Section CLXXIII - Bhishma's prophecy of Pandava warriors in battle
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Bhishma, sharing his wisdom with King Dhritarashtra, identifies powerful warriors on both sides of the impending battle. He mentions Kuntibhoja, Bhima's uncle, as a formidable warrior capable of extraordinary feats in battle. Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and Hidimva, is recognized for his skill in combat and powers of illusion, leading a group of Rakshasas into battle. Bhishma also highlights Vasudeva and Arjuna, who will lead Yudhishthira's army, with Arjuna compared to the sun and Vasudeva to the moon.
As Bhishma prepares to face the Pandavas in battle, he declares his intention to confront Vasudeva and Arjuna, along with other prominent warriors on their side. Despite his determination to fight for victory or death, Bhishma vows not to harm Sikhandin, respecting his previous identity as a woman who became a man. He explains his strict principles regarding not harming women or those who were previously women, emphasizing his commitment to these values in the battlefield.
Bhishma reflects on his past actions, including giving up the kingdom for his father's sake and observing the Brahmacarya vow. He recalls installing Citrangada as the ruler of the Kauravas and making Vicitravirya the Yuvaraja, displaying his sense of duty and sacrifice. Bhishma firmly states his resolve to uphold his vow and principles, expressing his willingness to face any other kings in battle but refusing to harm the sons of Kunti, indicating his deep respect for them.
In his narrative, Bhishma highlights the virtues and strengths of various warriors on both sides, acknowledging their capabilities and valor in the imminent conflict. He lays out his strategy for the battle, targeting specific opponents while also honoring his principles and commitments. Through his words, Bhishma exemplifies a sense of honor, duty, and respect for his adversaries, setting a tone of dignity and integrity amidst the impending war. His insights provide valuable guidance for the king and offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics of the battlefield and the warriors involved in the epic conflict.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXXIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CLXXIII:
Who are some of the key warriors on the Pandavas' side in the battle described by Bhishma?
Bhishma mentions warriors like Arjuna, Vasudeva, Kuntibhoja, Ghatotkacha, and others who will fight for the Pandavas in the battle.
Why does Bhishma refuse to fight against Sikhandin in the battle?
Bhishma refuses to fight Sikhandin because he was born a woman and later transformed into a man, following his vow to never harm a woman or someone who used to be a woman.
Daily life: Bhishma's prophecy of Pandava warriors in battle:
From this narrative, we can draw inspiration about commitment, honor, and respecting boundaries in daily life. Bhishma’s dedication to his vow and principled stance, even in the face of war, teaches us the importance of sticking to our principles, regardless of the challenges we may face. Just as Bhishma respected the transformation and choices of Sikhandin, it reminds us to respect and accept people's identities and choices without bias or harm, demonstrating empathy and understanding in our interactions. His willingness to confront formidable opponents, yet adhere to his moral code, shows us that true strength lies in integrity and in the courage to stand by what we believe is right, even when it's difficult. By embodying such values, we can lead by example, fostering environments of respect, understanding, and principled action. This story encourages us to face our battles in life with courage, uphold our values steadfastly, and treat others with kindness and respect, irrespective of the situations we find ourselves in.