Section CX - Battle of Bhishma vs Pandavas: Sikhandin, Arjuna's Victory
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CX 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:
Dhritarashtra expressed his concerns about Sikhandin, the prince of the Pancalas, fighting against Bhishma, the powerful warrior of righteous soul. Sanjaya reassured him that Bhishma's bow and chariot were unharmed, and he was defeating the Pandava army with his skill and prowess. Bhishma was inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy forces, causing fear and chaos among them. Arjuna, known for his skill in archery, arrived on the battlefield and began to turn the tide in favor of the Pandavas, striking fear into the hearts of Duryodhana and his warriors.
Duryodhana pleaded with Bhishma to protect the Kuru army as they were being defeated by Arjuna and the other Pandava warriors. Bhishma, determined to fulfill his vow of either achieving victory or dying on the battlefield, assured Duryodhana that he would either slay the Pandavas or sacrifice his own life. Bhishma then launched a fierce attack on the Pandava forces, slaying thousands of soldiers, elephants, and steeds without breaking a sweat. His presence on the battlefield was akin to a blazing fire, overwhelming the enemy with his might and skill in combat.
Bhishma's onslaught continued as he single-handedly took on the Pandava army, draining the energies of their mightiest warriors and wreaking havoc on their ranks. Despite their best efforts, the Pandavas could not match Bhishma's prowess, as he seemed invincible like the Sun in midsummer. The Pandavas, accompanied by the Srinjayas, made a concerted effort to defeat Bhishma, but he stood firm like Mount Meru, surrounded by the Kuru forces protecting him. A fierce battle ensued between the two sides, with Bhishma posing a formidable challenge for the Pandavas to overcome.
Full English translation:
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Section CX, 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 CX:
Who was Sikhandin and how did he fight against Bhishma in battle?
Sikhandin was the prince of the Pancalas who fought against Bhishma with the help of Pandava warriors. Bhishma's bow and car remained unharmed during the battle.
Which warriors from the Pandava army protected Sikhandin in battle?
Many mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas and the Srinjayas protected Sikhandin, exerting great activity to ensure his safety against Bhishma.
How did Bhishma fare in battle against the Pandavas and Srinjayas?
Bhishma was an unstoppable force on the tenth day of battle, slaying thousands of troops and remaining unharmed while battling against the Pandavas and their allies.
Daily life: Battle of Bhishma vs Pandavas: Sikhandin, Arjuna's Victory:
The story from the Mahabharata where Sikhandin, supported by the Pandavas, confronts Bhishma, a formidable warrior, teaches us about resilience, strategy, and the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges. In daily life, this can be translated into the way we tackle our personal and professional obstacles. Like the Pandavas who, despite being daunted by Bhishma's prowess, persisted in their efforts by strategizing and rallying together, we too should confront our problems head-on, seeking innovative solutions and gathering support from our friends, family, or colleagues when necessary.
The narrative also exemplifies how one's commitment and determination can significantly impact the outcome of a challenge, much like Bhishma's relentless fight on the battlefield. In our lives, adopting a mindset of resilience and dedication toward our goals, regardless of the hurdles, can pave the way to success. Similarly, the story highlights the inevitability of change and the end of struggles, seen through Bhishma's eventual fall, a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable.
Moreover, the episode where Bhishma decides to confront the opposition, even promising significant feats or facing his demise, stresses the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and commitments, whether they be towards others or our personal aspirations. It teaches the value of courage and commitment in face of adversities, reinforcing that with the right mindset, support, and determination, overcoming challenges is within reach.