Chapter 73 Bhisma Was Shot Over 1000 Arrows
The eleventh day of the conflict has passed. Attacking Bhishma while Sikhandin was in front of him, Arjuna. The grandsire’s eyes flashed as Sikhandin’s daggers penetrated his breast.
The ancient warrior’s rage briefly surged to the heights of burning fire, and his eyes seemed to be devouring Sikhandin. But the grandsire immediately exercised self control.
Sikhandin was born a lady, and he made the conscious decision not to be forced into a confrontation with someone who would seem unworthy of a warrior to strike. But after realising that his time was running out, he relaxed. Sikhandin continued to shoot his arrows, unconcerned by his opponent’s internal struggle.
Even as Bhishma’s grandsire stayed motionless, Arjuna hardened his heart and Sikhandin fired arrows from behind him at the armor’s weak spots.
As the arrows continued to rain down heavily on him, Bhishma grinned and remarked to Duhsasana: “These are Arjuna’s arrows, I see. Since they sear my flesh like the crab babies rip apart their mother’s body, they cannot be Sikhandin’s.”
The grandsire observed his beloved pupil’s arrows in this way, and while he was telling Duhsasana this, he picked up a javelin and threw it towards Arjuna. Three arrows fired by Arjuna in quick succession struck it as it was soaring in the air, severing it in three.
Bhishma then made a move to descend from his chariot while still holding his sword and shield in order to put a stop to the battle. But Arjuna’s arrows destroyed his shield before he could do anything about it. Bhishma plunged headlong to the earth from his chariot with arrows sticking all over his body so thickly that there was not an inch of space between them.
The gods, who watched from above, folded their hands in a respectful greeting as he died, and a soft breeze, fragrant with flowers and cold rains, flowed over the battleground.
The noble and righteous Bhishma, the son of Ganga, who arrived on earth to sanctify it and everything it supports, so perished. The spotless hero who made the huge renunciation without being asked in order to bring his father joy. The unbeatable bowman who had brought Rama’s axe-wielding pride to his knees.
The selfless servant paid Duryodhana’s debt for the cause of righteousness in this way, and as he lay dying from his wounds, he blessed the battlefield with his blood. The Kauravas’ hearts plummeted with the grandsire when he was brought down. Because of the arrows that protruded from every part of Bhishma’s body, his body did not contact the earth. His body was lying as though on a bed of honour, supported by the shafts that had penetrated his skin, and it gleamed more brilliantly than ever before.
All of the soldiers rushed to the great hero who was lying on his bed of arrows as both armies stopped fighting. As the gods circled Brahma, the monarchs of earth stood around him with bowed heads. The grandfather complained that his head was dangling freely. The nearby princes fled and brought pillows.
With a grin, the elderly warrior turned to face Arjuna and said, “Dear son Partha, provide me a pillow befitting a warrior.”
When Arjuna heard such comments directed at him, his arrows were already scorching the grandsire’s flesh. As a result, he pulled three arrows from his quiver and arranged them so that the grandsire’s head rested on their tips.
“Princes, Arjuna’s arrows were truly what my head needed to be supported on, stated Bhishma to the gathered chiefs. I feel satisfied after using this cushion. I now have to lay like this till the sun faces north. Until then, my soul won’t leave this body. Those of you who may be living then may come and visit me when I die.”
The grandfather then went back to face Arjuna and said: “I’m suffering from severe thirst. Bring me some water to drink.” Arjuna immediately lifted his bow and drew it to his ear before shooting a shaft into the ground close to the grandsire’s right side.
A torrent of clean, delicious water rushed from the hole the arrow left, reaching the dying man’s very lips. According to the poet, Ganga appeared to satisfy the burning thirst of her beloved son. Bhishma was content as he drank.
The Kaurava prince, Duryodhana, was addressed by Bhishma, who wished for him to have wisdom. “You saw Arjuna bring me water to assuage my thirst, right? Who else in the world is capable of such an act? Make peace with him as soon as possible. May my departure end the fight. Make peace with the Pandavas, son, and listen to what I say ”
Duryodhana was not amused by the grandsire’s remarks. The raged warriors dislikes advice when they are near death. He doesn’t like the bitter but truthful suggestion. The princes dispersed to their own camps later.
Despite Arjun shooting 1,000 arrows at Bhishma Pitahmah’s body, he just lay down but did not die. When the struggle for the day was done, Bhagwan Krishna went to meet him.
Keep Mahabharat Book at Home and Read Daily – DO NOT FALL TO FAKE PROPAGANDA and Allow Enemies to Weaken our Dharma and Bharat
This historical epic Mahabharat is known as fifth Veda. It is a common misconception spread by mlecchas; muslims and christian missionaries, and secular Hindus that reading Mahabharat or keeping it at home will likely lead to arguments and fighting. All of this misinformation was spread by illiterate mlecchas and anti-Hindus, and it is completely incorrect. It is done to mentally weaken Hindus so that they avoid reading Mahabharat. Because Mahabharat invokes bravery, pride and sense of confidence in Hindus.
Keep a copy of Mahabharat at home and read it online at the HariBhakt website. Mahabharat is rightly called the fifth Veda for Kaliyuga people because it is a tool and guidance to invoke confidence and bravery in Sanatan Dharmi Hindus.
You can read complete Mahabharat by following Chapter links given below. You can check Glossary of Mahabharat here.
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