05.186
Pancharatra-Ext: Narada and other sages intervene and pester both Bhargava and Bhishma to withdraw the weapons and bring the war to end, for the welfare of the world.
Bhishma spoke:
Then, O king, a great noise echoed in the sky. The joy of the Kauravas said, "Bhishma, do not let go of your sleep."
Narada spoke, 'O son of Bhrigu, I have indeed united that weapon, employing sleep upon myself.'
O descendant of Kuru, these groups of gods are present in the sky and are preventing you from falling asleep today.
Rama, who is an ascetic, devoted to Brahman, a Brahmin, and your teacher, should not be disrespected in any way, O descendant of Kuru.
Then I saw those eight Brahma-scholars in the sky. Smiling, they slowly spoke to me, O King.
O best of the Bharatas, do as Nārada has said. This is indeed the highest good for all the worlds, O bull among the Bharatas.
Then, having withdrawn the sleep-inducing weapon in the battle, he properly ignited the Brahma weapon in that battle.
Then the angry prince Rama, upon seeing his weapon withdrawn, exclaimed suddenly, "I have been defeated by Bhishma, how foolish of me," expressing his frustration.
Then Jamadagni's son saw his father, his grandfather, and another. They surrounded him and spoke to him gently at that moment.
Do not, my child, ever again act so rashly, especially in going to battle with Bhishma, a warrior of great distinction.
O descendant of Bhrigu, the duty of a Kshatriya is indeed to engage in battle, while for the Brahmanas, self-study and the observance of vows are considered the highest wealth.
This was discussed by us for a certain purpose. Bearing arms is a very fierce task, and you have accomplished it.
O child, it is enough of this conflict with Bhishma in battle. O mighty-armed one, withdraw from the battlefield now.
This is enough for you, O Bhārgava, to bear the bow. Abandon this formidable penance and perform your duties.
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, was stopped by all the gods and urged to turn back from the battle.
Do not engage in battle with Rama alongside the elder repeatedly. It is not right for you to defeat Rama in combat, O esteemed Kuru. Show respect to the Brahmin on the battlefield, O son of Ganga.
We, the elders, are here to restrain you. It is fortunate that Bhishma, one of the Vasus, is alive, dear son.
The son of Ganga, Vasu, who is greatly renowned, how can you conquer Rama in battle? Turn back indeed.
Arjuna, the foremost of the Pandavas, son of Purandara, is strong and heroic, an ancient and eternal god, and the lord of all creatures.
The ambidextrous one, thus renowned in the three worlds for his prowess, was Bhishma's death, ordained at the right time by the self-existent one.
Upon being addressed in this manner by his ancestors, Rama declared: "I shall not retreat in battle; this is the vow I have taken."
It has never been the case that anyone has retreated in the forefront of battle. Let Bhishma, the son of the river, retreat from the battle if he wishes, O grandsire. However, I will not retreat from this battle under any circumstances.
Then, O king, those sages, led by Ṛcīka and accompanied by Nārada, gathered and spoke these words.
Father, return from the battle and honor the best of the Brahmins. I told them 'No,' disregarding the warrior's duty.
In this world, it is my vow that I shall never turn away from battle, even if I am struck by arrows from behind.
My mind is firmly resolved that I will not abandon the eternal dharma due to greed, miserliness, fear, or for any material reason.
Then, O king, all the sages led by Narada, along with my mother Bhagirathi, entered the battlefield.
In the same manner, the archer with an arrow ready and firm resolve stood to fight in the battle. Then they approached Rama and spoke to him, having gathered together once more in the battlefield, pleasing the descendant of Bhrigu.
The wise have a softened heart, calm yourself, O descendant of Bhṛgu. Rama, Rama, withdraw from this battle, O best of the twice-born. Bhishma cannot be defeated by you, and you are connected to Bhishma, O descendant of Bhṛgu.
Thus, all of them, while speaking, blocked the battlefield and the fathers placed the weapons, O descendant of Bhrigu.
Then I saw those eight sages again, shining brightly like eight planets that had risen.
They addressed me with affection while I stood in battle, saying, 'Send Rama, O mighty-armed one, and act for the welfare of the world.'
Seeing that Rama was persuaded to return by his friend's words, and considering the welfare of the worlds, I too accepted the advice.
Then I approached Rama and bowed, though I was severely wounded. Rama, with a smile of affection, spoke to me, acknowledging my great asceticism.
There is no warrior like you on this earth, O Bhishma. Go forth, for I am greatly pleased with you in this battle.
Bhārgava called the girl in my presence and spoke humbly among the ascetics.
