Chapter 10 - 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.