The Fall of the Hero
Bhishma had never wanted to fight against the Pandavas. Repeatedly he had advised Duryodhana and his blind father Dhritarastra that it would be suicidal to oppose the godly brothers. They were supported by Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although not fighting, Krishna’s mere presence on the side of the Pandavas would ensure their victory. Bhishma had therefore repeatedly urged Duryodhana to give the Pandavas their rightful share of the kingdom when they emerged from exile. The old hero’s words had fallen on deaf ears. Duryodhana mocked him and Dhritarastra did nothing to check his avaricious son. War could not be averted and when it arrived Bhishma felt an obligation to fight for the Kauravas. They had always maintained him and he had vowed to protect the incumbent monarch in Hastinapura. So it was that Bhishma became the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces. Although the Pandavas loved him like a father, they knew that he was impossible to overcome in battle. Therefore when at last the two great armies were arrayed for battle, Yudhisthira went before Bhishma and said, “Dear Grandfather, I beg your permission to fight you. Please give me your blessings. Tell me how we shall be able to defeat you in this war.” Bhishma shed tears of affection for the humble Pandava king. He got down and blessed Yudhisthira, saying, “There is no warrior anywhere who can conquer me, not even the king of the gods. Ask me again at a later time and I shall tell you how I may be slain.” From the outset of battle Bhishma displayed his incomparable power. Riding out on his great silver chariot he began to cut swathes through the opposing army. With his bow always drawn to a circle he shot his arrows so swiftly that they appeared to fly in an endless line. No one could even approach him in the fight. As soon as any warrior came near they were cut to pieces by his relentless volleys of arrows. Defying his advanced age, the great hero seemed to dance in his chariot as he fought. With a single long shaft he would slay three of four men seated on an elephant. Then with another he would
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