Section CXVIII - Battle between Arjuna and Bhishma in Kurukshetra War
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXVIII 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 battle, Sikhandin attacked Bhishma with arrows, but Bhishma, out of respect for Sikhandin's femininity, did not retaliate. Arjuna then urged Sikhandin to fight Bhishma, as he was the only one capable of facing him. Despite Sikhandin's efforts, Bhishma remained unfazed and continued to overwhelm the Pandava army.
Duryodhana motivated his troops to fight against Arjuna, with Bhishma protecting them. However, Arjuna's skill with celestial weapons proved too powerful for the opposing warriors from various regions. Arjuna single-handedly defeated many warriors, including Dussasana, Kripa, Vikarna, Salya, and Vivingsati, causing them to flee the battlefield. The Kaurava army suffered heavy losses at the hands of Arjuna's relentless attacks.
Arjuna displayed his prowess by slaying numerous enemy combatants and causing chaos on the battlefield. The ground was littered with fallen warriors, elephants, and horses, while the air was filled with the sounds of howling beasts and birds. The sight of the carnage, with broken chariots and scattered banners, created a scene of destruction and despair. Bhishma, witnessing the devastation caused by Arjuna, decided to intervene and attacked him with a celestial weapon.
As Bhishma charged towards Arjuna, Sikhandin confronted him, causing Bhishma to withdraw his powerful weapon. Meanwhile, Arjuna continued to decimate the Kaurava forces, proving to be a formidable opponent. The battlefield was in chaos, with Bhishma's intervention adding another layer of tension to the already intense conflict. The outcome of the battle hung in the balance as the warriors prepared for the next phase of the confrontation.
Full English translation:
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Section CXVIII, 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 CXVIII:
Why did Bhishma not attack Sikhandin in battle?
Bhishma remembered Sikhandin's femininity and chose not to harm them.
How did Arjuna advise Sikhandin in the battle?
Arjuna urged Sikhandin to quickly slay Bhishma, as he was the best warrior for the task.
Who protected Bhishma in battle against the Pandavas?
Duryodhana commanded his warriors to rally around Bhishma for protection.
How did Arjuna display his prowess in the battle?
Arjuna defeated many Kaurava warriors, including Dussasana, with his celestial weapons.
Daily life: Battle between Arjuna and Bhishma in Kurukshetra War:
Drawing inspiration from the epic battle narrative between the Pandavas and Kauravas, we can find practical lessons for navigating challenges in our daily lives. At the core, the story underscores the significance of perseverance, strategy, and teamwork in overcoming daunting obstacles. Just like Arjuna and his brothers confronted formidable opponents with unwavering determination and clever tactics, we, too, should face our daily challenges with resilience and thought-out plans, ensuring we are not deterred by the magnitude of the tasks ahead.
The narrative also highlights the importance of ethical considerations in our actions, as depicted by Bhishma's refusal to attack Sikhandin due to moral constraints, reminding us to uphold our principles even in difficult situations. This teaches us the value of maintaining integrity and making choices that align with our values, even when faced with adversity.
Moreover, Arjuna's reliance on his team, especially Sikhandin, to confront Bhishma, emphasizes the power of collaboration and leveraging individual strengths for a common goal. In our lives, seeking support from others and working together can enhance our capability to navigate complex challenges, encouraging a synergistic approach to problem-solving.
In summary, this epic tale encourages us to persevere through challenges with determination, strategize based on our circumstances, uphold our ethical standards, and embrace teamwork in pursuit of our goals. By integrating these lessons into our daily lives, we can approach our personal and professional battles more effectively, fostering growth and success amidst adversity.