In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhishmachaarya getting more comfortable, thanks to Arjuna’s timely intervention by giving a supporting “pillow of arrows” to him as he lies down on the “bed of arrows”. Subsequently, Bhishmachaarya is thirsty for water and immediately Arjuna employs his “Varuna-Asthra” to bring out a fresh-water spring from beneath the ground. This place where Arjuna brought out water for Bhishmachaarya to drink can be entirely worshipped today also and it is referred to as “Bhishma-Kund” just outside the city of Kurukshetra in the Indian state of Haryana. Even today we can see a small pond wherein there is fresh water in it and by the side of it, there is an idol of Bhishmachaarya lying down on the arrow bed. This place is believed to be the one where Bhishmachaarya attained “Moksha” too, and before that, the auspicious Vishnu Sahasranamam also took birth.
As Arjuna does this feat, Bhishmchaarya calls him nearby and appreciates him. Bhishmachaarya says to Duryodhana who is also standing nearby thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Getting water from beneath the ground with a “Varuna-Asthra” is not an easy art. It requires a lot of dedication and sincerity. Arjuna has both of them in him. Moreover, making sure that the water directly falls into my mouth is something extraordinary and unimaginable! If Arjuna is able to achieve this feat, he is capable of achieving anything in this world very easily! Oh Duryodhana! Please understand – When I asked for water, you went to bring a keg full of water for me. I appreciate your helping nature, but this is not what I expected from a “Kshatrya” warrior like you. I wanted water in the apt way and Arjuna was quick enough to understand my requirement. Thus, Arjuna acted immediately in the right direction as well to obtain water from beneath the ground directly. This is the level of expertise and shrewdness that a “Kshatrya” warrior is expected to have, and I think you’re not up to that level as yet, even after so many years. Oh Duryodhana! Hence, atleast now please let go of your ego and protect your remaining brothers and army. Please do not let the entire clan get destroyed by your ego and jealousy. If this continues further, whatever happened to me today will happen to everybody around you and at that point in time, there is no option to repent for your mistakes. Hence, even now it is not too late! Please let go off this war and avoid any further disaster from taking place! Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna can never be defeated when they are together! There’s no way that you can separate both of them and even if you do, you’ll not be able to win over either of them! Please understand this and recollect whatever I told you last night!”
As Bhishmachaarya says this to Duryodhana, he turns towards Arjuna now and says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Please understand one thing clearly – All these things that you’re doing today are only because of the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Krishna who is standing by the side of you every minute! If He is not there with you, nothing is feasible! So please never forget the help that Bhagawan Krishna is rendering to you, which is unprecedented in nature! I’ve never seen anybody in this world till now for whom Bhagawan is totally devoting 100% of His time! You are extremely fortunate in this regard! Hence, please do not waste this golden opportunity away! Bhagawan Krishna will always stand with those who follow “Dharma”. You are doing it and please continue doing it in the future as well! He will guide you and take care of you adequately! Of course you might have some challenges during the pursuit of “Dharma”, but don’t get demotivated. Always be sure that Bhagawan Krishna is by your side and He will bring you out of any catastrophe that you might have to face!”
As Bhishmachaarya talks to both Duryodhana and Arjuna, with a last-ditch attempt to stop the war from proceeding any further, we come to the end of the “Bhishma-Vadha Parva”. Now, as this talk comes to a conclusion, everybody disperse away without uttering anything much to each other. The entire atmosphere is extremely sad and sorrowful. Everybody is upset upon Bhishmachaarya’s fall and upon his suffering. Arjuna is the one who is upset the most, as he is the one who had to hit Bhishmachaarya and bring him down to this level! However, as all of them disperse from that place for the night, something strange happens! Karna makes his way to meet Bhishmachaarya in the middle of the battlefield. Upon learning the fate of Bhishmachaarya, Karna comes to see him and enquire about his health. Of course, Bhishmachaarya and Karna are at loggerheads with each other, but this conversation between the two of them is going to have some significance, which we’ll wait till the next episode to witness! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 