Section CXIX - Bhishma's Prowess in Battle: The Epic Conflict
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXIX 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 armies of the Pandavas and Kauravas were arranged in battle formation, with both sides determined to win the region of Brahma. In the fierce engagement that followed, warriors of different classes fought indiscriminately, causing great calamity among both armies. Bhishma, Salya, Kripa, and other skilled warriors on the Kaurava side caused the Pandava army to tremble with their valor and prowess. Bhishma, in particular, displayed immense skill and strength, slaughtering thousands of soldiers, elephants, and car warriors with his arrows and weapons.
Dhrishtadyumna, the generalissimo of the Pandava army, ordered his soldiers to focus their attacks on Bhishma, the powerful warrior leading the Kaurava forces. Bhishma, relying on his training and skills imparted by Rama, wreaked havoc on the battlefield, slaying countless warriors, elephants, and charioteers. Despite the valiant efforts of the Pandava warriors, including Arjuna, Bhishma proved to be a formidable opponent, single-handedly cutting a swath through their ranks with deadly precision. The battlefield was littered with the bodies of fallen heroes, as Bhishma's arrows blazed a trail of destruction.
Arjuna, supported by his fellow warriors such as Satyaki, Chekitana, and the sons of Draupadi, launched a fierce assault on Bhishma, determined to bring him down. Bhishma, undaunted by the onslaught, withstood their attacks and even managed to penetrate deep into the Pandava ranks, causing confusion and chaos. The Pandava army, comprising the Matsyas, Pancalas, and Chedis, struggled against Bhishma's might, but his skill and strength proved too much to overcome. Despite the Pandavas' efforts, Bhishma remained a formidable foe on the battlefield, challenging them with his unwavering resolve and combat prowess.
Sikhandin, supported by Arjuna, led the charge against Bhishma, determined to defeat the mighty warrior. Bhishma, recognizing Sikhandin's femininity, chose not to attack him directly but instead focused on other warriors, slaying several car warriors from Drupada's division. The intensity of the battle between Bhishma and the Pandava warriors resembled the ancient conflicts between gods and demons, with cries of woe rising from the Pandava ranks as they struggled against Bhishma's relentless onslaught. Despite their bravery and determination, the Pandava army found themselves overwhelmed by Bhishma's skill and battle prowess, as he stood as a formidable obstacle to their victory.
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 CXIX - Bhishma's Prowess in Battle: The Epic Conflict, have a look at the following articles:
Section CXIX, 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 CXIX:
What was the strategy of the combatants in the battle array?
The combatants did not fight with their counterparts but with anyone. It was chaos.
Who were the key warriors mentioned in the battle description?
Bhishma, Arjuna, Dhrishtadyumna, Drona, Sikhandin, Satyaki, and many others.
What was the outcome of the battle between Bhishma and the Pandava warriors?
Bhishma displayed immense prowess, causing great devastation until Arjuna intervened and protected his allies.
Daily life: Bhishma's Prowess in Battle: The Epic Conflict:
The story drawn from the epic battle narrates a vivid scene of conflict, where warriors from both sides fight with relentless courage and strategy. From this narrative, one can derive important life lessons that are applicable to daily challenges. In our lives, akin to the battlefield, we often face situations that test our resolve, patience, and courage. Facing these challenges head-on, with a focused and strategic approach, can lead to overcoming obstacles effectively.
It's also crucial to recognize the importance of teamwork and support from those around us, as illustrated by the coordinated efforts of the warriors in supporting each other against a formidable opponent. This emphasizes the value of solidarity and collective effort in facing life's battles. Just as the warriors set aside conventional matchups and worked together to face their challenges, we too can benefit from adapting and being versatile in our approach to problem-solving.
Moreover, the story highlights the importance of maintaining dignity and respect even in adversarial situations, as seen when Bhishma refrains from targeting Sikhandin. This teaches us to uphold our principles and integrity, regardless of the circumstances we encounter. In essence, life's challenges, much like the epic battles, demand courage, strategy, teamwork, and adherence to one's values for triumphant navigation.