Disregarding Bhishma's advice to make peace with the Pandavas, Duryodhana continued the war. Days 5 through 9 of the war saw much bloodshed, with the armies exchanging victory and defeat evenly. There were many spectacular battles - between Satyaki and Drona, Shikhandi and Ashwattama, Drona and Virata, Duryodhana and Dhrishtadyumna. Abhimanyu, Iravan and Ghatotkacha left no doubt that they were as valorous as their fathers. As proud as he was of his sons' valor, Arjuna soon faced the tragedy of losing Iravan on day 8 of the battle. While Arjuna bereaved at the death of his son Iravan, he was reminded by Vidura's words that both sides would experience terrible grief. At that moment he understood why Yudhisthira was fine with just 5 villages, a graceful tactic to avoid such unbearable loss of kith and kin. Ghatotkacha, angered that Iravan had fallen, ferociously attacked the Kauravas, targeting Duryodhana. A javelin meant to grievously wound Duryodhana was intercepted, killing an elephant. Fearing for Duryodhana's safety, Drona sent warriors to his side, while Yudhisthira sent Bheema to help his son. Tortured by the fact that the Pandava army was still holding its own in spite of being smaller in size, Duryodhana, on Karna's advice, even went so far as to request Bhishma to retire so Karna could aggressively take the war to the Pandava camp. Bhishma swore to cause maximum damage to the Pandava army the very next day. As a result, the Pandava army was severely damaged on Day Nine. At a loss as to the tactics that would defeat Bhishma, Yudhishtra and Arjuna, at Krishna's behest, went to Bhishma and enjoined him to let them know how he could be defeated in war. Bhishma gently reminded them he would not fight a woman in war. Realizing that Shikhandi was born a woman and turned a man due to boon, Arjuna decides to put Shikhandi in front and fight Bhishma on Day Ten.
It was a phenomenal battle, but with Shikhandi facing him, Bhishma did not directly attack him. Arjuna was able to thwart his defences, and break his weapons. Bhishma also mentally prepared to leave the world. Having chosen his time of death, Arjuna's arrows were but an apparent cause of his fall. Pierced all through his body by arrows, the great Grandsire, the very foundation of the Kuru dynasty, fell on the sacred ground of Kurukshetra. He calmly requested a pillow for his head and Arjuna fittingly gave him the support of his arrows. To quench his thirst, Arjuna shot an arrow in the ground and Mother Ganga sprang through in an instant for her beloved son. Both armies were shocked and stunned at the fall of Bhishma. Karna visited Bhishma later at night, and paid his respects. Bhishma spoke well of him and mentioned that he knew well that Karna was Kunti's son and that he should fight with the Pandavas. Karna said that he could not desert Duryodhana and he would fight for him.
Sanjaya hastened to Hastinapura to narrate the events of the war and the fall of Bhishma to Dhritarashtra.
We are also practicing for the play in class!
Bhagavad Gita: We learnt verses 15 and 16 of Chapter 4 today.
Regards
Abhirami Shrinivas
Keerthi Kobla
