05.183
Pancharatra-Ext: Battle continues for 23 days with ups and downs!
Bhishma spoke:
Then, in the morning, O King, when the pure sun had risen, I engaged in battle once more with Bhārgava.
Then, as the chariot was in disarray, Rama, the greatest among warriors, stood firm and unleashed a torrent of arrows upon me, akin to how Indra would rain upon a mountain.
My friend, the charioteer, was struck by a shower of arrows by him and fell onto the chariot seat, causing me great distress.
Then the charioteer, overwhelmed by great confusion, fell to the ground due to the impact of the arrows and lost consciousness.
Then, O King, the charioteer, struck by Rama's arrow, gave up his life. In that moment, fear seemed to enter me.
Then, O king, when the charioteer was killed, Rama, in his distraction, sent forth my arrows, which were as deadly as death itself.
Then Bhārgava, with his powerful bow, drew it back and struck me deeply with an arrow, while I was distressed and afflicted by the charioteer.
He, my bloodthirsty companion, fell in the midst of the battle and went to the earth with me, O king of kings.
Rama, believing that I was slain, O best of the Bharatas, roared loudly like a thunderous cloud and rejoiced repeatedly.
Thus, when I fell, O king, Rama, filled with joy, shouted loudly along with his followers.
My Kauravas stood beside me there. Those who came for the battle, eager to witness, were deeply distressed when I fell.
Then I saw the fallen royal lion; eight Brahmins, radiant like the sun and fire. They surrounded me completely, standing with their arms embracing me in the middle of the battlefield.
Protected by the sages, I did not touch the ground. I am indeed situated in the sky by them, as if by relatives, as if sleeping in the sky and sprinkled by drops of water.
Then the brāhmaṇas, O king, embraced me and said, "Do not fear." Together, they all repeatedly wished me well-being.
Then, pleased by their words, I suddenly stood up and saw the revered mother of rivers seated in a chariot.
The horses were taken by her near the great river during the battle, O king of the Kurus. After worshipping my mother's feet, I ascended Arshthisena's chariot.
She protected my chariot, horses, and equipment. Then, with folded hands, I respectfully sent her off once more.
Then I personally mounted those swift horses and fought with Jamadagni's son on the day of return, O Bharata.
Then, O best of the Bharatas, I released a swift and powerful arrow in the battle aimed at Rama, piercing his heart.
Then, struck by the swift arrows, Rama fell to the ground on his knees, dropping his bow, overwhelmed by delusion.
Then, when Rama had fallen, numerous clouds covered the sky, pouring down a great amount of blood.
Meteors fell in hundreds accompanied by thunder and tremors. Suddenly, Rahu covered the blazing sun.
The winds blew fiercely, causing the earth to tremble. Vultures, herons, and cranes joyfully circled the sky.
In the blazing direction, a jackal howled terribly and repeatedly, while the unstruck drums resounded with a great sound.
This ominous and terrible event took place, O best of the Bharatas, when the great soul Rama had descended to the earth in a state of unconsciousness.
As the sun, with its dim circle of rays, set into the dusty horizon, the night arrived with a gentle and cool breeze, prompting us to withdraw from the battle.
Thus, O king, a new feast took place; then again, in the clear sky, it became very terrible. Morning after morning, for twenty days, and similarly for another three days.
