In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra taking the lead in bowing down to the great Bhishmachaarya who was standing on the opposite side alongside Duryodhana and Co., ready to commence the war. Yudishtra pays his respects to him and seeks his approval to begin the war proceedings. Through this gesture, Bhishmachaarya is moved emotionally and thus, openly declares in front of everyone that Yudishtra has won the war even before a single arrow has been fired. Further, Bhishmachaarya explains that whatever is happening at Kurukshetra currently is according to the divine “Sankalpa” of Bhagawan Krishna, who is also standing alongside Yudishtra. If Bhagawan has decided that this war has to happen, who on this earth can go against it? Moreover, the war was decided and destined at a time when Bhagawan was insulted by Duryodhana and Co. when He had come as the messenger for Yudishtra. After whatever happened on that fateful day, this war has become a mere formality and hence, Bhishmachaarya gives his “go ahead” to Yudishtra to commence the war.
After this, the next question which Yudishtra is asking Bhishmachaarya is very important – How does Bhishmachaarya collapse in the battlefield, given the fact that even Indra and the other Devas cannot stand in front of him in a battle? Yudishtra asks this question to none other than Bhishmachaarya himself and this shows how honest and straightforward Yudishtra is! He doesn’t mince his words – For the sake of “Dharma”, if Yudishtra has to win, he has no other option but to defeat and kill Bhishmachaarya in the battlefield. So how does he do that? Bhishmachaarya replies back thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve asked a very important and a straightforward question! However, the time hasn’t come yet to give you an answer to this question. In any case, please be sure – You are the one who is going to win this war and there’s no doubt in it. You might not know the secret behind how to defeat me, but the person standing near you – Bhagawan Krishna – He knows it very well. When the right time comes, He Himself will tell you and guide you in the right way. Of course, if required, I myself will tell you! Oh Yudishtra! Please do not worry! Unless and until you have Bhagawan Krishna beside you, victory is assured!”
So Bhishmachaarya is giving such a reply during the first day of the war. Readers should remember that we’re still in day one of the Kurukshetra battle and it is yet to begin. Yudishtra has to wait till the evening of the ninth day for an answer from Bhishmachaarya. However for now, Bhishmachaarya sends Yudishtra back without an answer, but he blesses Yudishtra wholeheartedly for his victory in this war. As Yudishtra is about to leave, Bhishmachaarya talks once again to him with tears in his eyes. Bhishmachaarya says thus, “Oh my dear Yudishtra! People in today’s scenario go frantically behind wealth and luxuries, however, you chose the other way. When you were humiliated on that fateful day when the gambling game took place, you left everything behind and went to the forest for twelve years plus one year of “Agnyaatavaasam”. Even now, you’ve come to me and you’re standing in the ground without your “Kavacha” and weapons in front of me. However, look at my condition – I’m the leader of the Kaurava army and I have the respect of everyone around. I also have weapons and “Kavacha” upon me. However, I’ve gone behind wealth and luxuries like every other person in this world unlike you! Even though I’m standing on top of my chariot, my head hangs in shame and I’m unable to face you properly! This is because “Dharma” is by your side and I’m standing on the opposite side of it! So Yudishtra! This is why I say – Even if you’re younger to me in terms of age and experience, you are several notches above me in terms of following “Dharma”! If you weren’t following the path of “Dharma”, why should Bhagawan Krishna rally behind you?”
Saying this, Bhishmachaarya is in tears and is inconsolable for a few minutes! Yudishtra tries to make him comfortable and now he moves towards the next person – His own Guru – Guru Dhronachaarya to pay his respects! So what is Guru Dhronachaarya going to reply Yudishtra? Is he going to feel bad too, or is he going to hold his fort? Stay tuned for an interesting accord!
The Indian Dharma 