Section CXXII - Bhishma's Final Moments: Arjuna's Act of Devotion
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXII 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:
Arjuna, feeling emotional and overwhelmed, offers to serve Bhishma and fulfill his wishes. Bhishma requests a pillow made of arrows to lay on as he prepares to give up his life on the battlefield. Arjuna obediently provides the pillow, impressing Bhishma with his understanding of Kshatriya duties. Bhishma then instructs the other kings to dig a ditch around his quarters and declares his intention to lie on the bed of arrows until the Sun reaches the northern solstice, indicating when he will pass away.
Bhishma declines the help of physicians, stating that he has achieved the highest state ordained in Kshatriya observances and does not require medical treatment. Duryodhana dismisses the physicians and honors them before sending them away. The kings, including the Pandavas and Kauravas, pay their respects to Bhishma and set up guards for his protection before retiring to their tents, deeply affected by what they have witnessed.
Krishna praises Yudhishthira for the victory over Bhishma, attributing it to his protection and favor. Yudhishthira acknowledges Krishna's role in their success and expresses his reliance on him as their refuge. Krishna humbly accepts Yudhishthira's gratitude and smiles, indicating his support for them in their battles. The interaction between Krishna and Yudhishthira highlights the importance of divine guidance and intervention in their triumph over formidable foes like Bhishma.
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 CXXII - Bhishma's Final Moments: Arjuna's Act of Devotion, have a look at the following articles:
Section CXXII, 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 CXXII:
What did Arjuna do for Bhishma on the battlefield?
Arjuna provided Bhishma with a pillow made of arrows to serve as his bed. Bhishma was pleased with this gesture.
Why did Bhishma refuse the assistance of physicians?
Bhishma felt that, as a warrior lying on a bed of arrows, he had achieved the highest state ordained in Kshatriya observances and did not need medical treatment.
How did Krishna react to Bhishma's defeat in battle?
Krishna attributed Bhishma's defeat to destiny and praised Yudhishthira for his victory.
Daily life: Bhishma's Final Moments: Arjuna's Act of Devotion:
The story from the Mahabharata tells us about respect, duty, and fulfilling one's roles with integrity. In our daily lives, this teaches us the importance of honoring our commitments and responsibilities, just as Arjuna did when he respected Bhishma's wishes. We learn that facing challenges with courage and a sense of duty can lead to respect from others and a fulfilling life.
It also highlights the power of compassion and understanding towards others' wishes. Applying this, we should listen carefully to what others need from us and strive to support them in ways that respect their dignity and values. This story encourages us to find innovative solutions in difficult situations, just as Arjuna used his skills to provide a pillow of arrows for Bhishma, showing that creativity combined with empathy can lead to meaningful gestures of support.
Lastly, the narrative shows the value of teamwork and unity, as seen when both parties came together around Bhishma, setting aside their differences temporarily. In our lives, this translates to the importance of coming together in times of crisis and supporting each other despite our disagreements, recognizing our common humanity and the strength that lies in unity.