05.177
Bhishma said:
Then Rama, having been spoken to thus, said to the weeping maiden who was urging again and again, "O lord, slay Bhishma."
In the city of Kāśi, I refrain from taking up arms, O beautiful lady, unless it is for the cause of those who know Brahman; what else can I do for you?
Bhishma and Shalva, who are obedient to my words, will be there, O queen. O flawless one, I will ensure that happens. Do not worry.
However, O beautiful lady, I have made a vow not to take up arms unless instructed by the Brahmins.
The mother spoke:
My sorrow should be removed by the Lord because it is caused by Bhishma. O Lord, please destroy him quickly.
Rama spoke:
O daughter of Kashi, please speak again. Bhishma, who is worthy of reverence, will bow his head to accept both your feet, as per my words.
The mother said:
Rama, if you desire to please me, you should defeat Bhishma in battle. If you have promised this, then you must fulfill it here.
Bhishma said:
While Rāma and Ambā were conversing, O king, the unwounded one addressed Jāmadagnya with these words.
O mighty-armed one, do not abandon the girl who has sought your protection. Defeat Bhishma in battle, O Rama, just as you would vanquish a roaring demon.
If Bhishma, whom you invited to battle, O great sage Rama, were to declare 'I am defeated' or act according to your word.
O descendant of Bhrigu, the task of this maiden will be accomplished. Your words will come true, O hero, it shall be done, O lord.
O great sage Rama, this promise of yours was made when you had conquered all the Kshatriyas and was declared among the Brahmins.
Bhrigu's descendant declared that if any Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, or Shudra becomes an enemy of Brahmins in battle, he will indeed kill him.
I cannot forsake those who have sought refuge, those who are frightened, and those who seek life, in any way while I am alive.
Bhārgava declared that he would slay the arrogant warrior who would conquer all the assembled warriors in battle.
Thus, the victorious Rama, known as Bhishma, the upholder of the Kuru dynasty, is to be met in battle. Engage in combat with him, O descendant of Bhrigu.
Rama spoke:
I recall the promise I made earlier, O esteemed sage. I will act accordingly to ensure it is fulfilled through peaceful means.
O Brahman, I have a significant task in mind regarding the daughter of Kashi. I will personally go there to bring the daughter to where he is.
If Bhishma, who is boastful in battle, does not heed my words, I am determined to kill him, for he is arrogant. This is my firm resolve.
The arrows I have released do not strike the bodies here; you already know this from the previous battles among warriors.
Bhishma said:
After speaking thus, Rama, along with the Brahman sages, decided to depart and stood up with a great mind.
Then the ascetics, after spending the night there, performed their rituals and prayers, and set out with the intention to bathe.
Then, O great king, Rama, accompanied by those eminent Brahmins and the maiden, approached Kurukshetra, O descendant of Bharata.
Then all the ascetics, led by the best of the Bhrigus, entered after surrounding Sarasvati. They were great souls.
