Section CVI - Epic Battle: Bhishma Surrounded, Pandavas vs Kauravas

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CVI 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:
In the midst of the battle, Bhishma, surrounded by the Pandavas, is urged to be protected by Duryodhana and his forces. Dussasana heeds the command and positions a large force around Bhishma, while Sakuni and his troops engage Nakula, Sahadeva, and Yudhishthira in battle. Duryodhana dispatches ten thousand horsemen to resist the Pandavas, causing upheaval in the battlefield as they clash fiercely with the Pandava army. Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva successfully repel the attacks, cutting down the enemy horsemen with their expert archery skills.

However, Duryodhana, witnessing his troops being vanquished, instructs Salya to confront Yudhishthira in battle. Salya launches a fierce attack, but Yudhishthira counters by piercing him with ten arrows, while Nakula and Sahadeva also contribute to the assault with their own strikes. Salya retaliates, injuring Yudhishthira and his brothers with his arrows, showing his prowess as a skilled warrior. Bhima, witnessing the danger faced by Yudhishthira, swiftly comes to his aid, launching a ferocious attack against Salya's forces.

As the battle rages on, with the Sun sinking in the sky, a fierce and intense clash ensues between the forces of Salya and the Pandavas. The battlefield is filled with the sound of clashing weapons, the thunder of hooves, and the cries of the combatants as they fight fiercely for victory. Bhishma, protected by Dussasana's forces, continues to be a formidable presence in the battle, fighting bravely against the Pandavas who seek to overcome him. The Pandavas, with their skill and valor, manage to hold their ground against the enemy forces, displaying their determination to emerge victorious in the epic battle of Kurukshetra.

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 CVI - Epic Battle: Bhishma Surrounded, Pandavas vs Kauravas, have a look at the following articles:

Section CVI, 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 CVI:

What was Duryodhana’s plan to protect Bhishma in battle?

Duryodhana instructed Dussasana to surround Bhishma with troops for protection. He believed Bhishma was their key to victory.

How did the Pandavas fend off Duryodhana’s cavalry attack?

Yudhishthira and his brothers swiftly checked the charge of the ten thousand horsemen, slaying them with their straight shafts in battle.

Who came to aid Yudhishthira in his battle against Salya?

Bhima rushed to Yudhishthira's side when the king faced Salya's fierce attack, intensifying the battle.

Daily life: Epic Battle: Bhishma Surrounded, Pandavas vs Kauravas:

The narrative you provided offers rich allegorical insights into the nuances of conflict, loyalty, and leadership which can be applied to our daily lives. At its core, the story extols the virtue of steadfast support and collaboration in the face of challenges. Much like Duryodhana rallying his troops around Bhishma for protection, we should foster a culture of mutual support and encouragement within our families, workplaces, and communities. This not only bolsters individual morale but significantly enhances collective resilience and capacity to overcome adversity.

Furthermore, the Pandavas' strategic response to their adversaries underscores the importance of unity and teamwork in counteracting formidable challenges. By standing together and combining their strengths, they effectively neutralize the threat posed by their opponents' numerical superiority. This teaches us that when faced with obstacles, pooling resources and talents within a group often yields superior results than solitary endeavors.

Lastly, the perseverance and valiance displayed by the characters remind us of the need for courage and determination. Just as Yudhishthira and his brothers confront their enemies with unyielding resolve, we too must face life's battles with confidence and steadfastness, trusting in our abilities and those of our allies.

In essence, the tale embodies the principles of solidarity, strategic teamwork, and courage in adversity—lessons that are immensely applicable to navigating the complexities and challenges of our daily lives.

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