Section CLVII - Bhishma becomes commander of Dhritarashtra's army
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLVII 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:
The story begins with Dhritarashtra’s son and the other kings seeking Bhishma as their commander for the upcoming battle, citing the importance of having a skilled and united leader. The Brahmanas and Kshatriyas are mentioned as an example of the power of a strong commander leading to victory in battle. Bhishma, known for his wisdom and prowess, is hesitant to favor one side over the other due to his affection for the Pandavas as well. Karna expresses his unwillingness to fight as long as Bhishma is alive, showcasing his respect for the elder warrior. Ultimately, Bhishma is appointed as the commander of Dhritarashtra’s forces, and the preparations for battle begin with great pomp and ceremony.
Bhishma agrees to become the commander but makes it clear that he will fight for both sides if necessary and reveals his belief in the strength of the Pandavas, particularly Arjuna. Karna challenges Bhishma’s prowess in battle, setting the stage for a potential conflict between the two formidable warriors. Despite the presence of numerous ominous omens and portents, including bloody showers and howling jackals, the installation of Bhishma as commander is celebrated with grandeur and music, signaling the beginning of the march to Kurukshetra for the impending battle.
Duryodhana and his army march to Kurukshetra with Bhishma leading the way, accompanied by his brothers and Karna. The camp is set up in a fertile and picturesque location on the plain of Kurukshetra, resembling the grandeur of Hastinapura. The stage is now set for the epic battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, with Bhishma at the helm of the Kaurava forces and the anticipation of a fierce and monumental conflict looming large.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CLVII - Bhishma becomes commander of Dhritarashtra's army, have a look at the following articles:
Section CLVII, 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 CLVII:
Who was appointed as the commander of Duryodhana's army?
Bhishma, son of Santanu, was appointed as the commander of Duryodhana's forces.
Why did Bhishma agree to become the commander?
Bhishma agreed to lead the army because of his loyalty and skill in battle.
What were some of the ominous signs before the battle?
Bloody showers, earthquakes, jackals howling, and other portents were seen before the battle.
Daily life: Bhishma becomes commander of Dhritarashtra's army:
The essence of the story shared from the Mahabharata highlights the importance of unity and leadership for overcoming challenges. It tells us that even a mighty force can falter without a singular, skilled leader to guide it, showing that leadership plays a critical role in the success of any group effort. In daily life, this can be translated into the need for effective leadership in various settings, whether in a family, at the workplace, or in community projects.
To implement this lesson into our daily lives, one crucial step is recognizing the value of coming together under a shared goal and appointing a leader who is respected, capable, and has a clear vision. This leader should be someone who not only guides but also listens and adapts, ensuring that all team members’ voices and perspectives are considered. Similarly, each person within the group should understand their role, trust the leadership, and contribute actively towards the collective objective.
By fostering a spirit of cooperation and respect for leadership, groups can achieve their goals more effectively, addressing challenges with unity rather than facing them with divided efforts. This approach can lead to more harmonious and productive outcomes in any endeavor, enhancing both individual and collective success.