Bhishma's Dilemma

On the ninth day of the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma is a law unto himself. Accused by Duryodhana of siding with the Pandavas, the grandsire enters the battlefield seething with anger. He vows to finish the Pandavas and strikes the enemy flanks with unrestrained ferocity. The awesome display of power forces the Pandava army to run helter-skelter. Arjuna is a mute spectator as the old man systematically destroys division after division.

Casualties mount, and Krishna realizing the helplessness of the Pandavas, gets down from the chariot and advances towards Bhishma.

‘Oh grandsire, forget the Pandavas. If you have the courage, pick up your bow and arrow. Fight me if you can. I will ensure victory for the Pandavas by finishing you now and here.

Bhishma gets down from his chariot and kneels before Krishna:

“Oh Krishna, I can’t aspire for anything more than death at the hands of the Lord of the universe. I beseech you to put an end to my miseries by slaying me.”

Krishna is persuaded by Arjuna to refrain from killing Bhishma as he promises to put up a better show. After sunset, Arjuna goes to Bhishma where the grandsire reveals a strategy to kill him. Moreover, Bhishma is granted a boon that would let him choose the time to leave the world.

The above episode reveals the ‘rules of engagement’ and how both sides adhered to it. All combatants would drop their weapons and cease action after sunset. What is more, they would cross over to the rival camp as Arjuna did and return to resume battle the next day.

Enemies were treated with courtesy and respect after closing time.

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