a woman in a prior life, in front of Bhishma, as Bhishma has taken a vow not to attack
9864-407: The army while King Virata battles Bhishma. Drona's son battles Arjuna. Arjuna cuts Ashvatthama's bow. Taking up another bow both pierce each other. Arjuna's arrows penetrate through Ashvatthama's armor, drinking his life-blood; but Ashvatthama wavers not, still fighting unperturbed, in that battle, desirous of doing good to his side. All applaud that warrior's feat. The heroic Vibhatsu, showing mercy to
10001-460: The basis of the story of the greatest of India's epics, the Mahābhārata ". Acknowledging that later "generations looked upon it as marking an end of an epoch", he suggested that rather than being a civil war it might have been "a muddled recollection of the conquest of the Kurus by a tribe of Mongol type from the hills". He saw it as useless to the historian and dates the war to the ninth century BCE based on archaeological evidence and "some evidence in
10138-423: The battle against the bearer of Gandiva and have a chance against him. Arjuna encounters a group protecting Bhishma and battles with them. Satyaki, Virata, Dhrishtadyumna, five sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu come to support him. Duryodhana demands that Bhishma do something about Arjuna. Battle commences between both parties, with Bhishma against Arjuna. Arjuna was not fighting a war with all his power, because his wish
10275-416: The battle could no longer be seen, all withdraw their troops. At night, Duryodhana consults with Sakuni, Dushasana, and Karna about battle where their generals showed mercy towards the Pandavas. Suta's son says that, let Bhishma withdraw from the fight and lay aside his weapons, he will slay Partha along with his army, in the very sight of Bhishma. Duryodhana and Dushasana go to Bhishma and ask him either slay
10412-779: The battle. Drona enjoys his victory by blowing his conch. Drona rescues his side by using the Prajna weapon, which neutralizes the Dhristadyumna weapon. Ashvatthama fights Upapandavas where his chariot is broken by them. The Kaurava brothers proceed towards Bhima and Prishata's son. Yudhishthira sends 12 car-warriors with Abhimanyu and five sons of Draupadi in them, to aid them, in a Suchimukha (needle) array. Dhrishtadyumna sees his preceptor advance towards him. Drona cuts off his bow two times and slays his steeds and charioteer, causing their army to tremble in their very sight. Duryodhana and his brothers face Bhima. Bhima faces Duryodhana and makes
10549-412: The battlefield, and Duryodhana's forces scatter. Bhishma restores order and Duryodhana returns to lead the army. He is angry at Bhishma for what he saw as leniency towards the five Pandava brothers, and spoke harshly of him. Bhishma, stung by this unfair charge, returns to the battlefield. Arjuna attacks Bhishma to restore order. Arjuna and Bhishma duel again. Bhishma commands the Kaurava Army to move on
10686-443: The battlefield. The Kauravas concentrate their attack on Arjuna, whose chariot becomes covered with arrows and javelins. Arjuna builds a fortification around his chariot with an unending stream of arrows from his bow. Abhimanyu and Satyaki join forces to defeat Shakuni 's Gandhara forces. Bhima and Ghatotkacha attack Duryodhana in the rear. Bhima's arrows hit Duryodhana, who collapses in his chariot. His charioteer drives him off
10823-476: The book in English are available. Two translations from the 19th century, now in the public domain, are those by Kisari Mohan Ganguli and Manmatha Nath Dutt. The translations vary with each translator's interpretations. The Clay Sanskrit Library has published a 15 volume set of the Mahabharata, which includes a translation of Bhishma Parva by Alex Cherniak. This translation is modern and uses an old manuscript of
10960-444: The brave sons of Pandu or permit Karna to fight, as he will vanquish the Pandava in battle. Bhishma says that next day he will fight a fierce and famed battle. The next day, Bhishma disposes his troops in an array called Sarvatobhadra (square). Abhimanyu afflicts and routs a large army, frightening them. Duryodhana sends Alamvusha. Alamvusha slaughters and routs a host of the Pandavas, and the Pandava army flees away in panic. He meets
11097-435: The chariot between the two assembled armies, to see who were assembled to fight. He sees family and friends on both sides. Introspectively, Arjuna wonders if their cause justifies the bloodbath. War only kills, it arouses only hate among human beings. Arjuna tells Krishna, "I seek neither victory nor a kingdom." Arjuna doubts whether war is ever justified. To Arjuna's doubts, Krishna gives various answers. These answers range from
11234-799: The country. Yudhishthira asks his brothers to organize their army. The Pandavas have seven akshauhinis with the help of their allies. After consulting his commanders, the Pandavas appoint Dhrishtadyumna as the Major General of the Pandava Army. The Kaurava Army is made up of 11 akshauhinis . This includes the Narayani Sena of Krishna, which originally included seven maharathi s (Krishna, Balarama , Samba , Ahuka, Charudeshna, Chakradeva, and Satyaki ) and seven athirathi s ( Kritavarma , Anadhrishti, Samika, Samitinjaya, Kanka, Sanku, and Kunti). Duryodhana asks Bhishma to command
11371-523: The critical edition of Bhishma Parva appeared in Volume 5 of his series. The entire parva has been "transcreated" and translated in verse by the poet Dr. Purushottama Lal published by Writers Workshop . The Bhishma Parva has several treatises embedded in it, such as the just war theory and the Bhagavad Gita. The Jamvukhanda Vinirmana sub-parva of Bhishma Parva is one of the several instances in
11508-598: The desire of slaying Shalya. Sweta kills hundreds of Kaurava noble princes. Bhishma seeing this destruction impetuously rushes to that side, against Sweta. In that battle, both destroy each other's chariots, cut their bows, and pierce each other. When Bhishma gets the advantage in the fight, there come to Sweta's rescue many car-warriors, with Satyaki, Bhima, Dhrishtadyumna, and Abhimanyu among them. Bhishma checks all those car-warriors alone, until Drona, Kripa, and Shalya come to aid Bhishma, who then takes out an arrow, nocking and powering it with Brahma energy, releases it with such
11645-445: The dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna. Arjuna sees family, friends, and good human beings on both sides of the war. He does not want to kill. Arjuna argues that gaining a kingdom with stain of blood is a tragedy. He asks Krishna, why fight? Krishna's answer is in several parts: Jamvukhanda Vinirmana Parva , Chapter 3: Men lose good judgment in things which concern their interest. Jamvukhanda Vinirmana Parva, Chapter 3: Success that
11782-534: The diamond ( vajra ) formation. Ten akshauhinis of the Kaurava Army were arranged in a phalanx . The eleventh was put under the immediate command of Bhishma, partly to protect him. The safety of the supreme commander Bhishma was central to Duryodhana's strategy, as he had placed all his hope on the great warrior's abilities. When the war is declared and the two armies face each other, Arjuna realises that he would have to kill his dear granduncle Bhishma and his respected teacher Drona. Despondent and confused about what
11919-536: The elders. Krishna laughs and displays his divine form, radiating intense light. He curses Duryodhana that his downfall was certain at the hands of the one who was sworn to tear off his thigh. His peace mission utterly insulted by Duryodhana, Krishna returns to the Pandava camp at Upaplavya to inform the Pandavas that the only course left to uphold the principles of virtue and righteousness is war. During his return, Krishna meets Karna , Kunti 's firstborn (before Yudhishthira), and asks him to help his brothers and fight on
12056-428: The elephant division to flee with other troops. Bhishma causes great carnage. Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Virata, and Drupada come to stop him. He pierces all except Shikhandi and cuts off Drupada's bow. Five sons of Draupadi, Satyaki, headed by Yudhishthira, with troops, come to protect them. Bhishma's troops surrounds him to protect him, and there happened a fierce general engagement between both sides. Arjuna slaughters
12193-470: The elephant division, to rout it. Satyaki and Abhimanyu, with their troops, battle Shalya and his army. Pandava generalissimo Dhrishtadyumna, engages in battle with Drona. Bhishma checks the mighty Bhima with his troops and breaks his bow. Satyaki comes to aid him. Bhishma, aiming a fierce shaft, fells Satyaki's charioteer, whose steeds bolt away over the field, taking him along. All praise Bhishma for this feat. Bhishma slays Pandava forces. Dhrishtadyumna heads
12330-474: The end of the first day. Virata's sons, Uttara and Sweta, are slain by Shalya and Bhishma. Krishna consoles Yudhishthira saying that eventually, victory would be his. Arjuna, realizing that something needs to be done quickly to reverse the Pandava losses, decides to kill Bhishma. Krishna locates Bhishma's chariot and steers Arjuna toward him. Arjuna tries to engage Bhishma in a duel, but the Kaurava soldiers protect him and attack Arjuna. Arjuna and Bhishma fight
12467-399: The enemy generals and their preceptors—Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Shalya—one by one, to seek their permission and blessings to fight them to the death. Bhishma, moved by this humane action, says he admires their humanity and wishes them to obtain victory. Yudhishthira asks him, how shall they, in battle, vanquish him. Bhishma refuses by saying his time is not yet come. Then he goes to Drona with
12604-419: The epic is an account of a war that took place between two rival families belonging to this clan. Kurukshetra (literally " Region of the Kurus"), also known as Dharmakshetra (the "Region of Dharma "), was the battleground on which the Kurukshetra War was fought. The first Mahābhārata says that this site was chosen because a sin committed on land was forgiven because of the land's sanctity. The events of
12741-666: The epic. John Keay confirmed it and also dated the battle to have taken place in 950 BCE. According to Parpola, the war may have taken place during the later phase of the Painted Grey Ware culture, c. 750-350 BCE. He noted that the Pandava heroes are not being mentioned in the Vedic literature from before the Grhyasutras . Parpola suggests that the Pandavas were Iranic migrants, who came to South Asia around 800 BCE. Excavations in Sinauli unearthed burials with
12878-470: The evening was approaching, and withdraws his troops. The Pandavas shout for their victory and worship both heroes: Bhima and his son. King Duryodhana becomes cheerless at the death of his brothers and begins to pass the hours in meditation. At night, Duryodhana talks with Bhishma. Bhishma tells him that let peace be made with the Pandavas, which Duryodhana ignores. After night passes away, the two armies approach each other for battle. Bhishma arrays his army in
13015-669: The first right to make his request. Krishna tells Arjuna and Duryodhana that he would give the Narayani Sena to one side and himself as a non-combatant to the other. Since Arjuna is given the first opportunity to choose, Duryodhana worries that Arjuna would choose the mighty army of Krishna. When given the choice of either Krishna's army or Krishna himself on their side, Arjuna chooses Krishna. Arjuna asks Krishna to be his charioteer, who agrees. Both Duryodhana and Arjuna returned satisfied. The Pandavas gather their armies while camping at Upaplavya in Virata 's territory. Contingents arrive from across
13152-426: The form of Garuda and devours those snakes. When Iravan becomes confounded, he fells Iravan's head on the earth. Bhishma, slaying the Pandavas army, causes them to tremble; and Drona, too, afflicts enemy forces, making Arjuna wonder. King Duryodhana, with his army, attacks Ghatotkacha's troops. Ghatotkacha slays king elephants; and attacks Duryodhana and his four Rakshasa and injures him. Ghatotkacha gets angry, and picks
13289-448: The giant Ghatotkacha, who uses his extraordinary powers of illusion, confounding all in that place, making them see each other cut, slain, and bathed in blood. All fly away from that place. Devavrata cries that it's just an illusion, telling them not to fly away; yet, that does not stop them, their senses having been confounded. Duryodhana talks with Bhishma about battle. Bhishma addresses Bhagadatta to fight them at his best. Bhagadatta faces
13426-551: The ground, start to fight with shields and scimitars. Bhima quickly comes to lift Satyaki on his car, and the Duryodhana brothers do the same to Bhurisravas. Dhanajaya slays a total of 25,000 car-warriors that day. Duryodhana, to slay Partha, surrounds him and his son with a part of the army. Just at that time the sun goes down, causing, as per the rules of war, both sides to retreat. After night passed away, battle once more begins. Yudhishthira instructs Dhrishtadyumna to dispose of
13563-638: The ground. Loud cries were heard over there. And that hero, even with loss of blood, permitted not his senses to depart, as per his father's boon to him. The Kurus, headed by Kripa and Duryodhana, sighed and wept. All Pandavas obtaining victory, blew their conches and rejoiced. Rishis and the Pitris all applauded Bhishma with high vows. After the defeat of Bhishma in the evening, Bhima celebrates his victory. Dushasana informs everyone of Bhishma's fall, shocking Drona. All desist from battle and go to Bhishma, offering their salutations. Bhishma blesses everyone and asks for
13700-542: The heads of those who attack him. Shikhandi rushes towards Bhishma for battle, but Bhishma, disregarding him, proceeds to another side. Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki afflict Bhishma's host. A group attacks Dhrishtadyumna and slays his steeds. Dhrishtadyumna quickly mounts Satyaki's car. King Yudhishthira, supported by a large force, proceed against those foes for rescue. Drona, consumes the Panchalas army for sport. At sunset, both sides, proceed towards their tents. Having passed
13837-420: The king of the Panchalas. Bhishma kills numerous Pandava soldiers. The conches and drums blare to mark the end of that day's war, and both sides withdraw their troops. Duryodhana is filled with delight, beholding Bhishma in battle. Whereas Yudhishthira is filled with grief and consults Janardhana. He consults the commander of his army, Dhrishtadyumna, to change the array of his army, in the name of Krauncharuma, for
13974-412: The latter is killed. Drona continues his attempts to capture Yudhishthira, however his attacks were repelled by Prativindhya that day. The Pandavas, however, fought hard and delivered severe blows to the Kaurava Army, frustrating Drona's plans. Drona's goal remains to capture Yudhishthira. Among the Pandavas, only Arjuna and Krishna knew how to penetrate this formation, and to prevent them from doing so,
14111-438: The latter. His army comes to cover him. Ghatotkacha, on his car, rushes against Bhagadatta, who was stationed on his elephant. Bhagadatta slays his four steeds and repulses all his efforts before mangling him. The son of Hidimba flees from fear. Shalya engages in battle with his sister's sons, the twins. Shalya dispatches four steeds of Nakula to the abode of Yama. Nakula mounts his brother's car. Sahadeva, excited with wrath, shoots
14248-454: The nature of life to the demands of justice, to the three paths of liberated and free life, to human duty, and are collectively called the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna allows Arjuna to view his extraordinary, divine form. Arjuna apologizes for not being able to recognize him as divine, and for the disrespect he had shown, if he had said anything carelessly in the past, and regards Krishna as a friend. Beholding Arjuna taking up his divine bow Gandiva ,
14385-521: The next day. On the second day, conches blare the restart of war. Bhishma shows his terrible prowess by showering arrows upon Abhimanyu, Arjuna, Virata, Dhrishtadyumna, and many others, and causes the mighty array of the Pandavas to waver. Car divisions of the Pandavas begin to fly away. Then Arjuna, beholding Bhishma annihilating his host, angrily tells Krishna to proceed to that place where the grandsire is, to slay him. Sanjaya comments about who else saves Bhishma, Drona, and Karna are capable of advancing in
14522-628: The night, the rulers once more proceed to battle. Kaurava forms the ocean array. Yudhishthira orders Prishata's son to form the Sringataka array against hostile arrays. Bhishma scorches and grinds every side, excited with rage. Dharma's son sends troops under Bhima against the son of Ganga. Bhishma slaughters all of them with his weapon, save the mighty Bhima. Bhima battles Bhishma, who is protected by Duryodhana and his brothers. Bhima slays Bhishma's charioteer, making his car run on field uncontrollably. Bhima slays 8 more brothers of Duryodhana, making other
14659-522: The offensive. When the Kauravas form a chakravyuha , Abhimanyu enters it but is surrounded and attacked by Kaurava princes. Arjuna joins to help him. Bhima appears and attacks the Kauravas. Duryodhana sends a huge force of war elephants at Bhima, who leaves his chariot and attacks them singlehandedly with his iron mace . The elephants scatter and stampede into the Kaurava forces. Duryodhana orders an all-out attack on Bhima, who kills eight of Duryodhana's brothers before being struck by an arrow from Dushasana,
14796-692: The opportunity, rushes at Bhishma. King Bhagadatta comes, but Arjuna ignores him, so he proceeds against Drupada. Arjuna disperses divisions around Bhishma, and Bhishma slays fourteen-thousand car warriors, following Arjuna. Shikhandi pierces Bhishma, but Bhishma only looks, Shikhandi, however, does not understand. Arjuna encourages Shikhandi and Devavrata to check an angry Arjuna in battle. Dushasana comes and again battles Arjuna, felling down many car warriors. Arjuna vanquishes Dushasana, but Dushasana still fights. Duryodhana sends troops against Arjuna. Vibhatsu aims diverse celestial weapons at their heads and fells them, routing them and causing them to flee. Bhishma invokes
14933-547: The parva are treatises on war – on various ways to arrange and advance armies, various forms of attack and defense, and war logistics. The parva also describes the efforts by Pandavas and Bhishma to reach a negotiated peace, even while the war was in progress. These efforts fail. The Pandavas lose faith in peace and discuss ways to kill Bhishma – the commander-in-chief of the Kauravas. Krishna says he will slay Bhishma in battle, if they ask. Yudhishthira refuses, for his own glorification, to falsify his words; but he wishes to slay him,
15070-573: The power of illusion. Satyaki invokes the Aindra weapon in the air, which he had obtained from his preceptor Arjuna, which destroys demoniacal illusion, and afflicts Alamvusha, making him flee in fear. Dhrishtadyumna battles the royal son Duryodhana, and, excited with wrath, cuts off his bow, slays his steeds, and pierces him. That mighty-armed warrior runs on foot, with a sabre, towards the son of Prishata. Sakuni mounts him on his car. Kritavarma battles Bhima, for getting his car destroyed and body mangled by
15207-999: The previous day. Bhishma arrays his troops in the formation called Mandala. Beholding an exceedingly fierce enemy array, King Yudhishthira disposes his troops in the array called Vajra . Thousands of kings surround Arjuna for battle. Arjuna excited with wrath, invokes the Aindra weapon, wounding those kings. Drona battles Virata and destroys his car. Virata mounts his son's Sankha's car, and battles Drona with his son. The mighty son of Bhardwaja, excited with wrath, strikes Sankha with an arrow, felling him. Beholding his son slain, Virata flees from fear, avoiding Drona in battle. Shikhandi battles Ashvatthama, who, excited in wrath, overthrows Shikhandi's chariot. Shikhandi, taking scimitar and shield, moves towards him on ground. The son of Drona destroys his weapons and pierces him with winged arrows. Shikhandi, exceedingly afflicted by those arrows, flees by mounting Satyaki's car. Satyaki battles cruel Rakshasha Alamvusha. He cuts off Satyaki's bow and pierces him, by using
15344-572: The remains of carts belonging to the Ochre Coloured Pottery culture (OCP). Several authors proposed to relate the Rig Vedic culture and the war to the OCP, instead of the PGW. While the carts are dated to 1800–1500 BCE (±150), Gupta and Mani state that "in the present state of archaeological evidence OCP seems to be a stronger contender for the Mahābhārata association", dating the war to
15481-435: The ruler of Madras. Dushtdyumna rushes against Drona. Ghatotkacha and Alamvusha, both Rakshashas, encounter each other. Sikhdandin rushes against Drona's son, Ashvatthama. Bhagadatta battles Virata. Drupada rushes against Jayadratha. And a general engagement took place between all others. In that frightful and terrible battle, Bhishma causes divisions of Pandavas to waver. Bhishma, protected by five mighty car-warriors, penetrates
15618-453: The same desire. Drona blesses him with victory and says, as long as he fights, they cannot vanquish him. Then he goes to Kripa with the same intent. Kripa, too, blesses him and says it is difficult to slay him. At last to Shalya, and reminds him of the boon he granted, to weaken, in battle, the energy of Surya's son Karna . Shalya says he will look after his victory and his wish shall be realized. With choked voices and tears, their soldiers cheer
15755-526: The second day's battle. Bhishma forms an array named Garuda. Arjuna disposes his troops in counter-array in the form of a half-moon. Duryodhana sends thousands of car-warriors to battle Arjuna. Abhimanyu and Satyaki slaughter the Sakuni army. Drona and Bhishma slaughter division of Pandavas. Bhima and Ghatotkacha scare away Duryodhana, whose charioteer speedily bears him away. Duryodhana requests that Bhishma not to favor Pandavas. Bhishma says for him he will check
15892-543: The second-eldest Kaurava, in the chest and sits down in his chariot dazed. At the end of the fourth day, Duryodhana goes to Bhisma and asks him how could the Pandavas, facing a superior force against them, have the upper hand. Bhishma says that the Pandavas have justice on their side and advises Duryodhana to seek peace. The Pandava Army suffers from Bhishma's attacks. Satyaki is being beaten by Drona , but Bhima drives by and rescues him. Arjuna kills thousands of soldiers sent by Duryodhana to attack him. Bhima engages Bhishma in
16029-736: The shape of a Makara , and the sons of Pandu form their troops in an array called the Syena (hawk). Bhima and Arjuna battle Bhishma. Duryodhana tell Drona to aid Bhishma. Drona penetrates the Pandava array with his son Ashvatthama. Ashvatthama is stopped by Satyaki and battles him. Bhishma avoids Shikhandi, remembering the femininity of his sex, and Shikhandi approaches Drona, avoiding him from fear. Yudhishthira, with his troops, engages Shalya. Vikarna engages Sahadeva. Bhishma engages in battle with Arjuna. Kripa and Kritavarma both rush against Dhrishtadyumna. Bhima proceeds against vindictive Duryodhana and his brother. Sahadeva battles Sakuni. Yudhishthira goes after
16166-469: The side of dharma. However, as he is being helped by Duryodhana, Karna says to Krishna that he would battle against the Pandavas as he had a debt to pay. Duryodhana and Arjuna go to Krishna at Dvaraka to ask for his and his army's help. Duryodhana arrives first and finds Krishna asleep. Duryodhana chooses a seat at Krishna's head and waits for him to awaken, while Arjuna sits and waits at Krishna's feet. When Krishna woke up, he saw Arjuna first and gave him
16303-417: The sire of his sire. When they cannot figure it out, they decide to ask Bhishma. They approach his tent, unarmed. Bhishma welcomes them. Yudhishthira asks after the means of his death, as he is the obstacle to their victory. Bhishma said, that as long he is alive, victory cannot be theirs in battle, and with weapons, he is difficult of being killed because he had the boon of icchamrityu . Bhishma suggests that
16440-537: The sky and utters loud roar. Yudhishthira sends Bhima—with Abhimanyu, the sons of Draupadi, and other troops—to rescue him. Half the warriors fled after just looking at Bhima. King Duryodhana, excited with wrath, rushes towards Bhima, cuts off his bow, and, seeing an opportunity, deeply pierces him, injuring him. Ghatotkacha and Abhimanyu come to fight Duryodhana. Drona sends warriors—with Kripa, Bhurisravas, Shalya, Ashvatthama, and Kaurava brothers among them—to support Duryodhana. Old Drona himself pierces Bhima, but in return,
16577-497: The son of Ganga. Yudhishthira, avoiding Shalya, proceeds towards Bhishma, accompanied by Bhima and twins. The high-souled son of Ganga and Santanu battles all the sons of Pandu united together, wavering not at all. Jayadratha breaks their bows. Bhishma cuts off Shikhandi's bow. Shikhandi flees. Yudhishthira in anger criticizes him for such cowardice, and Sikahandin returns after hearing his harsh words. Shalya resists Shikhandi's advance and employs fiery weapons that Shikhandi baffles using
16714-723: The son of his preceptor, avoids him. Abhimanyu faces Lakshmana and slays his four steeds, along with his charioteer. Kripa saves Lakshmana by interrupting. Abhimanyu manages to defeat Kripa. Bhishma, excited by wrath, slays with his celestial weapons the troops of the Pandavas. Duryodhana dispatches 10,000 cars against Satyaki who was slaying his troops; but Satyaki slays with his celestial weapons all those car-warriors, and approaches, with his sons, Bhurisravas for battle. Bhurisravas respectfully challenges him, which he accepts. Bhurisravas cuts off Satyaki's sons' bows, then their heads, with sharp shafts. Satyaki, roaring, rushes against Bhurisravas. They both destroy each other's cars and, jumping down on
16851-422: The sons flee, except Duryodhana, who then goes to Bhishma in grief, to talk. Dharma's son sends a large army—with Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Satyaki, Drupada, and Virata among them—against Bhishma alone, from the desire to slay him. Drona slaughters a large part of the army from here; and Bhima, excited with wrath, causes a terrible carnage among the Kauravas and their elephant divisions. Nakula and Sahadeva fall upon
16988-406: The sons of Draupadi and battles against them. They pierce Alamvusha, rendering him senseless; but regaining consciousness and excited with wrath, he cuts off their weapons, destroys their cars, and pierces each of them deeply. Beholding them afflicted, the son of Arjuna rushes at him. Both pierce each other, but Abhimanyu pushes him back. Then Rakshasa, exhibiting his great powers of illusion, causes
17125-434: The sons of Pandu. Bhishma slaughters a vast host of Pandavas and in consequence of his prowess that vast army is routed. Partha, as per Vasudeva's words, rushes to encounter Bhishma. Arjuna cuts Bhishma's bow two times and, in return, is praised by him. Bhishma mangles both Vasudeva and Arjuna with keen shafts. Krishna wonders, beholding Bhishma prowess. A group attacks Arjuna, and Arjuna slays all of them. Then, Arjuna, invoking
17262-428: The troops in the array of Makara. Devavrata, beholding Pandava army thus arrayed, disposes of his army, in counter-array, in the form of a huge crane. Bhima rushes against the division of Bharadvaja's son and dispatches Drona's charioteer to the region of Yama . Drona himself controls his chariot and began to consume the Pandava army. Bhima faces the younger brothers of Duryodhana. Bhima slays 1,000 car-warriors protecting
17399-564: The war make up more than a quarter of the Mahabharata . These chapters are considered among the oldest in the Mahabharata . The historicity of the war remains the subject of scholarly discussion. The Battle of the Ten Kings , mentioned in the Rigveda , may have formed the core of the Kurukshetra war's story. The war was greatly expanded and modified in the Mahabharata 's account, which makes it dubious. Attempts have been made to assign
17536-426: The war marks the transition to Kali Yuga and dates it to 3102 BCE . A number of other proposals have been put forward: Indian archeologist B. B. Lal used the same approach with a more conservative assumption of the average reign to estimate a date of 836 BCE and correlated it with archaeological evidence from Painted Grey Ware (PGW) sites, the association being strong between PGW artifacts and places mentioned in
17673-425: The war was in progress weapons would not harm him. He will describe the war to blind Dhritarashtra. Vyasa then makes a final attempt at appealing to Dhritarashtra, to seek peace and avoid the war. Dhritarashtra confides that his sons do not listen to him. Vyasa counsels that war is evil, victory in war is uncertain, and only sorrow and slaughter on all sides is certain, no matter who wins. Sanjaya continues to describe
17810-404: The whole Kalingan army. When Bhima's chariot is destroyed, he kills an enemy prince by hurling a mace. Then, taking up a sword, Bhima leaps onto an elephant from the tusk, divides the rider down the middle with his huge sword, cutting the elephant's neck while descending, destroying cavalry and infantry by whirling and wheeling, slaying all in his wake. In that battle, they no longer regard Bhima, as
17947-414: The wife of Abhimanyu, and also Bhishma 's fall, respectively on the 1st and 10th days of the war. Karna did not fight in these first ten days, on Bhishma's orders. This Parva (book) traditionally has 4 sub-parvas (parts) and 124 adhyayas (sections, chapters). The following are the sub-parvas: Karna suggests the Kauravas and Hastinapura to fight on the land of Kurukshetra. The Parva begins with
18084-510: The wonderful and terrible Mahendra weapon and causing it to appear in the sky, showers arrows on the Kaurava host. So many Kaurava and Pandava soldiers are killed that streams of blood flow on the battlefield. Both sides withdraw their forces for the night's rest. Pandava's army celebrates their victory and praises Arjuna for achieving the feat of slaying more than 10,000 warriors in that day's battle. The fourth-day war starts, with Bhishma avoiding Abhimanyu, who encounters Partha. Abhimanyu fights
18221-419: The world. He mentions island nations, nations without kings, lands with white people, black people, mixed-race people, celestial gems, an ocean of milk, and ghee . Then he describes the planets seen at night, why they are believed to be globes, that the light-giving sun, too, is a very large sphere according to calculations of Arka , with eclipses occurring when planets temporarily cover the sun or moon. Such
18358-433: Was not their protector, he could have slain all Pandavas with a single strike. His time now had come. Rishis and Vasus appear to talk with him, and no one heard the words spoken by them, save Bhishma and Sanjaya, by Vyasa's grace. Both pierce Bhishma, and he still fights; but Arjuna, placing Shikhandi to the fore, cuts Bhishma's bow two more times and damages his car. Bhishma addresses Dushasana for his bravery. Bhishma takes up
18495-531: Was not to hurt his beloved grandsire, so the duel lasts for a long time, with neither of them vanquishing the other. Drona battles Dhrishtadyumna and cuts his bow three times and destroys his chariot twice. Dhrishtadyumna, taking a shield and a large scimitar, rushes towards Drona, but Drona repulses him. Bhima rescues him. Duryodhana sends the Kalingan army to check Bhima. Drona, abandoning Dhrishtadyumna, encounters Virata and Drupada together. Bhima alone battles
18632-405: Was one of the best warriors and the greatest archer of the world at that time. He demanded from Agni a bow that would suit his strength, skill, and the power of celestial weapons. Agni then requested Varuna to bless him with the desired weapon. Varuna gave the Gandiva bow to Arjuna, as well as two quivers which would provide an inexhaustible number of arrows. The bow was dreaded by many during
18769-425: Was secured from all directions. To keep this promise, Bhishma used the boon of Ichcha Mrityu (self-wished death) given to him by his father. After the war ended, when Hastinapura had become safe from all sides and after giving lessons on politics and Vishnu Sahasranama to the Pandavas, Bhishma dies on the first day of Uttarayana . With Bhishma unable to continue, Karna joins the battlefield. Duryodhana makes Drona
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