Section CVII - Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna confronts Bhishma in fierce combat
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CVII 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 battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas raged on, with Bhishma displaying incredible prowess on the battlefield. He targeted each of the Pandava warriors with precision, piercing them with his sharp shafts and causing chaos among their ranks. Bhishma, with his unparalleled skill and strength, made the Pandava army tremble and suffer heavy losses.
Despite their best efforts, the Pandavas struggled to rally against Bhishma's relentless onslaught. Many of their warriors, including renowned fighters from various kingdoms, fell before Bhishma's deadly arrows. The battlefield was strewn with broken chariots, slain elephants, and fallen soldiers, painting a grim picture of the fierce combat between the two sides led by Bhishma and the Pandavas.
As the tide turned against them, Arjuna's charioteer Krishna urged him to fulfill his vow and take down Bhishma in battle. Arjuna, torn between his duty as a warrior and his respect for his grandsire Bhishma, finally mustered the resolve to confront him. With Krishna by his side, Arjuna engaged Bhishma in a fierce battle, cutting down his bows and challenging his supremacy on the battlefield.
In a moment of desperation, Krishna leaped from Arjuna's chariot and rushed towards Bhishma with the intention of slaying him. Bhishma, recognizing Krishna's divinity, welcomed the opportunity to be defeated by him, acknowledging Krishna's greatness and expressing his willingness to be vanquished. However, Arjuna intervened, pleading with Krishna to uphold his vow and not let his reputation be tarnished by retreating from battle and sparing Bhishma.
Bhishma continued to rain arrows upon Arjuna and Krishna, who skillfully defended themselves and retaliated against the Kuru hero. Arjuna vowed to bring down Bhishma and fulfill his destiny as a warrior, determined to achieve victory and uphold his honor. As the battle between the two great warriors reached its climax, the fate of the Pandavas hung in the balance, with Bhishma's formidable presence posing a formidable challenge for Arjuna and his allies.
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 CVII - Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna confronts Bhishma in fierce combat, have a look at the following articles:
Section CVII, 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 CVII:
Did Bhishma manage to defeat the Pandava army single-handedly?
Bhishma displayed exceptional skill and strength in battle, causing great devastation among the Pandava troops, but was ultimately challenged by Arjuna and Krishna.
How did Arjuna react when Krishna stopped him from fighting Bhishma?
Arjuna, filled with sorrow, affectionately pleaded with Krishna to not make his earlier words false and to allow him to fulfill his vow to defeat Bhishma in battle.
Why did Krishna temporarily stop Arjuna from battling with Bhishma?
Krishna, also known as Hrishikesa, was momentarily stopped by Arjuna demonstrating his strength and determination to fulfill his promise to defeat Bhishma in battle.
How did Bhishma react when Krishna challenged him in battle?
Bhishma welcomed the challenge from Krishna, expressing his desire to be slain by the Lord and acknowledging the honor and virtue in being defeated by him.
Did the Pandava army face significant losses in the battle against Bhishma?
The Pandava army suffered heavy casualties at the hands of Bhishma, causing fear and chaos among the troops as they struggled to find protection against the powerful warrior.
How did Bhishma's actions impact the morale of the Pandava troops?
Bhishma's relentless and powerful attacks instilled fear and hopelessness among the Pandava soldiers, leading to confusion and disarray in their ranks as they faced his formidable skills in battle.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna confronts Bhishma in fierce combat:
The narrative from the epic Mahabharata, illustrating the intense battle led by Bhishma against the Pandavas, offers profound insights for daily life. At its core, the story exemplifies resilience, strategic planning, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. These elements can be seamlessly integrated into our daily lives to confront challenges and navigate through difficult times.
Resilience, as demonstrated by Bhishma’s undeterred spirit in battle, teaches us the value of persistence and mental strength. When facing hardships, whether in our professional or personal lives, embodying resilience helps us to not give up despite setbacks. It encourages us to keep pushing forward, adapting, and learning from our experiences.
The strategic planning evident in the battle tactics highlights the importance of preparation and foresight. In daily life, setting clear goals and meticulously planning our actions to achieve them can significantly increase our efficiency and success rate. This approach allows us to anticipate obstacles and devise effective strategies to overcome them.
Staying calm under pressure, as seen in Krishna’s and Arjuna’s actions, underscores the power of maintaining composure in the face of adversity. It's crucial for making informed decisions and acting wisely rather than impulsively. By staying centered and focused, we can analyze situations more clearly, identify the best course of action, and execute it effectively.
Incorporating these teachings from the Mahabharata into our daily lives empowers us to tackle challenges with confidence and grace. These timeless principles not only enhance our ability to navigate the complexities of life but also contribute to our personal growth and development. Through resilience, strategic planning, and staying calm under pressure, we can achieve our goals and overcome obstacles, just as the characters in the epic faced their trials.