06.114
Pancharatra and Core: Shikhandi, protected by Arjuna, attacked Bhishma; Bhishma fell, and decides to sustain his life until the northern solstice arrived.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
एवं ते पण्डवाः सर्वे पुरस्कृत्य शिखण्डिनम्। विव्यधुः समरे भीष्मं परिवार्य समन्ततः ॥६-११४-१॥
Thus, all the Pāṇḍavas, placing Śikhaṇḍin at the forefront, surrounded Bhīṣma on all sides in the battle and pierced him.
शतघ्नीभिः सुघोराभिः पट्टिशैः सपरश्वधैः। मुद्गरैर्मुसलैः प्रासैः क्षेपणीभिश्च सर्वशः ॥६-११४-२॥
Everywhere, there were deadly weapons, fierce spears, axes, hammers, clubs, javelins, and missiles.
शरैः कनकपुङ्खैश्च शक्तितोमरकम्पनैः। नाराचैर्वत्सदन्तैश्च भुशुण्डीभिश्च भारत ॥ अताडयन्रणे भीष्मं सहिताः सर्वसृञ्जयाः ॥६-११४-३॥
O Bharata, all the Srinjayas together struck Bhishma in battle with arrows, golden-feathered ones, spears, javelins, iron arrows, calf-teeth arrows, and clubs.
स विशीर्णतनुत्राणः पीडितो बहुभिस्तदा। विव्यथे नैव गाङ्गेयो भिद्यमानेषु मर्मसु ॥६-११४-४॥
Despite his armor being torn and being afflicted by many, Bhishma was not agitated even when his vital parts were being pierced.
स दीप्तशरचापार्चिरस्त्रप्रसृतमारुतः। नेमिनिर्ह्रादसंनादो महास्त्रोदयपावकः ॥६-११४-५॥
He, with blazing arrows and a bow, whose weapons were like flames, spread like the wind. The rim roared and resounded with the emergence of the great weapon fire.
चित्रचापमहाज्वालो वीरक्षयमहेन्धनः। युगान्ताग्निसमो भीष्मः परेषां समपद्यत ॥६-११४-६॥
Bhishma, with his bright bow and great flame, became the great destroyer of heroes, like the fire at the end of an age, for his enemies.
निपत्य रथसङ्घानामन्तरेण विनिःसृतः। दृश्यते स्म नरेन्द्राणां पुनर्मध्यगतश्चरन् ॥६-११४-७॥
Having descended between the groups of chariots, he emerged and was seen again moving among the kings.
ततः पाञ्चालराजं च धृष्टकेतुमतीत्य च। पाण्डवानीकिनीमध्यमाससाद स वेगितः ॥६-११४-८॥
Then, he swiftly moved past the king of the Pāñcālas and Dhṛṣṭaketu to reach the center of the Pāṇḍava army.
ततः सात्यकिभीमौ च पाण्डवं च धनञ्जयम्। द्रुपदं च विराटं च धृष्टद्युम्नं च पार्षतम् ॥६-११४-९॥
Then Satyaki, Bhima, Arjuna, Drupada, Virata, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, were all present.
भीमघोषैर्महावेगैर्वैरिवारणभेदिभिः। षडेतान्षड्भिरानर्छद्भास्करप्रतिमैः शरैः ॥६-११४-१०॥
He attacked these six with six arrows that had terrifying sounds, great speed, and could pierce the enemy's elephants, resembling the sun.
तस्य ते निशितान्बाणान्संनिवार्य महारथाः। दशभिर्दशभिर्भीष्ममर्दयामासुरोजसा ॥६-११४-११॥
The great charioteers, having repelled his sharp arrows, vigorously attacked Bhishma with volleys of ten arrows each.
शिखण्डी तु रणे बाणान्यान्मुमोच महाव्रते। ते भीष्मं विविशुस्तूर्णं स्वर्णपुङ्खाः शिलाशिताः ॥६-११४-१२॥
Shikhandi, in the battle, released arrows which swiftly pierced Bhishma. These arrows were golden-feathered and sharpened on stone.
ततः किरीटी संरब्धो भीष्ममेवाभ्यवर्तत। शिखण्डिनं पुरस्कृत्य धनुश्चास्य समाच्छिनत् ॥६-११४-१३॥
Then, Arjuna, wearing his crown and filled with excitement, advanced towards Bhishma, placing Shikhandin in front, and cut off Bhishma's bow.
भीष्मस्य धनुषश्छेदं नामृष्यन्त महारथाः। द्रोणश्च कृतवर्मा च सैन्धवश्च जयद्रथः ॥६-११४-१४॥
The great warriors, including Drona, Kritavarma, the Sindhu prince, and Jayadratha, could not tolerate the cutting of Bhishma's bow.
भूरिश्रवाः शलः शल्यो भगदत्तस्तथैव च। सप्तैते परमक्रुद्धाः किरीटिनमभिद्रुताः ॥६-११४-१५॥
Bhūriśravāḥ, Śalaḥ, Śalyaḥ, Bhagadattaḥ, and these seven warriors, in extreme anger, charged towards Arjuna.
उत्तमास्त्राणि दिव्यानि दर्शयन्तो महारथाः। अभिपेतुर्भृशं क्रुद्धाश्छादयन्त स्म पाण्डवान् ॥६-११४-१६॥
The great warriors, displaying their excellent divine weapons, launched a fierce and angry attack, covering the Pandavas completely.
तेषामापततां शब्दः शुश्रुवे फल्गुनं प्रति। उद्वृत्तानां यथा शब्दः समुद्राणां युगक्षये ॥६-११४-१७॥
The approaching sound of the warriors was heard towards Arjuna (Phalguna), resembling the tumultuous sound of oceans at the end of an era.
हतानयत गृह्णीत युध्यतापि च कृन्तत। इत्यासीत्तुमुलः शब्दः फल्गुनस्य रथं प्रति ॥६-११४-१८॥
There was a tumultuous sound towards Arjuna's chariot, with cries of 'Slay, bring, seize, fight, also cut!'
तं शब्दं तुमुलं श्रुत्वा पाण्डवानां महारथाः। अभ्यधावन्परीप्सन्तः फल्गुनं भरतर्षभ ॥६-११४-१९॥
Upon hearing the loud noise made by the Pandavas, the great warriors hurried to protect Arjuna, O best of the Bharatas.
सात्यकिर्भीमसेनश्च धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पार्षतः। विराटद्रुपदौ चोभौ राक्षसश्च घटोत्कचः ॥६-११४-२०॥
Satyaki, Bhimasena, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, Virata, Drupada, and the demon Ghatotkacha were all present.
अभिमन्युश्च सङ्क्रुद्धः सप्तैते क्रोधमूर्छिताः। समभ्यधावंस्त्वरिताश्चित्रकार्मुकधारिणः ॥६-११४-२१॥
Abhimanyu and these seven warriors, filled with rage, quickly advanced bearing their bright bows.
तेषां समभवद्युद्धं तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम्। सङ्ग्रामे भरतश्रेष्ठ देवानां दानवैरिव ॥६-११४-२२॥
A fierce and terrifying battle arose among them, O best of the Bharatas, resembling the battle between the gods and the demons.
शिखण्डी तु रथश्रेष्ठो रक्ष्यमाणः किरीटिना। अविध्यद्दशभिर्भीष्मं छिन्नधन्वानमाहवे ॥ सारथिं दशभिश्चास्य ध्वजं चैकेन चिच्छिदे ॥६-११४-२३॥
Shikhandi, protected by Arjuna, attacked Bhishma, breaking his bow with ten arrows in the battle. He also struck down the charioteer with ten arrows and cut off the flag with one.
सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय गाङ्गेयो वेगवत्तरम्। तदप्यस्य शितैर्भल्लैस्त्रिभिश्चिच्छेद फल्गुनः ॥६-११४-२४॥
The son of Ganga took another more powerful bow, but Arjuna cut it too with three sharp arrows.
एवं स पाण्डवः क्रुद्ध आत्तमात्तं पुनः पुनः। धनुर्भीष्मस्य चिच्छेद सव्यसाची परन्तपः ॥६-११४-२५॥
In this way, the Pāṇḍava, filled with rage, repeatedly drew his bow and severed the bow of Bhīṣma, demonstrating his prowess as Savyasāci, the mighty archer and vanquisher of enemies.
स च्छिन्नधन्वा सङ्क्रुद्धः सृक्किणी परिसंलिहन्। शक्तिं जग्राह सङ्क्रुद्धो गिरीणामपि दारणीम् ॥६-११४-२६॥
He, with his bow broken and in anger, licked his quiver and took up a spear capable of piercing even mountains.
तां च चिक्षेप सङ्क्रुद्धः फल्गुनस्य रथं प्रति ॥६-११४-२६॥
In his anger, he hurled her towards Arjuna's chariot.
तामापतन्तीं सम्प्रेक्ष्य ज्वलन्तीमशनीमिव। समादत्त शितान्भल्लान्पञ्च पाण्डवनन्दनः ॥६-११४-२७॥
Upon seeing her coming like a blazing thunderbolt, the son of Pandu picked up five sharp arrows.
तस्य चिच्छेद तां शक्तिं पञ्चधा पञ्चभिः शरैः। सङ्क्रुद्धो भरतश्रेष्ठ भीष्मबाहुबलेरिताम् ॥६-११४-२८॥
In his anger, Bhishma, with the strength of his arms, cut that weapon into five pieces using five arrows, O best of the Bharatas.
सा पपात परिच्छिन्ना सङ्क्रुद्धेन किरीटिना। मेघवृन्दपरिभ्रष्टा विच्छिन्नेव शतह्रदा ॥६-११४-२९॥
She fell, cut off by the enraged crowned one, like a hundred streams separated from a cluster of clouds.
छिन्नां तां शक्तिमालोक्य भीष्मः क्रोधसमन्वितः। अचिन्तयद्रणे वीरो बुद्ध्या परपुरञ्जयः ॥६-११४-३०॥
Upon witnessing his power being cut, Bhishma, filled with rage, contemplated wisely in the battlefield as the conqueror of enemy cities.
शक्तोऽहं धनुषैकेन निहन्तुं सर्वपाण्डवान्। यद्येषां न भवेद्गोप्ता विष्वक्सेनो महाबलः ॥६-११४-३१॥
I am capable of killing all the Pāṇḍavas with a single bow if the mighty Viṣvaksena is not their protector.
कारणद्वयमास्थाय नाहं योत्स्यामि पाण्डवैः। अवध्यत्वाच्च पाण्डूनां स्त्रीभावाच्च शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११४-३२॥
I have decided not to engage in battle with the Pandavas for two reasons: their invincibility and Shikhandi's femininity.
पित्रा तुष्टेन मे पूर्वं यदा कालीमुदावहत्। स्वच्छन्दमरणं दत्तमवध्यत्वं रणे तथा ॥ तस्मान्मृत्युमहं मन्ये प्राप्तकालमिवात्मनः ॥६-११४-३३॥
My father, pleased with me, granted me the boon of choosing the time of my death and invincibility in battle when he married Kali. Therefore, I believe it is the right time for my death.
एवं ज्ञात्वा व्यवसितं भीष्मस्यामिततेजसः। ऋषयो वसवश्चैव वियत्स्था भीष्ममब्रुवन् ॥६-११४-३४॥
Understanding the firm resolve of the illustrious Bhishma, the sages and the Vasus, who were present in the sky, addressed him.
यत्ते व्यवसितं वीर अस्माकं सुमहत्प्रियम्। तत्कुरुष्व महेष्वास युद्धाद्बुद्धिं निवर्तय ॥६-११४-३५॥
Your determination, O hero, is greatly cherished by us. Please, O great archer, act on it and withdraw your mind from the battle.
तस्य वाक्यस्य निधने प्रादुरासीच्छिवोऽनिलः। अनुलोमः सुगन्धी च पृषतैश्च समन्वितः ॥६-११४-३६॥
At the conclusion of his speech, a gentle and fragrant breeze appeared, carrying with it auspiciousness and a light drizzle.
देवदुन्दुभयश्चैव सम्प्रणेदुर्महास्वनाः। पपात पुष्पवृष्टिश्च भीष्मस्योपरि पार्थिव ॥६-११४-३७॥
The divine drums resounded with a mighty sound, and a shower of flowers fell upon Bhishma, the king.
न च तच्छुश्रुवे कश्चित्तेषां संवदतां नृप। ऋते भीष्मं महाबाहुं मां चापि मुनितेजसा ॥६-११४-३८॥
O king, none among them heard the conversation except for the mighty-armed Bhishma and myself, thanks to the sage's brilliance.
सम्भ्रमश्च महानासीत्त्रिदशानां विशां पते। पतिष्यति रथाद्भीष्मे सर्वलोकप्रिये तदा ॥६-११४-३९॥
O lord of the people, there was great confusion among the gods when Bhishma, who was dear to all worlds, was about to fall from his chariot.
इति देवगणानां च श्रुत्वा वाक्यं महामनाः। ततः शान्तनवो भीष्मो बीभत्सुं नाभ्यवर्तत ॥ भिद्यमानः शितैर्बाणैः सर्वावरणभेदिभिः ॥६-११४-४०॥
Upon hearing the words of the gods, the wise Bhishma, son of Śantanu, refrained from advancing towards Arjuna as he was being struck by sharp arrows that could pierce any armor.
शिखण्डी तु महाराज भरतानां पितामहम्। आजघानोरसि क्रुद्धो नवभिर्निशितैः शरैः ॥६-११४-४१॥
Shikhandi, in his anger, struck the grandsire Bhishma, the elder of the Bharatas, on the chest with nine sharp arrows, O great king.
स तेनाभिहतः सङ्ख्ये भीष्मः कुरुपितामहः। नाकम्पत महाराज क्षितिकम्पे यथाचलः ॥६-११४-४२॥
Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, was struck in battle but did not waver, O great king, just as a mountain remains unmoved during an earthquake.
ततः प्रहस्य बीभत्सुर्व्याक्षिपन्गाण्डिवं धनुः। गाङ्गेयं पञ्चविंशत्या क्षुद्रकाणां समर्पयत् ॥६-११४-४३॥
Then, with a smile, Arjuna, known as Bibhatsu, stretched his Gandiva bow and shot twenty-five small arrows at Bhishma, the son of Ganga.
पुनः शरशतेनैनं त्वरमाणो धनञ्जयः। सर्वगात्रेषु सङ्क्रुद्धः सर्वमर्मस्वताडयत् ॥६-११४-४४॥
Arjuna, in his haste and anger, struck his opponent with a hundred arrows, targeting all limbs and vital parts.
एवमन्यैरपि भृशं वध्यमानो महारणे। न चक्रुस्ते रुजं तस्य रुक्मपुङ्खाः शिलाशिताः ॥६-११४-४५॥
Despite being fiercely attacked by others in the great battle, the golden-feathered, stone-sharpened arrows did not cause him any pain.
ततः किरीटी संरब्धो भीष्ममेवाभ्यवर्तत। शिखण्डिनं पुरस्कृत्य धनुश्चास्य समाच्छिनत् ॥६-११४-४६॥
Then, Arjuna, wearing a crown and filled with excitement, advanced towards Bhishma, keeping Shikhandi in front, and cut off Bhishma's bow.
अथैनं दशभिर्विद्ध्वा ध्वजमेकेन चिच्छिदे। सारथिं विशिखैश्चास्य दशभिः समकम्पयत् ॥६-११४-४७॥
Then, he pierced him with ten arrows and cut off his flag with one. He also shook his charioteer with ten arrows.
सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादत्त गाङ्गेयो बलवत्तरम्। तदप्यस्य शितैर्भल्लैस्त्रिधा त्रिभिरुपानुदत् ॥ निमेषान्तरमात्रेण आत्तमात्तं महारणे ॥६-११४-४८॥
The son of Ganga took another, stronger bow, but even that was shattered into three pieces by his sharp arrows in an instant during the great battle.
एवमस्य धनूंष्याजौ चिच्छेद सुबहून्यपि। ततः शान्तनवो भीष्मो बीभत्सुं नाभ्यवर्तत ॥६-११४-४९॥
In this way, he severed many of his bows in battle. Then, Bhishma, the son of Śantanu, refrained from advancing towards Arjuna.
अथैनं पञ्चविंशत्या क्षुद्रकाणां समर्दयत्। सोऽतिविद्धो महेष्वासो दुःशासनमभाषत ॥६-११४-५०॥
Then, having been pierced by twenty-five small arrows, the great archer spoke to Duḥśāsana.
एष पार्थो रणे क्रुद्धः पाण्डवानां महारथः। शरैरनेकसाहस्रैर्मामेवाभ्यसते रणे ॥६-११४-५१॥
The son of Pritha, a great warrior of the Pandavas, is angrily attacking me in the battle with countless arrows.
न चैष शक्यः समरे जेतुं वज्रभृता अपि। न चापि सहिता वीरा देवदानवराक्षसाः ॥ मां चैव शक्ता निर्जेतुं किमु मर्त्याः सुदुर्बलाः ॥६-११४-५२॥
Even the wielder of the thunderbolt cannot conquer this in battle, nor can the combined heroes, gods, demons, and ogres defeat me. How then can the very weak mortals?
एवं तयोः संवदतोः फल्गुनो निशितैः शरैः। शिखण्डिनं पुरस्कृत्य भीष्मं विव्याध संयुगे ॥६-११४-५३॥
As the conversation between the two continued, Arjuna, using sharp arrows and having Shikhandi lead, struck Bhishma during the battle.
ततो दुःशासनं भूयः स्मयमानोऽभ्यभाषत। अतिविद्धः शितैर्बाणैर्भृशं गाण्डीवधन्वना ॥६-११४-५४॥
Then, with a smile, he spoke to Duḥśāsana, who had been severely wounded by the sharp arrows of Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
वज्राशनिसमस्पर्शाः शिताग्राः सम्प्रवेशिताः। विमुक्ता अव्यवच्छिन्ना नेमे बाणाः शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११४-५५॥
The arrows of Shikhandi, with a touch like a thunderbolt, sharp and pointed, have been released and inserted without interruption; these are not ordinary.
निकृन्तमाना मर्माणि दृढावरणभेदिनः। मुसलानीव मे घ्नन्ति नेमे बाणाः शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११४-५६॥
The arrows of Shikhandi, like clubs, strike me, cutting through vital parts and piercing strong covers, but they are not effective.
ब्रह्मदण्डसमस्पर्शा वज्रवेगा दुरासदाः। मम प्राणानारुजन्ति नेमे बाणाः शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११४-५७॥
The arrows of Shikhandi, possessing the touch equal to Brahma's staff and the speed of a thunderbolt, remain unapproachable and do not harm my life.
भुजगा इव सङ्क्रुद्धा लेलिहाना विषोल्बणाः। ममाविशन्ति मर्माणि नेमे बाणाः शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११४-५८॥
The poisonous serpents, like angry ones licking, enter my vitals; these are not the arrows of Śikhaṇḍin.
नाशयन्तीव मे प्राणान्यमदूता इवाहिताः। गदापरिघसंस्पर्शा नेमे बाणाः शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११४-५९॥
The arrows of Shikhandi, as if they were messengers of Yama, seem to be destroying my life forces, yet they do not touch the mace and iron club.
कृन्तन्ति मम गात्राणि माघमासे गवामिव। अर्जुनस्य इमे बाणा नेमे बाणाः शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११४-६०॥
In the month of Magha, my limbs are being cut like those of cows. These arrows belong to Arjuna, not to Shikhandi.
सर्वे ह्यपि न मे दुःखं कुर्युरन्ये नराधिपाः। वीरं गण्डीवधन्वानमृते जिष्णुं कपिध्वजम् ॥६-११४-६१॥
None of the other kings would cause me sorrow, except for the heroic Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow, with the monkey banner.
इति ब्रुवञ्शान्तनवो दिधक्षुरिव पाण्डवम्। सविष्फुलिङ्गां दीप्ताग्रां शक्तिं चिक्षेप भारत ॥६-११४-६२॥
As he spoke, the son of Śantanu, in his desire to destroy the Pāṇḍava, threw a spear that blazed with sparks, O Bhārata.
तामस्य विशिखैश्छित्त्वा त्रिधा त्रिभिरपातयत्। पश्यतां कुरुवीराणां सर्वेषां तत्र भारत ॥६-११४-६३॥
He skillfully divided it into three parts with his arrows and brought it down in front of all the Kuru warriors, O Bhārata.
चर्माथादत्त गाङ्गेयो जातरूपपरिष्कृतम्। खड्गं चान्यतरं प्रेप्सुर्मृत्योरग्रे जयाय वा ॥६-११४-६४॥
The son of Ganga then took a golden-adorned shield and another sword, seeking either death or victory in the face of battle.
तस्य तच्छतधा चर्म व्यधमद्दंशितात्मनः। रथादनवरूढस्य तदद्भुतमिवाभवत् ॥६-११४-६५॥
His armor was shattered into a hundred pieces by his own furious spirit. It seemed like a miracle to him, as he remained standing on the chariot.
विनद्योच्चैः सिंह इव स्वान्यनीकान्यचोदयत्। अभिद्रवत गाङ्गेयं मां वोऽस्तु भयमण्वपि ॥६-११४-६६॥
Roaring loudly like a lion, he urged his troops to attack Bhishma, the son of Ganga, saying, "Let there be no fear in you, not even a little."
अथ ते तोमरैः प्रासैर्बाणौघैश्च समन्ततः। पट्टिशैश्च सनिस्त्रिंशैर्नानाप्रहरणैस्तथा ॥६-११४-६७॥
Then they surrounded with spears, lances, showers of arrows, swords, scimitars, and various weapons from all sides.
वत्सदन्तैश्च भल्लैश्च तमेकमभिदुद्रुवुः। सिंहनादस्ततो घोरः पाण्डवानामजायत ॥६-११४-६८॥
The warriors, armed with calf-teeth and arrows, charged at him alone. Then, a dreadful lion's roar emerged from the Pandavas.
तथैव तव पुत्राश्च राजन्भीष्मजयैषिणः। तमेकमभ्यवर्तन्त सिंहनादांश्च नेदिरे ॥६-११४-६९॥
Similarly, your sons, O king, eager for Bhishma's victory, advanced towards him alone, roaring like lions.
तत्रासीत्तुमुलं युद्धं तावकानां परैः सह। दशमेऽहनि राजेन्द्र भीष्मार्जुनसमागमे ॥६-११४-७०॥
On the tenth day, O King, a fierce battle took place between your forces and the enemies during the encounter between Bhishma and Arjuna.
आसीद्गाङ्ग इवावर्तो मुहूर्तमुदधेरिव। सैन्यानां युध्यमानानां निघ्नतामितरेतरम् ॥६-११४-७१॥
For a moment, the armies clashed like a whirlpool in the Ganges, resembling the ocean, as they fought and killed each other.
अगम्यरूपा पृथिवी शोणिताक्ता तदाभवत्। समं च विषमं चैव न प्राज्ञायत किञ्चन ॥६-११४-७२॥
The earth took on an incomprehensible form, stained with blood. Nothing, whether level or uneven, could be perceived at all.
योधानामयुतं हत्वा तस्मिन्स दशमेऽहनि। अतिष्ठदाहवे भीष्मो भिद्यमानेषु मर्मसु ॥६-११४-७३॥
On the tenth day, after slaying ten thousand warriors, Bhishma stood firm in the battle, even as his vital points were being pierced.
ततः सेनामुखे तस्मिन्स्थितः पार्थो धनञ्जयः। मध्येन कुरुसैन्यानां द्रावयामास वाहिनीम् ॥६-११४-७४॥
Then, Arjuna, standing at the forefront of the army, dispersed the forces through the center of the Kuru armies.
वयं श्वेतहयाद्भीताः कुन्तीपुत्राद्धनञ्जयात्। पीड्यमानाः शितैः शस्त्रैः प्रद्रवाम महारणात् ॥६-११४-७५॥
We were terrified by Arjuna, the son of Kunti, who rides the white horse, and being oppressed by his sharp weapons, we fled from the great battle.
सौवीराः कितवाः प्राच्याः प्रतीच्योदीच्यमालवाः। अभीषाहाः शूरसेनाः शिबयोऽथ वसातयः ॥६-११४-७६॥
The verse lists various groups of people, including the Sauvīras, gamblers, easterners, westerners, northerners, Mālavas, fearless ones, Śūrasenas, Śibis, and Vasātis.
शाल्वाश्रयास्त्रिगर्ताश्च अम्बष्ठाः केकयैः सह। द्वादशैते जनपदाः शरार्ता व्रणपीडिताः ॥ सङ्ग्रामे न जहुर्भीष्मं युध्यमानं किरीटिना ॥६-११४-७७॥
The twelve nations, including those dwelling in Śālva, Trigartas, and Ambashṭhas, along with the Kekayas, though afflicted by arrows and wounded, did not abandon Bhishma as he fought with Arjuna in the battle.
ततस्तमेकं बहवः परिवार्य समन्ततः। परिकाल्य कुरून्सर्वाञ्शरवर्षैरवाकिरन् ॥६-११४-७८॥
Then many warriors surrounded him from all sides and attacked all the Kurus with showers of arrows, covering them completely.
निपातयत गृह्णीत विध्यताथ च कर्षत। इत्यासीत्तुमुलः शब्दो राजन्भीष्मरथं प्रति ॥६-११४-७९॥
There was a loud and chaotic noise as the warriors shouted to strike down, seize, pierce, and drag towards Bhishma's chariot, O king.
अभिहत्य शरौघैस्तं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः। न तस्यासीदनिर्भिन्नं गात्रेष्वङ्गुलमात्रकम् ॥६-११४-८०॥
After being struck by countless showers of arrows, there wasn't a single spot on his body, even as small as a finger's breadth, that remained unpierced.
एवं विभो तव पिता शरैर्विशकलीकृतः। शिताग्रैः फल्गुनेनाजौ प्राक्षिराः प्रापतद्रथात् ॥ किञ्चिच्छेषे दिनकरे पुत्राणां तव पश्यताम् ॥६-११४-८१॥
Thus, O lord, your father was torn apart by the sharp-pointed arrows of Phalguna in battle and fell from the chariot. While your sons were watching, a little of the sun remained.
हा हेति दिवि देवानां पार्थिवानां च सर्वशः। पतमाने रथाद्भीष्मे बभूव सुमहान्स्वनः ॥६-११४-८२॥
As Bhishma fell from his chariot, there was a great sound everywhere, like the lamentations of gods and kings in heaven.
तं पतन्तमभिप्रेक्ष्य महात्मानं पितामहम्। सह भीष्मेण सर्वेषां प्रापतन्हृदयानि नः ॥६-११४-८३॥
Seeing the great soul, our grandfather, falling along with Bhishma, all our hearts sank.
स पपात महाबाहुर्वसुधामनुनादयन्। इन्द्रध्वज इवोत्सृष्टः केतुः सर्वधनुष्मताम् ॥ धरणीं नास्पृशच्चापि शरसङ्घैः समाचितः ॥६-११४-८४॥
The mighty-armed warrior fell to the ground with a resounding crash, like the banner of Indra released, symbolizing the flag of all archers. However, he did not touch the earth, as he was covered with a multitude of arrows.
शरतल्पे महेष्वासं शयानं पुरुषर्षभम्। रथात्प्रपतितं चैनं दिव्यो भावः समाविशत् ॥६-११४-८५॥
As he lay on the bed of arrows, the great archer, a bull among men, having fallen from his chariot, was enveloped by a divine state.
अभ्यवर्षत पर्जन्यः प्राकम्पत च मेदिनी। पतन्स ददृशे चापि खर्वितं च दिवाकरम् ॥६-११४-८६॥
The cloud poured rain, causing the earth to tremble. As it fell, the sun appeared to be obscured.
सञ्ज्ञां चैवालभद्वीरः कालं सञ्चिन्त्य भारत। अन्तरिक्षे च शुश्राव दिव्यां वाचं समन्ततः ॥६-११४-८७॥
The hero, having contemplated the time, regained consciousness, O Bharata, and heard a divine voice from all directions in the sky.
कथं महात्मा गाङ्गेयः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः। कालं कर्ता नरव्याघ्रः सम्प्राप्ते दक्षिणायने ॥६-११४-८८॥
How did the noble Bhishma, son of Ganga and the greatest of warriors, choose to act as the southern solstice approached?
स्थितोऽस्मीति च गाङ्गेयस्तच्छ्रुत्वा वाक्यमब्रवीत्। धारयामास च प्राणान्पतितोऽपि हि भूतले ॥ उत्तरायणमन्विच्छन्भीष्मः कुरुपितामहः ॥६-११४-८९॥
Bhishma, the son of Ganga, after hearing those words, said, "I am standing." Even though he had fallen on the ground, he held his breaths, seeking the northern solstice. Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, awaited the Uttarayana.
तस्य तन्मतमाज्ञाय गङ्गा हिमवतः सुता। महर्षीन्हंसरूपेण प्रेषयामास तत्र वै ॥६-११४-९०॥
Understanding his intention, Ganga, the daughter of Himavat, sent the great sages there in the form of a swan.
ततः सम्पातिनो हंसास्त्वरिता मानसौकसः। आजग्मुः सहिता द्रष्टुं भीष्मं कुरुपितामहम् ॥ यत्र शेते नरश्रेष्ठः शरतल्पे पितामहः ॥६-११४-९१॥
Then the swans from Lake Manasa, flying swiftly together, came to see Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, who lay on the bed of arrows, the revered elder.
ते तु भीष्मं समासाद्य मुनयो हंसरूपिणः। अपश्यञ्शरतल्पस्थं भीष्मं कुरुपितामहम् ॥६-११४-९२॥
The sages, taking the form of swans, approached Bhishma and saw him lying on his bed of arrows, the revered grandsire of the Kuru dynasty.
ते तं दृष्ट्वा महात्मानं कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम्। गाङ्गेयं भरतश्रेष्ठं दक्षिणेन च भास्करम् ॥६-११४-९३॥
They saw the great soul, performed circumambulation, and honored the son of Ganga, the best of the Bharatas, by facing south and the sun.
इतरेतरमामन्त्र्य प्राहुस्तत्र मनीषिणः। भीष्म एव महात्मा सन्संस्थाता दक्षिणायने ॥६-११४-९४॥
The wise ones, addressing each other, said there that Bhishma, being a great soul, would depart during the southern solstice.
इत्युक्त्वा प्रस्थितान्हंसान्दक्षिणामभितो दिशम्। सम्प्रेक्ष्य वै महाबुद्धिश्चिन्तयित्वा च भारत ॥६-११४-९५॥
Having spoken thus, the swans set out towards the south. Observing with great wisdom, he contemplated, O Bhārata.
तानब्रवीच्छान्तनवो नाहं गन्ता कथञ्चन। दक्षिणावृत्त आदित्ये एतन्मे मनसि स्थितम् ॥६-११४-९६॥
The son of Śantanu declared to them that he would not depart under any circumstances when the sun turns south; this decision was firmly set in his mind.
गमिष्यामि स्वकं स्थानमासीद्यन्मे पुरातनम्। उदगावृत्त आदित्ये हंसाः सत्यं ब्रवीमि वः ॥६-११४-९७॥
I will return to my ancient abode when the sun turns north. I speak the truth to you, O swans.
धारयिष्याम्यहं प्राणानुत्तरायणकाङ्क्षया। ऐश्वर्यभूतः प्राणानामुत्सर्गे नियतो ह्यहम् ॥ तस्मात्प्राणान्धारयिष्ये मुमूर्षुरुदगायने ॥६-११४-९८॥
I will sustain my life forces with the hope of the northern course. Being endowed with power, I am indeed resolute in the release of life forces. Hence, I will maintain my life forces, wishing to pass away during the northern course.
यश्च दत्तो वरो मह्यं पित्रा तेन महात्मना। छन्दतो मृत्युरित्येवं तस्य चास्तु वरस्तथा ॥६-११४-९९॥
The boon granted to me by my father, the noble soul, is that I can choose the time of my death. Thus, let this boon be fulfilled as such.
धारयिष्ये ततः प्राणानुत्सर्गे नियते सति। इत्युक्त्वा तांस्तदा हंसानशेत शरतल्पगः ॥६-११४-१००॥
Bhishma, lying on the bed of arrows, declared that he would hold his life force until the right time, and then lay down the swans, symbolizing his readiness to depart from the world.
एवं कुरूणां पतिते शृङ्गे भीष्मे महौजसि। पाण्डवाः सृञ्जयाश्चैव सिंहनादं प्रचक्रिरे ॥६-११४-१०१॥
When the mighty Bhishma, the pinnacle of the Kurus, fell, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas roared like lions in triumph.
तस्मिन्हते महासत्त्वे भरतानाममध्यमे। न किञ्चित्प्रत्यपद्यन्त पुत्रास्ते भरतर्षभ ॥ संमोहश्चैव तुमुलः कुरूणामभवत्तदा ॥६-११४-१०२॥
When that great being, the middle of the Bharatas, was slain, the sons, O best of the Bharatas, did not obtain anything. Then, confusion and uproar indeed arose among the Kurus.
नृपा दुर्योधनमुखा निःश्वस्य रुरुदुस्ततः। विषादाच्च चिरं कालमतिष्ठन्विगतेन्द्रियाः ॥६-११४-१०३॥
The kings, led by Duryodhana, sighed and wept. In their despair, they stood senseless for a long time.
दध्युश्चैव महाराज न युद्धे दधिरे मनः। ऊरुग्राहगृहीताश्च नाभ्यधावन्त पाण्डवान् ॥६-११४-१०४॥
The warriors, overwhelmed by fear, decided not to engage in battle and refrained from confronting the Pandavas, O great king.
अवध्ये शन्तनोः पुत्रे हते भीष्मे महौजसि। अभावः सुमहान्राजन्कुरूनागादतन्द्रितः ॥६-११४-१०५॥
When the invincible Bhīṣma, the son of Śantanu and of great energy, was slain, a profound absence descended upon the Kurus, O king, with relentless force.
हतप्रवीराश्च वयं निकृत्ताश्च शितैः शरैः। कर्तव्यं नाभिजानीमो निर्जिताः सव्यसाचिना ॥६-११४-१०६॥
We, the slain heroes, struck down by sharp arrows, are at a loss for what to do, having been defeated by Arjuna.
पाण्डवास्तु जयं लब्ध्वा परत्र च परां गतिम्। सर्वे दध्मुर्महाशङ्खाञ्शूराः परिघबाहवः ॥ सोमकाश्च सपञ्चालाः प्राहृष्यन्त जनेश्वर ॥६-११४-१०७॥
The Pandavas, after achieving victory and reaching the supreme state in the afterlife, blew their mighty conches. The heroes with arms like iron clubs, along with the Somakas and Panchalas, rejoiced, O lord of men.
ततस्तूर्यसहस्रेषु नदत्सु सुमहाबलः। आस्फोटयामास भृशं भीमसेनो ननर्त च ॥६-११४-१०८॥
Then, amidst the sound of thousands of musical instruments, the mighty Bhimasena shouted loudly and danced with great intensity.
सेनयोरुभयोश्चापि गाङ्गेये विनिपातिते। संन्यस्य वीराः शस्त्राणि प्राध्यायन्त समन्ततः ॥६-११४-१०९॥
The heroes of both armies, having laid down their weapons, meditated all around the fallen Ganges.
प्राक्रोशन्प्रापतंश्चान्ये जग्मुर्मोहं तथापरे। क्षत्रं चान्येऽभ्यनिन्दन्त भीष्मं चैकेऽभ्यपूजयन् ॥६-११४-११०॥
Some cried out and fell down, others went into confusion; some criticized the warriors, while others worshipped Bhishma.
ऋषयः पितरश्चैव प्रशशंसुर्महाव्रतम्। भरतानां च ये पूर्वे ते चैनं प्रशशंसिरे ॥६-११४-१११॥
The sages and ancestors praised the great vow, and the former Bharatas also praised it.
महोपनिषदं चैव योगमास्थाय वीर्यवान्। जपञ्शान्तनवो धीमान्कालाकाङ्क्षी स्थितोऽभवत् ॥६-११४-११२॥
The wise and powerful son of Shantanu, engaged in the great Upanishad and yoga, continued his recitations, awaiting the end.
