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Pancharatra-Ext: Goddess Ganga intervenes in the battle between Bhishma and Bhargava.
Bhishma spoke:
Then Rama, with a smile, said to me, "O Bharata, it is fortunate that you, Bhishma, wish to join me in battle."
I am going to Kurukshetra with you, O descendant of Kuru. I will do what was spoken, and you may come there, O subduer of enemies.
There, you lie slain by my hand, mother, pierced by a hundred arrows. Jahnavi watches as vultures and crows feast on Bhishma.
O king, today the goddess, served by Siddhas and Caranas, is weeping after seeing you in a miserable state, as you have been killed by me.
The greatly fortunate river, daughter of Bhagiratha, who is unworthy, gave birth to you, who are slow and afflicted with a desire for war.
Come with me, Bhishma, and let the battle commence today. Take everything you need, descendant of Kuru, including the chariot, O bull among the Bharatas.
I addressed Rama, the conqueror of enemy cities, saying, "O king, let it be so," after bowing my head in respect.
After speaking thus, Rama proceeded to Kurukshetra with the intent to battle. Upon entering the city, I conveyed the message to Satyavati.
Then, after performing the auspicious rites, he was welcomed by his mother. The Brahmins were to be addressed for the auspicious day and welfare, O highly radiant one.
He mounted the beautiful silver chariot drawn by white horses, which was well-equipped and had a seat covered with tiger-skin.
The noble hero, a king skilled in the science of horses, was equipped with great weapons and all necessary equipment.
I have been joined many times by the learned charioteer who has seen many deeds, and I am bitten by the pale armor of the splendid one.
O best of the Bharatas, he took a white bow and set out, with a white umbrella held over his head.
The king, dressed in white and adorned with white ornaments, was being fanned with white fans, presenting a majestic appearance.
Praised with blessings for victory, he left Hastinapura and reached the battlefield of Kurukshetra, O best of the Bharatas.
The horses, driven by the charioteer, swiftly carried me in the great battle, O king, with a speed akin to that of the mind and wind.
Having reached Kurukshetra, I and the mighty Rama suddenly confronted each other valiantly for battle, O king.
Then, in the presence of the great ascetic Rama, he stood holding the excellent conch and blew it with great skill.
Then, O king, the brahmins, sages, and forest dwellers witnessed the divine battle alongside the gods and sages.
Then, divine garlands appeared repeatedly, along with divine musical instruments and groups of clouds.
Then all the ascetics who were followers of Bhārgava gathered around the battlefield as spectators.
Then the goddess, who is the well-wisher of all beings and appears in her true form, addressed me, 'O king, what is your intention with this?'
Having gone to Jamadagni's descendant, I will request him repeatedly, 'O descendant of Kuru, do not fight with Bhishma and the disciple.'
He admonished, "Do not insist, O son, on fighting in battle with the sage, O king, who is Jamadagni's son."
Isn't your son Rama, known for his valor equal to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of warriors? Why do you wish to fight?
Then, having saluted the goddess with joined palms, I narrated everything as it happened in the self-choice ceremony, O best of the Bharatas.
Just as Rama was pleased by me before, O King, so was the ancient desire of the daughter of the King of Kashi fulfilled.
Then my mother, the great river goddess, approached Rama and forgave the sage Bhargava for my sake. She advised, "Do not engage in battle with Bhishma, who is with his disciple."
He told her, who was pleading, to turn back only Bhishma, as he does not fulfill his wish, and thus I approached him.
Sanjaya spoke:
Then, out of affection for her son, Ganga approached Bhishma again. However, he did not respond to her, as his eyes were filled with anger and agitation.
Then the righteous soul, the great ascetic Bhṛgu, was seen. The best among the twice-born invited again for battle.
