05.188
Bhishma said:
Then all the ascetics, firmly resolved in their penance, upon seeing something, turned back and said, "O dear, what should be done?"
The maiden then addressed the ascetically advanced sages, saying that she had been rejected by Bhishma and deprived of her marital rights.
My vow is to kill him, not for the benefit of the world, O ascetics. By killing Bhishma, I am determined to attain peace.
Because of which, I have come to this eternal abode of sorrow, deprived of my husband's world, and here I am neither a woman nor a man.
I will not turn back without defeating Bhishma, the son of Ganga, in battle, O revered sages. This is the resolve in my heart for which I have undertaken this endeavor.
Disenchanted with being a woman and determined to pursue manhood, I intend to act against Bhishma; I shall not be stopped again, indeed.
The god Shiva, holding a trident and husband to Uma, revealed her radiant form among the great sages.
Tempted by the boon, she chose my defeat. The god replied to her, "You will kill," addressing the wise one.
Then the girl again spoke to Rudra: "O god, how can women achieve victory in battle? And my mind is deeply peaceful, O lord of Uma."
O Lord of beings, you have promised the defeat of Bhishma. Ensure that it becomes true, O bull-bannered one, so that I may confront and slay Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, in battle.
Mahadeva, known as Vrishadhvaja, assured the girl, saying: "O auspicious one, my words are true and will come to pass."
You will kill Bhishma in battle and attain manhood. You will remember all this when you have moved to another body.
You will be born in the family of Drupada and will become a highly esteemed great charioteer, known for your swiftness in weapons and as a wonderful warrior.
As foretold, O auspicious one, everything will happen as stated. You will become a man after some time.
After speaking thus, the immensely powerful Kapardi, known as Vrishabhadhvaja, vanished right there before the eyes of the sages.
Then the blameless lady, admired by the great sages, gathered the woods from that forest.
O great king, having constructed a very large funeral pyre and offered it to the fire, with a mind inflamed by anger, in the blazing fire.
Having declared her intention to kill Bhishma, she entered the fire. The eldest daughter of Kashi was near the royal Yamuna river.
