Section CXX - Bhishma's Last Stand: Arjuna's Victory in the Battle
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXX 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 Bhishma was fierce, with both sides launching a relentless attack on each other. Bhishma, though pierced by countless arrows, remained unfazed and fought back with immense strength and skill. Arjuna, aided by Sikhandin, was determined to defeat Bhishma and cut off all his bows, causing the Kuru grandsire to fall from his chariot. Despite being surrounded and attacked by many warriors, Bhishma's prowess in battle was unmatched as he continued to fight valiantly and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.
As the battle raged on, Bhishma's resolve to choose the time of his death became apparent. He refused to give up his life while the Sun was in the southern solstice, awaiting the northern declension instead. The celestial voices and divine signs further confirmed his decision to hold onto his life until the auspicious time. Bhishma, lying on a bed of arrows, displayed his control over his own mortality and chose to wait for the right moment to pass from the world. Even in the face of defeat and mortal wounds, his determination and strength were unwavering.
The Pandavas and their allies, witnessing Bhishma's fall, erupted in victorious shouts and blew their conches in celebration. The Kauravas, on the other hand, were left stunned and unsure of their next move. The death of the mighty Bhishma, regarded as unslayable, brought a sense of impending doom to the Kuru army. The warriors on both sides were deeply affected, some lamenting the loss while others praising Bhishma's valor and integrity. The Rishis, Pitris, and ancestors all honored Bhishma for his noble deeds and dedication to his duties as a warrior and guardian of the Kuru lineage.
In the aftermath of Bhishma's demise, a somber atmosphere enveloped the battlefield as both sides grappled with the implications of his passing. Some questioned the traditions of the Kshatriya order, while others marveled at Bhishma's bravery and honor. The Pandavas rejoiced in their victory, with Bhima expressing his triumph through loud shouts and displays of strength. The warriors, shaken by the loss of such a formidable figure, began to reflect on the significance of Bhishma's life and the impact of his death on the course of the war. Bhishma, in his final moments, remained peaceful and focused on his prayers, ready to embrace his fate at the appointed time.
Full English translation:
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Section CXX, 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 CXX:
What weapons did the Pandavas and their allies use against Bhishma?
They used Sataghnis, maces, battle-axes, rockets, arrows, and other deadly weapons. Bhishma's coat of mail was pierced everywhere.
How did Bhishma feel during the battle despite being repeatedly pierced?
Bhishma felt no pain even though he was pierced in every vital part. He was compared to destructive fire at the end of Yuga.
Why did Bhishma decide not to fight with the Pandavas?
Bhishma was granted a boon by his father that his death would depend on his own choice. He found Sikhandin's femininity and the Pandavas' unslayableness as reasons to not fight.
How did Arjuna contribute to Bhishma's eventual downfall?
Arjuna repeatedly pierced Bhishma with arrows, cutting off his bow and shield. He also surrounded Bhishma with other warriors, leading to his defeat.
What made Bhishma decide to finally let go of life?
Bhishma heard celestial voices prompting him to wait for the northern solstice before passing away. He had control over the timing of his death and chose to wait.
How did Bhishma meet his end on the battlefield?
After being grievously wounded and fallen, Bhishma decided to finally let go of life during the northern solstice, fulfilling his control over his own death.
Daily life: Bhishma's Last Stand: Arjuna's Victory in the Battle:
The story of Bhishma's fall in the epic battle of the Mahabharata teaches us profound life lessons on resilience, determination, and ethical conduct. Bhishma, a mighty warrior, renowned for his unwavering commitment to truth and duty, faces an army alone, undaunted by the overwhelming odds against him. His resolve not to yield, even when pierced with countless arrows, embodies the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity. We can draw inspiration from Bhishma’s tenacity and apply it to our daily challenges, understanding that hardships are integral to life, and it's our response to them that shapes our character and destiny.
Bhishma's adherence to his promises and principles, even at the cost of his life, underscores the importance of integrity. He chooses to lay on a bed of arrows, holding onto life until the auspicious time for his departure, leading by example the virtue of patience and timing. This aspect teaches us the value of patience and staying true to our ethical compass, even when circumstances test our will and integrity.
Furthermore, Bhishma’s unwavering focus and clarity about his duties, despite the personal sacrifices they entail, remind us of the importance of duty over personal gain. His life's choices reflect a deep understanding of Dharma (righteous path), guiding us to prioritize our responsibilities and commitments in life over transient desires.
In essence, Bhishma's story is a poignant reminder that life is a complex battle of moralities, choices, and duties, urging us to live with honor, resilience, and a steadfast adherence to our principles. His legacy teaches us to face life's challenges with courage and to remain unwaveringly committed to our values, regardless of the temptations or trials we may encounter.