Several TV serials, folklore's, fan-fiction novels and books, fan pages show Bhisma as an undefeated warrior of Mahabharata. But that is clearly not the case. If you read the Mahabharata then you will find many incidents where Bhisma has faced defeat. I will use one authentic source only in this post, and that is the
Mahabharata.
This analysis will cover bhisma's performance in the kurukshetra war (where his greatest feats are achieved along with his numerous defeats) up until his death.
I am going to try and analyze everysingle line.
So let's get started.
- Bhishma's encounters during the ten days of the war.
Quote:
Grasping a terrible bow, like the staff of death, Shantanu’s son himself advanced against Dhananjaya. Arjuna grasped the bow Gandiva, famous in the world. In the forefront of that battle, the spirited one advanced against Ganga’s son. Those two tigers of the Kuru lineage wished to kill each other. Ganga’s son pierced Partha in that battle, but he did not waver. O king! Pandava did the same to Bhishma, but could not make him waver.
Analysis: They both struck each other but could not make eachother waver.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 43
- Bhisma encounters an army
Quote:
On encountering Bhishma, the army of the Parthas trembled. O bull among the Bharata lineage! The mighty-armed one’s standard was adorned with five stars and a palm tree. It was made out of silver. O king!
Analysis: It just says "army" so no one truly knows what was in the army besides infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants etc. And it says "trembled" not wounded, injured, killed etc. So no one even died. Also the outcome of the Bhisma vs Arjuna battle seems to be a mystery, maybe they both just chose to avoid each other after exchanging a few blows as they didn't wanna fight each other.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 44
- Bhisma gets protection from the warriors who are under his command
Quote:
Then, urged by your son, Durmukha, Kritavarma, Kripa, Shalya and Vivimshati went to Bhishma and began to protect him. Protected by those five atirathas, the maharatha59 penetrated the Pandava army.
Analysis: How pathetic............. bhisma needs to be protected again... and from what? An army? This proves that instead of encountering other warriors the protection of bhisma was more important, perhaps bhisma was overpowered and in danger? Was Arjuna trying to finish bhisma already? This quote also could be used as proof of bhisma's inferiority to those five warriors, as Bhisma was called maharatha (a warrior inferior to atiratha) while the others who protected him are called atiratha (someone capable of fighting sixty thousand foes simultaenously).
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma fails to kill elephants but succeeds in killing humans
Quote:
Bhisma’s palm standard was seen to slice through the Chedis, the Kashis, the Karushas and the Panchalas in diverse ways. Bhishma’s bow and weapons then sliced off the heads60 with extremely forceful, straight-tufted and broadheaded arrows. O bull among the Bharata lineage! As the chariot travelled along its path, Bhishma seemed to be dancing. Some elephants were pierced by him in their vital parts and screamed piteously.
Analysis: Bhisma decapitated a few unknown people, not much of a achievement, that's a common feat. He killed people but not elephants.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma and his group vs Abhimanyu
Quote:
He attacked Bhishma and those supreme charioteers.62 Striking the palm standard with sharp arrows, the brave one fought with Bhishma and his followers. He pierced Kritavarma with one and Shalya with five arrows and weakened his great-grandfather with nine sharp arrows.
Analysis: So bhisma choose the shortcut way, he could not even fight fairly, he could not fight this young man alone one on one. This is disgraceful for him, i wonder how well Parasurama would have fared against Abhimanyu though.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Abhimanyu cuts up bhisma's standard/flag
Quote:
He drew his bow back fully and released an arrow that sliced down the standard embellished with gold.63
Analysis: This is the emblem of the cheif of the Kuru army, and it was cut off so easily by abhimanyu, and what did Bhisma do?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma tries to prove his skills again
Quote:
On seeing the success with which Krishna’s son64 hit the targets, all the charioteers, with Bhishma at the forefront, thought that he possessed the spirit of Dhananjaya himself. His bow twanged like Gandiva and when it was stretched and stretched again in every direction, it seemed to whirl like a circle of fire. Bhishma, the destroyer of enemy heroes, advanced towards him with great speed and in that battle, pierced Arjuna’s son with nine arrows. He used three broad-headed arrows to slice down the standard of the immensely energetic one. Bhishma, rigid in his bows, used three broad-headed arrows to strike his charioteer. O venerable one!
Analysis: "Krishna's" son means Arjuna's son as "Krishna" was also a name of Arjuna, for his dark complexion/skin tone/skin color. Bhisma was able to move with great speed despite being old. But the text just says "strike" the charioteer, he did not slay Abhimanyu's charioteer, if anything bhisma failed to kill the driver of his enemy's chariot.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Abhimanyu overpowers Bhisma
Quote:
Nevertheless, Krishna’s son showered down arrows on those five charioteers. He repulsed their great weapons with showers of arrows. Releasing arrows towards Bhishma, Krishna’s son roared loudly. O king! When he endeavoured thus in battle and released arrows towards Bhishma, his strength of arms was seen to be extremely great. Though he was valorous, Bhishma showered arrows at him. But in that battle, he sliced down all the arrows released from Bhishma’s bow. In that encounter, the brave one used nine invincible arrows to slice down Bhishma’s standard. At this, the people let out a loud shout. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! It65 was made out of silver and was decorated with gold. It was extremely large and bore the mark of a palm. Sliced down by the arrows of Subhadra’s son, it fell down on the ground.
Analysis: Over here Abhimanyu dominated the encounter with Bhisma again despite the fact that he was surrounded and encircled by Bhisma's gang.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Frustrated crook Bhisma resorts to weapons of mass destruction against a young boy.
Quote:
Then, in that extremely terrible moment, the extremely strong Bhishma made many great and celestial weapons manifest themselves. The great-grandfather, immeasurable in his soul, enveloped Subhadra’s son with hundreds and thousands of arrows with drooping tufts. ‘“At this, ten great maharatha archers from the Pandava side swiftly advanced on their chariots, so as to protect Subhadra’s son. O lord of the earth!
Analysis: Yes i agree that ten maharathis had to protect Abhimanyu but does that mean Abhimanyu was beaten? No it does not. Bhisma however was defeated in normal combat by Abhimanyu (considered to be a sixteen year old kid) and now took to his only option to use weapons of mass destruction. Bad points for him. This shows desperation to save his own image and life.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma vs multiple warriors simultaneously
Quote:
When they advanced towards him in battle, Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, pierced Panchala66 with three and Satyaki with sharp arrows. He drew his bow completely back and used a sharp and tufted arrow, like a razor at the tip, to slice down Bhimasena’s standard. O supreme among men! Bhima’s standard was decorated with gold and bore the mark of a lion. Brought down by Bhisma, it fell down from the chariot.
Analysis: The passage above says "when they advanced" so this means that these warriors were only approaching bhisma not attacking him. And karna fans complain about how Arjuna made karna swoon in the Swayamvara Parva because karna was just approaching Arjuna. Well why is it ok for Bhisma to do what Arjuna did and not get any criticism at all? And by the way flags (standards) don't hit back.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma and his gang vs Bhima
Quote:
At this, in that battle, Bhima pierced Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, with three arrows, Kripa with one and Kritavarma with eight.
Analysis: After this sentence the passage of text/section skips to the fight of Uttara and Shalya focusing on them instead. Perhaps bhisma's defeat should be offscreen instead of onscreen?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
Quote:
On seeing him advance, with the valour of a crazy elephant, seven of your charioteers surrounded him from every direction,70 wishing to protect the lord of Madra, who seemed to be advancing into the jaws of death. Roaring like thunder, the mighty-armed Bhishma grasped a bow that was as long as a palm tree and attacked Shankha in that battle.
Analysis: He had no business interfering with a man's fight against someone else. Shankha was already surrounded seven warriors other than Shalya, so why did Bhisma have to enter and make it nine vs one? That's just unfair and overkill. And what type of generalissimo choose to focus all of his strength on one target and not portect his amry from many main warrior?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Arjuna fights Bhisma and rescues Shankha
Quote:
Then Arjuna swiftly advanced and placed himself in front of Shankha, so as to protect him from Bhishma and a battle raged between the two. There were great cries and exclamations as the two warriors fought each other in that encounter.
Analysis: Of course Arjuna protected Shankha and then it became a battle just between Arjuna and Bhisma, and it seems to be going pretty even right now. Although i wonder what Abhimanyu and the others were doing at this moment. Where did they go?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma creates carnage among the Pandava army
Quote:
Many shafted arrows were released from Bhishma’s chariot and they covered everything on earth and in the sky. Bhishma, foremost among the wielders of weapons, used his arrows to kill large numbers of Panchalas, Matsyas, Kekayas and Prabhadrakas.
Analysis: All Panchalas matsyas and kekayas were still in great numbers in the pandavas army even at the 18th day, the Prabhadrakas survived till day 17 in huge vast numbers. So bhisma didn't do much, he didn't accomplish anything, the amount of damage is minimum.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma runs away from Arjuna
Quote:
Abandoning the battle with Pandava Savyasachi, he73 rushed towards Panchala Drupada, surrounded by his soldiers.
Analysis: Arjuna defeated Bhisma so easily here. If he wasn't confident that Arjuna was too tough to handle then bhisma would not make Drupad his target instead? DARPOK BHISHM.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma massacres soldiers of Drupada's army
Quote:
He enveloped his beloved relative with many arrows. Like a forest consumed by a fire at the end of winter, Drupada’s soldiers were seen to be consumed by those arrows. Bhishma was stationed in that battle, like a fire without smoke. He was like the sun at midday, scorching with his energy.
Analysis: The "beloved relative" is Drupada. But over here most of Bhisma's victims were soldiers not Drupada. Bhisma couldn't fight Droopad, he could only fight his soldiers. Weak bhisma.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Pandavas are scared of Bhisma.
Quote:
The Pandava warriors were incapable of glancing at Bhishma. Oppressed by fear, the Pandavas looked in every direction. But without seeing a protector, they were like cattle afflicted by the cold. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! The soldiers were slaughtered in large numbers and retreated in despondence. The Pandava troops uttered great sounds of lamentation. Shantanu’s son, Bhishma, held a bow that was always drawn in the form of a circle.
Analysis: Yes Pandavas were afraid, for their troops, and upon seeing their grandfather fight this way, but that sign of fear doesn't make them inferior to Bhisma. Most likely they themselves did not even want to wish to even fight him because of their relationships towards him.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Bhisma makes the Pandava army retreat.
Quote:
He released flaming arrows that were like poisonous snakes. Rigid in his vows, he created a continuous stream of arrows in every direction. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! After indicating which one he would target, he killed many Pandava rathas. When the soldiers were crushed and shattered in every way, the sun set and nothing could be seen. O bull among the Bharata lineage! On seeing Bhishma stationed in that great battle, the Parthas withdrew their soldiers.
Analysis: It says that their forces (army retreated) not the parthas (sons of kunti aka pandavas) themselves. Perhaps they did it because it was a sensible policy. But it (the passage of text) says that he shot arrows in "all" directions. This means that he must have attacked the kaurava's army as well. Because they were in one of the directions. So Bhisma killed his own troops.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 45
- Proof that Arjuna was holding back in this fight and chose inaction.
Quote:
This friend of yours74 is alone knowledgeable about all weapons. On seeing us consumed by Bhishma and the great-souled Drona, he looks on with indifference. Bhishma’s divine weapons, and those of the great-souled Drona, are repeatedly consuming all the kshatriyas. O Krishna!
Analysis: Yudhisthira claims Arjuna to be the only one capable of fighting back and countering bhisma. notice when he says he alone is knowledgeable.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 46
- 2nd day)
- Bhisma vs Abhimanyu, Bhima, Virata, Dhristadyumna, Satyaki etc
Quote:
The aged grandfather of the Kurus advanced and showered arrows on those brave men —Subhadra’s son,92 Bhimasena, Shini’s maharatha son,93 Kekaya, Virata, Parshata Dhrishtadyumna and the lords of Chedi and Matsya.
Analysis: It just says that bhisma attacked them and not anything else. Their was no result, no one won and no one lost.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Bhisma breaks the Pandavas vyuha
Quote:
At the encounter with that brave one, the great vyuha94 wavered. The battle that was fought by all the soldiers was extremely great.
Analysis: Big deal even karna's vyuhas were destroyed by Satyaki and an even better warrior/general Drona's vyuhas were eradicated by Arjuna, Satyaki, Abhimanyu, Bhima etc.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Bhisma leads a group attack on Arjuna
Quote:
Bhishma, the grandfather of the Kouravas, pierced Arjuna with seventyseven iron arrows. O king! Drona pierced him with twenty-five arrows, Kripa with fifty, Duryodhana with sixty-four, Shalya with nine arrows and Vikarna pierced Pandava with ten broad-headed arrows.
Analysis: Bhisma could never face Arjuna like a man! he always tried to cheat and use help of other warriors.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Bhisma and his wolf pack fail to hurt Arjuna
Quote:
But though he was struck in every direction with sharp arrows, the mighty-armed and great archer did not suffer and was like a mountain that has been pierced. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Kiriti’s99 soul is beyond measure.
Analysis: Bhisma's circle of "warriors" could not do anything to Arjuna, their attacks were too weak to make him suffer!
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Arjuna counterattacks against Bhisma, Shalya, Kripa, Drona, Vikarna, Suyodhan etc
Quote:
In return, he struck Bhishma with twenty-five arrows, Kripa with nine, Drona, tiger among men, with sixty arrows, Vikarna with three, Artayani100 with three and the king101 with five arrows.
Analysis: As usual Arjuna counter attacks, but no one is defeated this time.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Bhisma fails to protect his army from Arjuna
Quote:
Bhishma, best among charioteers, swiftly pierced Pandava with eighty sharp arrows. At this, your warriors were extremely delighted. The powerful Dhananjaya was a lion among charioteers. On hearing these roars of applause, he cheerfully penetrated their midst and having done that, sported with his bow and took aim at those maharathas. Dhananjaya reached the midst of those lions among charioteers. On seeing that his own soldiers were tormented by Partha in that battle, King Duryodhana, lord of men, spoke to Bhishma.
Analysis: Duryodhana gets angry at Bhisma because of this and then starts to criticize bhisma's prowess, it is Bhisma's failure & defeat that Arjuna was able to get through him and get to his comrades to kill them. Arjuna was smart by ducking Bhisma and trolling him by slaying his troops. But yes Arjuna avoided Bhisma but it was a sensible policy, a way of fighting to do the most damage.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Duryodhana exposes Bhisma (because he has not brought them any great victories since the begininng of war).
Quote:
‘O father!104 Pandu’s powerful son is accompanied by Krishna. O Gangeya! He is destroying our soldiers and severing our roots, even though you and Drona, supreme among charioteers, are alive. It is because of you that maharatha Karna has discarded his weapons and does not fight in this battle with Partha, though he always has my welfare in mind. O Gangeya! Act so that Phalguna may be killed.’
Analysis: Arjuna knew what he had to do, now bhima is avoiding attacking the pandavas army and is going after Arjuna himself and Arjuna is massacring the kuru army.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Bhisma and Arjuna duke it out
Quote:
In that battle, Gangeya pierced Partha with nine arrows and Arjuna pierced him back with ten arrows that penetrated the inner organs. O Kourava! Arjuna prided himself on his skills in battle. With a thousand well-directed arrows, Pandava enveloped Bhishma in every direction. But Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, repulsed Partha’s net of arrows with his own net of arrows. Both of them were extremely cheerful. Both of them found delight in the battle. They fought against each other, each desiring to counter the other. But neither was superior to the other. The net of arrows released from Bhishma’s bow were seen to be repulsed by Arjuna’s arrows. In that fashion, the nets of arrows released from Arjuna’s bow were all cut down by Gangeya’s arrows and fell down on the ground. Arjuna pierced Bhishma with twenty-five sharp arrows. And in that battle, Bhishma pierced Partha with thirty arrows. Those extremely strong ones wounded each other’s horses, pierced the standards and struck the chariots and wheels of the chariots.
Analysis: A stalemate, but Arjuna showed his firing rate was greater, if bhisma shot nine then arjuna shot ten back, arjuna even shot one thousand arrows so easily in every direction. He was a far faster fighter than Bhisma.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
Quote:
The destroyers of enemies seemed to be playing. O great king! Bhishma, supreme among the wielders of weapons, was enraged. With three arrows, he pierced Vasudeva between the breasts. O king! Pierced by Bhishma’s arrows, Achyuta Madhusudana was resplendent in that battle, like a blossoming kimshuka.
Analysis: And Krishna was not even described as being hurt by Bhisma's arrows. Why is he so weak that he can't harm even one charioteer?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- A hotheaded Arjuna versus a calm precise Bhisma that wants to kill Arjuna
Quote:
On seeing Madhava thus pierced, Arjuna became extremely angry. In that encounter, he pierced Gangeya’s charioteer with three arrows. In that encounter, the brave ones took aim against each other and endeavoured to kill each other, but did not succeed. The chariots advanced and retreated, traversing wonderful circles. Both charioteers displayed their skill and dexterity in many ways. O king! In seeking their objective, the maharathas repeatedly changed their positions and adopted different paths, so that they could strike each other.
Analysis: After this passage it just talks about them (Bhisma/Arjuna) equalling each others feats in battle so i'm just gonna skip a few paragraphs now.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
Quote:
Then the swift and large army of the Kalingas, which had surrounded Bhishma119 in battle, attacked Bhimasena.
Analysis: Such a bad strategy... bhisma was not a good strategist. He should know that you cannot use all your strength against the enemy if you have a hundred people attacking one person (only 6 at most can strike him).
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 50
- Bhisma vs Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumna, Bhima
Quote:
Hearing their loud cries in battle, Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, swiftly advanced towards Bhima, surrounded by battle formations and soldiers. ‘“Satyaki, Bhimasena and Parshata Dhrishtadyumna advanced towards Bhishma’s goldembellished chariot. In that encounter, they surrounded Gangeya from all sides and without losing any time, each of them pierced Bhishma with three terrible arrows. But your father Devavrata, the great archer, pierced all of the striving ones back in return, using straighttufted arrows. Having countered those maharathas with thousands of arrows, he used his arrows to kill Bhima’s horses, which were clad in golden armour. Although his horses were slain, the powerful Bhimasena remained stationed on his chariot. He powerfully hurled a spear towards Gangeya’s chariot. But in that battle, before that spear could reach him, your father Devavrata sliced it into three and it fell down on the ground.
Analysis: A similar fight happened on the 12th day with karna, maybe we should comapre his performance to Bhisma's? Well Bhisma clearly performed better than karna did against these three.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 50
- Bhisma runs away from Satyaki
Quote:
Desiring to do that which would bring pleasure to Bhima, Satyaki used his arrows to swiftly bring down the aged Kuru’s charioteer. When his charioteer was killed, Bhishma, supreme among charioteers, was borne away from the field of battle by horses that were as fleet as the wind. O king! When the one who is great in his vows was thus carried away,
Analysis: Over here Satyaki defeated Bhisma. people will say he snuck up on him but the fact is that as a student of Parasurama, Bhisma should have been aware of his surroundings especially considering the fact that he's in a battlefield with millions of troops. Plenty of warriors like Aswathama have fought by driving their horses themselves even the egyptian pharoah ramses has, yet this Bhisma could not do such a thing so i would have to say that forget Satyaki, even Aswathama & Ramses were superior to bhisma.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 50
- Huge group attack on Arjuna by Bhisma and Drona
Quote:
On seeing that Subhadra’s son was fighting there, Dhananjaya swiftly advanced there, intending to save his son. With chariots, elephants and horses and with Bhishma and Drona at the forefront, all the kings forcefully attacked Savyasachi.
Analysis: It clearly says that the leaders of all the kings that attacked Arjuna are, Drona & Bhisma.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 51
Quote:
There was not a single man in your army who could advance against the brave Arjuna in battle. O lord of the earth! In that encounter, whoever advanced against Partha was pierced by sharp and shafted arrows and conveyed to the world of the dead. When all the warriors on your side were scattered, Arjuna and Vasudeva blew on their supreme conch shells. ‘“On seeing that the army had been shattered in that battle, your father, Devavrata, smiled and told Bharadvaja’s brave son, ‘This brave and powerful son of Pandu is united with Krishna. He is dealing with our soldiers only as Dhananjaya can. No one is capable of vanquishing him in battle today. His form seems to be like that of the destroyer at the end of an era. It is impossible to rally our great army now. Behold. They are looking at each other and are running away. The sun can be seen aloft the supreme mountain Asta.130 It is as if it has robbed the sight of the entire world. O bull among men! I think the time has come for retreat. The warriors are exhausted and frightened and will never fight.’ Having spoken thus to the supreme preceptor Drona, maharatha Bhishma arranged that your army should be withdrawn.
Analysis: It says that no man (was Bhisma even a man?) on the kuru side could advance to fight Arjuna. And that all the warriors of their side were scattered. Bhisma cowardly chose to sound the retreat of his forces. He gave up, he chickened out, he rage quit. Brave guys don't just give up, he enver surrendered before Parasurama.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 51
- 3rd day)
- Pathetic defeat of Bhisma & Drona at the hands of Yudhishthira and Dhrishtadyumna/Drupada (cause of the word "Parshata")
Quote:
In Drona’s sight and in the sight of Gangeya, Parshata, foremost among charioteers, and the Pandava who was Dharma’s son began to slaughter their soldiers with sharp and straighttufted arrows that were capable of killing the enemy. In that battle, the soldiers of your sons started to run away. O lord of the earth! Maharatha Bhishma and Drona were incapable of restraining them, though Bhishma and Drona did try to restrain them. While both Drona and Bhishma looked on, the soldiers fled. Thousands of chariots fled in all directions.
Analysis: Not a good start for the next day of his career. We can understand great warriors like Arjuna, Krishna, Satyaki, Abhimanyu proving their superiority over bhisma, we can even see Bhima proving his superiority. But Dhrishtadyumna? Yudhishthira!?! Also it says "chariots' fled so not just soldiers. Drona & Bhisma were helpless.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 54
- Bhisma slaughters pandava warriors/troops, and sends friendly fire to his own side as well.
Quote:
Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, was there, his bow always stretched in a circle. He released blazing arrows that were like the venom of virulent snakes. Rigid in his vows, he released arrows in all the directions. O bull among the Bharata lineage! He picked out the Pandava charioteers and killed them. With a dextrous hand, he seemed to be dancing around in the chariot. O king! He could be seen everywhere, like a circle of fire.
Analysis: Since the quote says that Bhisma released his arrows in "all" directions, it proves that he also attacked the kaurava army (releasing arrows at them as well). But he also killed alot of Pandava warriors over here.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Bhisma appears to be a thousand
Quote:
Though the brave one was alone in that battle, because of his dexterity, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas saw him as many hundreds and thousands. Everyone there thought that Bhishma had used maya on his own self. In one moment, he was seen in the eastern direction. In the next moment, he was seen in the western direction. They saw the lord in the north and immediately saw him in the south. Thus the brave Gangeya was seen in that battle. There was no one among the Pandaveyas who was capable of glancing at him. They only saw many arrows shot from Bhishma’s bow.
Analysis: This technique where a warrior moves that fast to show that he was like hundreds/thousands is interesting, it remonds me of the "afterimage" technique in the famous anime dragon ball z. But it's still sad and pathetic that Bhisma had to resort to that (maya) in order to kill car-warriors. Who cares if the Pandavas were uncapable of looking at him? Not being able to look does not mean not being able to defeat.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Bhisma kills one thousand kings
Quote:
Having seen him perform such great feats in the battle there, with the slaughter of the army, the brave ones uttered many lamentations. Your father wandered around in superhuman form and driven by destiny, thousands of kings fell down like insects, led to the fire of the angry Bhishma. In that battle, not a single one of Bhishma’s arrows failed to be successful, because of the large numbers that were arrayed against him, and descended on the bodies of men, elephants and horses. With a single shafted arrow that was released well, he brought down an armoured elephant, like the vajra shattering a mountain.
Analysis: This feat although a great achievement does not mean much. As even Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki etc have slayed one thousand kings a few times in the war. And killing one elephant is meaningless.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Bhisma slaughters Yudhishthirs army
Quote:
With an extremely sharp iron arrow, your father killed two or three elephant-riders, armoured and standing together, at a single stroke. Whoever approached Bhishma, tiger among men, in that battle, was seen to be brought down onto the ground in an instant. Thus, Dharmaraja’s large army was slaughtered through Bhishma’s valour and shattered in a thousand ways. Tormented by the shower of arrows, the large army trembled, while Vasudeva and the great-souled Partha looked on.
Analysis: Yudhishthira always managed to get more soldiers to protect hismelf so this achievement is is irrelevant. And Arjuna was just watching the scene of foot soldiers dying, if Arjuna took action then bhisma would be on the run again.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- All kings of the pandava army run away from bhisma
Quote:
All the kings in Yudhishthira’s army are running away, on having seen Bhishma in battle, with his mouth gaping open. They are frightened and are being destroyed, like small animals by a lion.’
Analysis: Well great warriors like Satyaki, Bhima, Abhimanyu, Dhrishtadyumna, Arjuna etc are not kings, so they were not running away. Only old warriors like Droopad and Virata are kings.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Two bows of Bhisma are cut off by Arjuna
Quote:
Though the horses had been wounded by Bhishma’s arrows, he patiently continued to drive them. Partha picked up his divine bow, with a twang that was like the clap of thunder. He sliced down Bhishma’s bow with three arrows. With his bow sliced down, your father Kouravya again picked up a large bow and strung it in the twinkling of an eye. He drew the bow with his two hands and its twang was like the roar of the clouds. But the enraged Arjuna sliced down that bow too. At this, Shantanu’s son applauded his dexterity. ‘O Partha! O mighty-armed one! O descendant of Pandu! Wonderful. O Dhananjaya! Such a great deed is deserving of you. O son! I am pleased with you. Fight hard with me now.’ Having thus praised Partha and having grasped another large bow, in that battle, the brave one released arrows towards Partha’s chariot.
Analysis: Despite having wounded horses and so many disadvantaged Arjuna was still able to disarm bhisma several times even though he was being mild on Bhisma. Even Bhisma told him to not hold back to stop taking it easy when he said "Fight hard with me now.". Perhaps Bhisma was tryign to distract Arjuna to give himself enough time to pick up another bow.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Bhisma wounds Arjuna and krishna on every part of their bodies
Quote:
By driving around in swift circles, he avoided all those arrows. O venerable one! However, with great force, Bhishma used sharp arrows to pierce Vasudeva and Dhananjaya all over their bodies. Thus wounded by Bhishma’s arrows, those two tigers among men were adorned like two roaring bulls, with the scratches of thorns on them. Yet again, extremely angry, Bhishma used straight-tufted arrows to cover the two Krishnas141 on every side. Though enraged, Bhishma repeatedly smiled and used his sharp arrows to make Varshneya tremble and wonder.
Analysis: Despite wounding them on all part of their bodies he was unable to kill any of them, he failed to take their lives, that shows the competence of Bhisma, they just stood their and took the hit because they knew he was weak.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Bhisma makes foot soldiers run away
Quote:
The elephants, horses, chariots and standards were shattered and all the warriors were frightened by Bhishma. Yudhishthira’s soldiers were running away.
Analysis: Unfortunately they're not the same foot warriors/soldiers that defeated karna and made him run away.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Bhisma ambushes Arjuna and fails
Quote:
Together with Bhishma and Bhurishrava and an army, the lord of the Kouravas150 advanced against him. He held raised arrows in his hand and was like a fire151 that would consume dry wood. Bhurishrava shot seven gold-tufted and broad arrows at Arjuna. Duryodhana hurled an extremely forceful lance, Shalya a club and Shantanu’s son a spear. But he used seven arrows to counter the seven supreme arrows shot by Bhurishrava. With a razor-sharp arrow, he countered the lance that had been released from Duryodhana’s hand. Shantanu’s son had hurled a spear at him, as resplendent as lightning. But as it descended, the brave one used two arrows to cut this down and also the club that had been released from the arms of the king of Madra.
Analysis: Bhisma, Duryodhana and Bhruishravas together could not do anything to Arjuna even though Shalya was on their side.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Arjuna defeats Bhisma, Drona, Suyodhana, Vahlika etc, they all failed to counter his Indrastra
Quote:
The wielder of the Gandiva and Janardana roared in great delight. The Kurus, together with Bhishma, Drona, Duryodhana and Bahlika, saw that Indra’s terrible weapon had extended everywhere and was like the end of a yuga. Their limbs were sorely wounded from the weapon and they saw the sun was withdrawing its rays. They saw that twilight was near and that the sun was streaked with red. They decided to withdraw. Having performed deeds and won fame in the world, Dhananjaya had triumphed over the enemies. Having completed his tasks, together with his brothers, the lord of men retired to his camp for the night.
Analysis: Bhisma's bones (limbs) were described as sorely wounded. Bhisma also (along with others) chose to retreat (withdraw). So this is indeed a defeat.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- Bhisma was scared of Arjuna
Quote:
All the warriors and leaders among the Kurus settled down for the night, terrified of Kiriti.
Analysis: Kiriti is another name for Arjuna. Mr. Bhisma, Gangaputra, pitamaha etc FEARED Arjuna!
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
- 4th day)
- Bhisma creates a river of blood
Quote:
In that battle, the spirited Bhishma swiftly created a river, with the blood of enemies as the foam. But he avoided Subhadra’s son and attacked maharatha Partha.
Analysis: He still chose to avoid Abhimanyu and fight Arjuna instead.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 56
- Bhisma attacks Bhima but is ambushed by Satyaki who dominated him so Alamvusha has to save Bhisma now
Quote:
“On seeing Vrikodara thus, Bhishma swiftly advanced towards him. He was on a giant chariot with the radiance of the sun and it roared like the clouds. He enveloped everything with a shower of arrows, like clouds showering down rain. On seeing Bhishma advance, like the destroyer with a gaping mouth, the mighty-armed and intolerant Bhima rushed towards him. At that instant, Satyaki, the brave descendant of the Shini lineage, devoted to the truth, attacked the grandfather. He began to kill the enemy with his firm bow and made the soldiers of your son tremble. He was borne on silver steeds and unleashed arrows from his firm bow. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! Among all those on your side, there was no second one capable of withstanding him.176 Alambusa, seated on a supreme king of elephants, pierced him with sharp and terrible arrows.
Analysis: The reason we can say Satyaki defeated Bhisma here but Bhisma did not defeat bhima over here is because bhima and bhisma never fought they jsut rushed at eachother, while bhisma & satyaki on the otherhand did actually fight and despite being outnumbered Satyaki was in control of this fight the whole entire time and got the most success in it. Alambus also rescued Bhisma from the brave Satyaki.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 59
- Bhisma being scared of Ghatotkaca ends the battle of that day early.
Quote:
On seeing that large army, the powerful Indra among the rakshasas let out an extremely loud roar, which was like the sound of thunder. On hearing this roar and on seeing the fighting elephants, Shantanu’s son, Bhishma, spoke to Bharadvaja’s son. ‘I do not wish to fight with Hidimba’s evil-souled son. He is full of strength and valour now and has support. The wielder of the vajra himself is incapable of vanquishing him in battle now. He is certain in his aims and can strike. Our mounts are exhausted and at the end of the day, are wounded and lacerated on account of the Panchalas and the Pandaveyas. Therefore, I do not think that we should fight any more with the victorious Pandavas. Let it be announced that we will withdraw for the day. Tomorrow, we will fight with the enemy again.’
Analysis: He himself stated that he did not want to fight with Ghatotkaca so that is utter cowardice. He also sounded the retreat for the battle of that day very early, this was all out of fearing the enemy. Does it suit bhisma to do this?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 60
Quote:
The illustrious King Yudhishthira, handsome in his prowess, was himself at the rear, with his two intelligent brothers.210 ‘“The battle commenced with Bhima penetrating the makara’s mouth. He advanced against Bhishma in that encounter and enveloped him with arrows. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! Using great weapons, Bhishma brought these down. In that great battle, he confounded the soldiers of the sons of Pandu, who were stationed in arrays. On seeing that the soldiers were confounded, Dhananjaya swiftly advanced.
Analysis: Their are plenty of people that have done this, kritavarman, Jayadratha, Alamvusha, drona etc all of them succeeded ind efeating four out of the five pandavas. Even Duryodhana did it twice. But the difference is that bhisma had to use strictly weapons (astras) agaisnt Bhima's ordinary arrows to counter them. That puts his performance below Duryodhana's, Jaydratha's, Alamvusha, Kritavarman's etc.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 65
- Arjuna counters Bhisma and wounds him
Quote:
In the forefront of that battle, he pierced Bhishma with one thousand arrows. Having repulsed the weapons that had been released by Bhishma in that encounter, he delighted his own soldiers, who were stationed in battle. At this, King Duryodhana spoke to Bharadvaja’s son.
Analysis: Another encounter where Arjuna dominates the fight and overpowers bhisma.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 65
- Bhisma cowardly launches a group attack on bhima
Quote:
In that battle, Drona, Bhishma and Shalya angrily enveloped Bhimasena with arrows.
Analysis: These cowards could not even fight Bhima fairly. They did not have the balls to face him in a one on one fight.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 65
- Bhisma runs away from Sikhandi
Quote:
In the great battle, the great archer, Shikhandi, angrily advanced against the immensely strong Bhishma and Drona, who were causing this torment. The brave and powerful one grasped a bow that had the sound of a cloud. Shikhandi swiftly showered arrows that shrouded the sun. However, on confronting him, the grandfather of the Bharata lineage remembered that he had been a woman earlier and withdrew from the battle.
Analysis: Sikhandi routed Bhisma over here, this was a retreat of Bhisma, he had Drona with him too but Drona did not do anything. Seeing Bhisma repeatedly flee will turn Drona into a road runner also.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 65
- Bhisma fought two or more brothers of arjuna
Quote:
On seeing Bhishma engaged in a fight with his brothers and the other kings, Dhananjaya raised his weapons and rushed against Gangeya.
Analysis: Nothing mentioned about victory or defeat. Even so defeating pandavas who are not Arjuna and a few nameless kings is not impressive as other warriros have already done so.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 67
- Bhisma scared of Arjuna (again)
Quote:
At Panchajanya’s211 roar, Gandiva’s twang and on seeing Partha’s standard, all those on our side were overcome with terror.
Analysis: Why does Bhisma always get scared? Has he not heard the twang of Gandiva before!?!
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 67
- Arjuna dominates the fight with Bhisma
Quote:
With terrible weapons, Dhananjaya advanced against Gangeya. We were confounded by these weapons and could not distinguish between the eastern and the western direction. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Your warriors could not distinguish between the directions. They were overcome with exhaustion. They were bereft of their weapons. They were bereft of their senses. They clung to each other for comfort.
Analysis: Bhisma could not even distinguish from directions (tell which is which). Arjuna even swooned Bhisma over here, because the text states he was bereft of his sense.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 67
- Sikhandi and Virata attack Bhisma
Quote:
With Virata of Matysa, Shikhandi swiftly attacked Bhishma, the mighty archer who was extremely difficult to vanquish.
Analysis: They just attacked him so no one won/lost.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 68
Quote:
While all the soldiers looked on, Bhishma, foremost among charioteers, angrily repulsed the immensely strong Bhimasena. In that encounter, the arrows used by Bhishma were goldtufted and sharpened on stone. They were extremely forceful and washed in oil and they wounded Bhima. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! The immensely powerful Bhimasena was enraged. He hurled an extremely powerful javelin that was like a venomous serpent. As that gold-shafted and invincible lance suddenly descended in that encounter, Bhishma sliced it down with straight-tufted arrows. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! After this, using a broad-headed, yellow and sharp arrow, he sliced Bhimasena’s bow into two.
Analysis: Since Bhima did not pick up another bow during the rest of this day (after this incident) and did not fight back against Bhisma we can count this as a defeat of his.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 68
Quote:
At this, Satyaki quickly attacked Bhishma in that battle. O lord of men! He shot many arrows at your father. Bhishma then affixed an extremely terrible and sharp arrow and brought down Varshneya’s219 charioteer from his chariot. O king! When the charioteer of the chariot was slain, the horses fled. They ran hither and thither, with the speed of the mind and the wind. At this, a tumultuous uproar arose from all the soldiers. There were lamentations of woe from those who were on the side of the great-souled Pandavas. ‘Run’, ‘grab the horses’, ‘advance swiftly’—such loud noises followed Yuyudhana’s chariot.220
Analysis: Bhisma copied Satyaki's technique making Satyaki flee like vayu (because that's exactly how Bhisma fled during their previous encounter).
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 68
- Bhisma kills Pancala foot soldiers & Somaka foot soldiers
Quote:
While this was going on, Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, began to kill the Pandava soldiers, like the slayer of Vritra against the asuras. When the Panchalas and Somakas were being killed by Bhishma, the noble ones221 resolved to fight and attacked Bhishma.
Analysis: Killing foot soldiers & Rathas is not amazing for a Maharatha.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 68
- Bhisma vs Virata/Virata vs Bhisma
Quote:
With three arrows, Virata pierced maharatha Bhishma. With another three arrows, he pierced the maharatha’s steeds. At this, Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, the great archer, immensely strong and skilled in the use of his hands, used ten gold-tufted arrows to pierce him back in return.
Analysis: No victory or defeat.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 69
- Bhisma is overpowered by Arjuna
Quote:
While that battle raged on, the angry Pandava began to fight with maharatha Bhishma. When the sun had assumed a reddish tinge, Dhananjaya swiftly killed twenty-five thousand maharathas.
Analysis: Bhisma could not stop Arjuna from slaying 25,000 maharathis. He could not give a "uchit uttar" to him. At-least when Karna striked Krishna then Arjuna killed Karna on the seventeenth day, but bhisma can't even kill one supporter of Arjuna. Pathetic warrior.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 70
- 6th day)
- Bhisma with the help of Drona defeats and slays a few foot soldiers
Quote:
Thus slaughtered by Drona and Bhishma, the Srinjayas and the Kekayas were defeated and began to run away.
Analysis: So what? The kekayas did not achieve anything in the war and the Srinjayas lost mainly because Drona bailed bhisma out of this.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 71
- Bhisma kills foot soldiers.
Quote:
In that battle, the powerful Bhishma killed the Pandava soldiers, like a herdsman driving large numbers of animals. O lord of the earth!
Analysis: Not impressive for a warrior of Bhisma's caliber/rank.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 74
- Bhisma kills panchala warriors and then runs away to his own camp
Quote:
Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, was excited with rage. He used straighttufted arrows to slaughter the soldiers of the great-souled ones. He used his arrows to despatch the Panchala soldiers to Yama’s undecaying realm. O king! Having thus shattered the Pandava army, the great archer withdrew his soldiers and returned to his own camp.
Analysis: He only succeeded because he was amped with a rage booast, he was angry just like Arjuna was angry after Abhimanyu's death. Let's not forget the fact that Bhisma ran away from the battlefield before sunset.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 75
- 7th day)
- Bhisma tries to save the kauravas (despite knowing that Abhimanyu will not kill them)
Quote:
Bhishma was unassailable, even to the gods. In that battle, surrounded by many kings and hundreds of elephants, horses and chariots, he swiftly advanced to rescue your sons.
Analysis: Anyone can run to a place to rescue someone. grandparents have saved their grandchildren from getting kidnapped.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 80
- Bhisma advances to fight three warriors that he ends up not fighting
Quote:
To do battle, with the sons of Madri and Bhimasena, he went to the spot where Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, was stationed. Ganga’s son was wonderful in battle. He was set upon by all the maharathas together. But Shantanu’s great-souled son was not distracted.
Analysis: At-least he (Bhisma) doesn't get distracted like karna did in battles. He encountered all maharathas very well.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 81
Quote:
Shikhandi’s weapon had been sliced down by the king who was Shantanu’s son.
Analysis: See unlike KMG this one leaves out no confusions, bhisma broke his vow in the desperate situation to save his life (while he surrounded by many maharathis). Over here it directly says that it was Bhisma who did it.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 81
- Bhisma's performance from Yudhishthira's perspective.
Quote:
Behold. Bhishma is fighting with terrible force. He is tormenting the masses of my soldiers. The net of his arrows is fierce in its energy. Like Death himself, he is killing everything in an instant. Your bow has been sliced down by the king who is Shantanu’s son. You have been vanquished and are running away from the field of battle.
Analysis: As per Yudhsihthira Sikhandi was defeated by Bhisma. Although he exaggerated Bhisma's performance on purpose in order to goad Sikhandi.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 81
- Bhisma routs foot soldiers
Quote:
Bhishma is infinite in his valour. On seeing him, our soldiers are routed and are fleeing. O Drupada’s son! You are certainly frightened.
Analysis: Not a great feat for a double maharatha.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 81
- Bhisma defeats Yudhishthira
Quote:
In that battle, the great-souled and brave Bhishma sliced down the bow and colourful standard of Pandu’s son, King Yudhishthira Ajamidha. On seeing that Yudhishthira was overcome with fear and had cast aside his bow and arrows in that battle, Bhimasena grabbed a club and advanced on foot against Jayadratha.
Analysis: yudhishthira is a hypocrite as he did exactly what he insulted sikhandi for doing.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 81
- Bhisma thrashes Yudhishthira
Quote:
Having destroyed the iron arrow in battle, which was like death, Bhishma killed the horses, decorated with gold, of the Indra among Kouravas. With the horses slain, Yudhishthira, Dharma’s son, abandoned the chariot and swiftly ascended the chariot of the great-souled Nakula.
Analysis: Bhisma defeated Yudhishthira and yudhishthira defeated karna in a group attack (through deceit).
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 82
- Bhisma defeats many kings and maharathas
Quote:
All the kings heard the words that Partha had addressed and they surrounded the grandfather with a large number of chariots. Your father, Devavrata, was surrounded in every direction. O king! He seemed to be playing with his bow and brought down those maharathas. While all the Parthas looked on, Kourava strode around on that field of battle, like a lion cub in the forest amidst a herd of deer.
Analysis: What is the use in defeating average warriors that don't affect the war effort at all?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 82
- Bhisma retreats from Sikhandi
Quote:
Shikhandi forcefully approached the grandfather of the Bharatas, asking him to wait. But Bhishma avoided Shikhandi in that battle, remembering Shikhandi’s feminine nature.299 Instead, he angrily attacked the Srinjayas. On seeing maharatha Bhishma, the Srinjayas were delighted.
Analysis: I dont care about the vows, if you retreat from your opponent in a war, and that person that is retreating is the general of the army then that man is a coward, he fled from the battlefield. That too when his soldiers needed him the most. Bhisma did not have a good reason because his fleeing did not benefit his army but at-least when Arjuna avoids someone (like bhisma/Drona) then it increases the chances of a Pandava victory.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 82
- 8th day)
- Bhisma felled Somakas, Srinjayas, Panchalas etc.
Quote:
But the great archer Bhishma prided himself in battle. With his arrows, he brought down the Somakas, together with the Srinjayas and the Panchalas. Though they were slaughtered by Bhishma, the Panchalas and the Somakas gave up their fear of death and quickly attacked Bhishma. O king! In that battle, the brave Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, powerfully sliced off the arms and the heads of those rathas. Your father, Devavrata, deprived the rathas of their chariots. The heads of horse-riders fell down from the horses. O great king! Confounded by Bhishma’s weapons, we saw elephants lying around like mountains, deprived of their riders.
Analysis: Bhisma was unable to create any fear among the enemy because no one was scared of him, despite seeing their comrades killed still the Panchalas, Srinjayas and Somakas fought well and continued to target Bhisma.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 84
- Bhisma was defeated by Bhima in one minute
Quote:
In that encounter, he was the one who engaged Bhishma. There was a terrible battle between Bhishma and Bhima and an extremely terrible and fearful roar arose from all the soldiers.306 The delighted Pandavas also roared like lions. Surrounded by his brothers, King Duryodhana protected Bhishma in that battle, which resulted in a destruction of men. Bhishma was supreme among rathas. But Bhima slew his charioteer. The horses were no longer controlled and dragged the chariot away in all directions.
Analysis: Bhima defeated bhisma, bhisma became a monkey infront of bhima during the eight day.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 84
Quote:
The immensely strong Bhishma killed many maharathas with arrows that penetrated the innards and made the soldiers of the Pandavas tremble. He killed many men in Yudhishthira’s army, and many elephants, horse-riders, chariot-riders and horses. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! On witnessing Bhishma’s valour in that battle, we thought that it was as extraordinary as Shakra’s valour.
Analysis: They compared him to Indra (Shakra) but so what? Idnra and thirty other devas were defeated by Arjuna in Khandava-Daha.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 86
- Bhisma, Bhagadatta and kripa ambush a angry Arjuna
Quote:
Gangeya, Bhagadatta and maharatha Goutama countered the violent Pandava Arjuna. In that encounter, the atiratha repulsed all their weapons with his own weapons. He despatched many brave soldiers on your side to the land of the dead.
Analysis: Arjuna dominates them all. He countered all of their weapons.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 92
- 9th day)
- Another group attack on Yudhishthira by Bhisma, thhis time he comes with a whole battalion.
Quote:
With all the sons of Dhritarashtra and their soldiers, Bhishma attacked Yudhishthira and surrounded him from every direction.
Analysis: Bhisma cheated again, he could not conjure up the guts to fight Yudhishthira alone, he used the help of other people, of the osns of dhritarashtra (maybe seventy of them) against Yudhishthir.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 98
- Bhisma choose to target pawns (foot-soldiers) instead of the king (Yudhishthira)
Quote:
There was a terrible battle, destructive of people, between Bhishma and the Somakas. Gangeya, best among rathas, pierced the Pandava soldiers with hundreds and thousands of sharp arrows. Your father, Devavrata, crushed those soldiers, like a herd of cattle, crushing reaped paddy.
Analysis: Perhaps Yudhishthira defeated Bhisma, which is why he is going after weaker enemies.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 99
- Virata, Drupada, Shikandi and Dhrishtadyumna defeat Bhisma
Quote:
Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Virata and Drupada attacked Bhishma in that battle and struck the maharatha with arrows. He pierced Dhrishtadyumna and Virata with three arrows each. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! He then dispatched an iron arrow towards Virata. O king! Pierced by Bhishma, the destroyer of enemies, in that battle, those great archers became as angry as serpents that have been trod upon. Shikhandi pierced the grandfather of the Bharatas. But the undecaying one thought him to be a woman and did not strike him back. In that battle, Dhrishtadyumna was overcome with rage, like a flaming fire. He used three arrows to pierce the grandfather in the arms and the chest. Drupada pierced Bhishma with twenty-five arrows, Virata with ten arrows and Shikhandi with twenty-five. O great king! The great-souled Bhishma was pierced in that battle and was as beautiful as a blossoming red ashoka tree in the spring. Gangeya pierced them back with three arrows that travelled straight.381 O venerable one! He severed Virata’s bow with a broad-headed arrow. In the forefront of that battle, he took up another bow and pierced Bhishma with five sharp arrows and his charioteer with three.
Analysis: After this foot soldiers were described as protecting bhisma. Why would he need protection against weak Pancalas and a Matsya king? Although Virata's bow was cut off he fought fairly and was fast enough to tkae up another bow and launch eight arrows on Bhisma and his charioteer (driver). Not only that but no one else interfered in Virata vs Bhisma during the last two sentences of this passage. Except for soldiers that is, because they saw Virata defeat bhisma.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 99
Quote:
It was terrible to behold. In that great battle, it was hurled through the force of Varshneya’s arms. It advanced with great force, like a fatal night advancing towards a man. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! On seeing it suddenly descend, Gangeya used two extremely sharp kshurapra arrows to slice it into two, so that it fell down on the ground. Having severed the javelin, he angrily struck Satyaki on the chest with nine arrows and the destroyer of enemies smiled as he did this. O Pandu’s elder brother! The Pandavas surrounded Bhishma in that battle, with their chariots, elephants and horses, so that Madhava387 might be rescued.
Analysis: Ok he defeated Satyaki, but Satyaki also defeated him a few tiems throughout the war. Not to mentioned Satyaki was defeated by Sakuni. So bhisma = sakuni now?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 100
- Bhisma assaults warriors (whose moves he should be able to predict by now)
Quote:
Your father was enraged. In that battle, he used supreme and sharp arrows to pierce the Parthas and their soldiers in every direction. He pierced Bhima with twelve arrows and Satyaki with nine, Nakula with three arrows and Sahadeva with seven. He struck Yudhishthira with twelve arrows in his chest and arms. The immensely strong one then pierced Dhrishtadyumna and roared. Nakula pierced him with twelve arrows and Madhava390 with three. Dhrishtadyumna pierced the grandfather back with seventy arrows, Bhimasena with five and Yudhishthira with twelve.
Analysis: Even though Dhrishtadyumna assailed Bhisma with 70 arrows Bhisma did not lift a finger to defend himself. What a coward.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 102
- Bhisma is dominated by Arjuna despite the latter being mild.
Quote:
Partha grasped his divine bow that roared like the clouds. He used sharp arrows to sever Bhishma’s bow and made it fall down. With the bow severed, Kouravya again grasped a giant bow. In only an instant, your father strung the bow, which made a sound like that of the clouds. But in his anger, Arjuna sliced down this second bow too. At this, Shantanu’s son praised his dexterity. ‘O Partha! Well done. O mighty-armed one! O Kunti’s son! Well done.’ Having thus addressed him, he grasped another beautiful bow. In that battle, Bhishma released many arrows towards Partha’s chariot. Vasudeva displayed supreme skill in handling the horses. He executed circular motions and avoided all those arrows. Wounded by arrows, Bhishma and Partha, tigers among men, looked beautiful. They were like two angry bulls, marked with the signs of horns. ‘“Vasudeva saw that Partha was fighting mildly. Bhishma was continuously showering down arrows in the battle.
Analysis: It's quite obvious that if Arjuna wanted than bhisma would not have survived, he kept cutting bhisma's bows and was stated to be mild.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 102
- 10th day)
- Bhisma fights the pandavas and dominates them
Quote:
In that battle, the maharatha Pandavas quickly attacked Bhishma together, like the wielder of the vajra assailed by asuras. He released sharp arrows that were like Shakra’s vajra to the touch. He was seen in every direction, having assumed a terrible form. As he fought in that battle, his bow was always seen whirling around in a circular motion, like Shakra’s giant bow. O lord of the earth! On witnessing his deeds in that battle, your sons were filled with supreme wonder and honoured the grandfather. The Parthas were dispirited at the way your brave father was fighting in the battle.
Analysis: Props to Bhisma for this but Arjuna (if he was even involved in this encoutner) was holding back and did not use all of his tools. No one was defeated over here anyways. A the Pandavas still continued this fight that day. Perhaps they were all takign it easy though because of the plan that bhisma gave them.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 104
- Bhisma attacks sikhandi's army
Quote:
On the tenth day of the battle, he began to consume Shikhandi’s array of chariots with his sharp arrows, like the one with the black trails406 burns a forest.
Analysis: So the man that refused to attack Sikhandi is now going to tattack her army and chariots huh? Bhisma seems double faced.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 104
- Bhisma still scared of Arjuna
Quote:
Savyasachi, the scorcher of enemies and the one who was never defeated, arrived at the spot, causing terror among all the rathas. He roared like a lion. He repeatedly drew his bow and released a shower of arrows. Partha roamed around on the field of battle, like Death. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Those on your side were frightened at the sound. O king! They fled in great fear, like deer because of a lion.
Analysis: So many defeats and retreats of Bhisma in the kurukshetra war.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 104
- Bhisma slaughters two lakh foot soldiers
Quote:
Gangeya stationed himself in the midst of the army, like an angry and virulent serpent, and the Pandavas surrounded him. On the tenth day, he exhibited his strength. O king! The descendant of the Kuru lineage killed hundreds and thousands. He sucked out the energy from the best of the Panchalas and the immensely strong princes, like the sun sucking up water with its rays. O great king! The spirited one killed ten thousand elephants and then killed ten thousand horses, with their riders. The best of men killed two hundred thousand foot soldiers.
Analysis: Well at-least we know from this incident that bhisma is better than karna, as foot soldiers defeated karna, but bhisma defeated foot soldiers.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 104
- Bhisma relies on divien astras to save his own life against the Somakas
Quote:
“In the battle, Bhishma killed the Somakas who were following Partha. He repulsed the soldiers of the maharatha Pandava. The chariot was the storehouse for the fire. The bow constituted the flames. The javelins and clubs were the kindling. He released a great shower of flaming arrows and consumed the kshatriyas in the battle. He was like a large fire that consumes deadwood when it moves around, driven by the wind. Bhishma blazed like that, showering his divine weapons. There were gold-shafted, straight-tufted and sharp arrows. The immensely illustrious Bhishma roared in the directions and the sub-directions. O king! He brought down chariots and elephants, with their riders.
Analysis: How come no one complains about bhisma's depserate situations in his life where he relied
too much on weapons of mass destruction?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 112
- The Pandvas & Shikandi overpower bhisma
Quote:
Your father, Devavrata, paid no heed to these arrows. Enraged in the battle, he countered Arjuna with arrows. O venerable one! In that encounter, he released sharp arrows and dispatched all the soldiers of the maharatha Pandava to the other world. O king! Supported by their large army, the Pandavas surrounded Bhishma and enveloped him, like clouds around the sun. O bull among the Bharata lineage! The descendant of the Bharata lineage was covered in every direction. In that battle, he consumed the enemy, like a flaming fire burns down a forest. ‘“We then beheld the extraordinary manliness of your son. So as to protect the one who was rigid in his vows, he fought with Partha. All the worlds were gratified at the deeds of your great-souled archer son, Duhshasana, in that battle.
Analysis: Then Duhsasana has to save him (Bhisma). Also this shows the weak nature of Bhisma, he did not care about weapons that could potentially take his life.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 112
- Bhisma chickened out upon seeing Sikhandi
Quote:
Bhishma used a divine weapon and in the sight of all the archers, advanced against Kounteya. In the battle, the armoured Shikhandi also endeavoured to attack. At this, Bhishma withdrew that weapon, which was like the fire. At this time, Kounteya, borne on white horses, confounded the grandfather and killed your soldiers.
Analysis: Bhisma took back his divine weapon/astra automatically when he saw the face of Sikhandi. Then Arjuna came in and taught Bhisma another lesson.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 112
- Bhisma makes poor use of the knowledge gained from parshuram
Quote:
On hearing the words of the commander, the Somakas, together with the Srinjayas, attacked Gangeya and showered down weapons on him from every direction. O king! Thus assailed, your father, Shantanu’s son, became intolerant and started to fight with the Srinjayas. O father!440 His achievements were glorious. In earlier times, the intelligent Rama441 had imparted an instruction of weapons to him, one that could destroy the armies of enemies. He resorted to that instruction, capable of destroying the forces of the enemy.
Analysis: Yet he didn't do any serious damage to the Pandava forces after ten days of Bhisma fighting with knowledge of Parshuram still the majority of the pandava army was strong, they had nearly all of their main generals and major warriors still alive, and over eighty percent of their troops were still standing in perfect shape/health.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 113
- Bhisma kills several nameless warriors
Quote:
But with the tenth day having been reached, Bhishma alone slew seven maharathas from the Matsyas and the Panchalas in the encounter and killed innumerable elephants and horses. In the great battle, the great-grandfather killed five thousand rathas and fourteen thousand men. He again killed one thousand elephants and ten thousand horses. O lord of the earth! Your father killed them through the strength of his instruction.
Analysis: What is great in murdering 7 maharathis when Arjuna got twenty five thousand of them in just one day?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 113
- Bhisma kills Virata's brother
Quote:
He agitated the ranks of all the kings and brought down Virata’s beloved brother, Shatanika. O great king!
Analysis: Shatanika is a featless warrior with no feats to his name. So killing him is not a great achievement for anybody. Especially not a double maharatha.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 113
- Bhisma kills a thousand kings
Quote:
Having killed Shatanika in the battle the powerful Bhishma brought down another one thousand kings with broad-headed arrows.
Analysis: Let's give Bhisma a few points for achieving this feat of killing a thosuand warrior kings without any astras and only using broad headed arrows.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 113
- Bhisma kills kings that followed Arjuna
Quote:
In the army of the Parthas, there were kings who had followed Dhananjaya. Whichever one among these approached Bhishma was sent to Yama’s abode.
Analysis: Those kings were probably less caustious and alert because they had Arjuna on their side.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 113
- Bhisma lost his armor in a battle with Srinjayas
Quote:
Together with all the Srinjayas, they assailed Bhishma. His armour was shattered and he was oppressed everywhere, in many ways. But despite having been pierced in his inner organs, Gangeya was not distressed.
Analysis: People say Karna shattered bhima's armor but forget that karna was a double maharatha while bhima was a atiratha. Over here bhisma is considered a double maharatha and his armor was shattered by ordinary Rathas (average warriors who don't know astras but fight on chariots).
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 114
- Bhisma's bows are severed by Arjuna's arrows
Quote:
“Kiriti, best among rathas, was protected by Krishna and in that battle, after Bhishma’s bow had been severed, pierced him with ten arrows. He struck down his charioteer with ten and his standard with one. Gangeya grasped a bow that was more powerful. However, Phalguna sliced that down with a sharp and broad-headed arrow. Pandava was enraged and one after another, Savyasachi, the scorcher of enemies, severed every bow that Bhishma took up. When the bows were severed, he445 became wrathful and licked the corners of his mouth.
Analysis: What type of warrior cannot protect his bow, what type of archer is this?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 114
- Arjuna defeats Bhisma and severs all of bows.
Quote:
Placing Shikhandi at the forefront, the wrathful Kiriti attacked Bhishma and severed his bow once again.451 He pierced him with ten arrows and sliced down his standard with one. He struck his charioteer with ten arrows and made him tremble. Gangeya took up another bow that was stronger still. In that great battle, in the twinkling of an eye and as soon as that other bow was taken up, Dhananjaya severed it into three with sharp and broad-headed arrows. In this fashion, he severed many bows. ‘“At this, Bhishma, Shantanu’s son, determined that he would not fight with Bibhatsu any more. However, he was pierced by twenty-five kshudrakas and thus pierced, the great archer spoke to Duhshasana. ‘This maharatha Pandava Partha is enraged in the battle. In this encounter, he has shot many thousands of arrows towards me. No one is capable of vanquishing him in battle, not even the wielder of the vajra.
Analysis: Even Bhisma said that Arjuna cannot be defeated, and based on the above text Arjuna is dominating the fight.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 114
- Bhisma (although wounded and vominiting blood & bleeding profusely) still manages to bag ten thousand more kills to his list
Quote:
On the tenth day, stationed in that battle, though he was pierced in his vital organs, Bhishma killed ten thousand warriors.
Analysis: I am sick of even seeing/reading bhisma fight. I have been studying him for hours now.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 114
Quote:
“While your sons looked on, thus the lord, your father, was wounded with sharp-tipped arrows released by Phalguna and fell down from his chariot. There was a little bit of the day left. When Bhishma fell down from his chariot, great sounds of lamentation were heard from the gods in heaven and the kings in every direction. On seeing that the great-souled grandfather had fallen down, together with Bhishma, all our hearts also fell down. When the mighty-armed one fell down, the earth seemed to roar. The great archer fell down, like an uprooted pole that has been erected in Indra’s honour. Because he was covered with a large number of arrows, he did not touch the ground. The great archer, bull among men, was supine on a bed of arrows. When he fell down from the chariot, a divine essence permeated him. The clouds showered rain and the earth trembled.
Analysis: It's a good thing that his arc is over now, he was a weak warrior anyways. He could not defeat foot soldiers not warriors like dhrishtadyumna, yudhishthira, abhimanyu, satyaki, bhima, ghatotkaca, arjuna etc. They all are much better than him. People accuse and blame Arjuna, krishna, Sikhandi for the death of bhisma but what about the kauravas that are clearly stated to be watching the scene as mere spectators not lifting a finger to help their poor grandfather out in his time of need?
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 114
- Debunking a few theories to defend Bhisma's honor.
- Misconception 1) Bhisma not allowing any member of the Kuru family to die
- These are the people (of their family) that died during Bhisma's reign as cheif.
- Iravat (son of Arjuna) heir to both the Kurus and the Nagas, (hastinapore was also called nagapura).
- In-laws of the kuru family died.
- The Kalinga's, they were in-laws of Duryodhana (as one of his wives was a kalinga princess).
- Matsya princes (they were brothers of Arjuna's son's wife).
- Kaurava brothers died, 29 of them.
- Misconception 2) Bhisma promising to spare the lives of the Pandavas
- Bhisma only vowed to kill the Pandavas.
- Duryodhana said Bhisma would kill them
Quote:
What we have thought about for many years has now come to pass. With their soldiers, the Pandavas will be slain and the kingdom will be obtained. I think that Bhishma’s protection is our task now. Protected by us, he will cheerfully slaughter the Parthas in this battle.
Analysis: Partha's equals sons of Pritha (Kunti).
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 95
- Bhisma was described as wanting to kill Arjuna, so he was not holding back.
Quote:
On seeing Madhava thus pierced, Arjuna became extremely angry. In that encounter, he pierced Gangeya’s charioteer with three arrows. In that encounter, the brave ones took aim against each other and endeavoured to kill each other, but did not succeed.
Analysis: They were shooting to kill just like Sanjay Dutt told his officers to do in the film of Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007).
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 48
- Bhishma himself vowed to slay the Pandavas
Quote:
For the sake of your welfare, I have carried out the pledge I made to you. I will perform an even greater task in this great battle today. I will sleep after being slain, or I will kill the Pandavas today. O tiger among men! I will today free myself from the great debt I owe you.
Analysis: His goal that day was death of the Pandavas.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 105
Quote:
Other asuras will penetrate Bhishma, Drona and Kripa. Possessed by them, they will discard their kindness and fight with your enemies. O supreme among Kurus! When the danavas have possessed their inner souls, they will cast aside all affection and kill everyone in battle—sons, brothers, fathers, relatives, students, kin, young and old.
Analysis: It's clearly written that Bhisma will be supported by by Asuras & Danavas. And that they will possess his body so that he casts aside all of the kindness & fights without mercy.
Source: Vana Parva Section 240
- Misconception 3) Bhisma had five golden arrows
Quote:
Duryodhan approached Bhishm that night and accused him of not fighting the battle to his full strength because of his affection for the Pandavas. Bhishm, greatly angered, immediately picked up five golden arrows and chanted mantras declaring, "Tomorrow I will kill the Pandavas with these five golden arrows." Duryodhan, not having faith in Bhishm's words, asked Bhishm to give him custody of the five arrows saying that he would keep them with him and return them the next morning. Long before this event, when Pandavas were in living in the forest, Duryodhan once came to the forest to flaunt his material opulence in order to contrast the Pandavas who were living in exile in poverty. His intent was malice, wickedness, and hate. He placed his camp on the opposite side of a pond where the Pandavas used to stay. But Chitrasen, the leader of Gandharvas (and a great friend of Arjun during Arjun's visit to Indralok) came to know of this wicked plan. He too placed his retinue nearby before Duryodhan camped. When Duryodhan's camp ladies wanted to take a bath in the pond, they were curtly told to go away. Duryodhan could not tolerate this. This led to a fight in which the Gandharvas captured him. On the request of Yudhishthir, Arjun saved Duryodhan and set him free. Duryodhan was ashamed, but being a kshatriya, he asked Arjun what benediction or boon he would like. Arjun replied that he would ask for the boon later when he needed it. It was during that night that Krishna reminded Arjun of his unsatisfied boon and told him to go to Duryodhan and ask for the five golden arrows. When Arjun came and asked for the five golden imbued arrows, Duryodhan was shocked, but knowing full well his honour and duty as a kshatriya declared, "I will give you the five golden arrows. But can you please tell me who told you the five golden imbued arrows existed in the first place?" Arjun replied with a smile, "Who else other than Shri Krishna could have advised me?" Afterwards, Duryodhan honourably kept his word and gave the five golden arrows imbued with a lifetime of austerity and power by Bhishm. Later, Duryodhan broke his customary manner and conceded to himself privately, "All of the rishis say Krishna is the Supreme God, maybe they are right." Being shocked and convinced by Arjun's knowledge of the very existence of the five golden arrows, Duryodhan secretly got on his knees and said a quick prayer to Krishna. Duryodhan again went to Bhishm, informing him of all that happened and requesting another five golden imbued arrows. To this Bhishm laughed and replied, "That is not possible, child. The will of the Lord is Supreme and undeniable. I have already spent the merits of my lifetime of celibacy and austerity in those five arrows, a potency strong enough to end all the five Pandavas. However, Krishna, being the Supreme Lord has foreseen this, knowing past, present, and future as He alone can, and has thus arranged for you to voluntarily give up the five golden arrows, imbued with the power and potency of my lifelong austerities. I cannot imbue another five arrows, having spent all of the merits of my austerities.
Analysis: Whatever you just read in that quote is a fake story that does not belong in any canon/authentic breeds of the Mahabharata texts. Furthermore, the Mahabharata describes several powerful weapons like the Brahmasira, Pasupata, Narayana, Vaishnava, Vajra, Vasavi etc. It even shows the weaker missiles like Agneya, Parjanya, Varuna, Vavavya, etc. But it never even once touches on or explains these five golden arrows.... So, these mysterious five arrows are unexplained & remain a mystery. Mainly based on the fact that they are not mentioned anywhere in the Mahabharata. And Duryodhana never offered any boon/boons to Arjuna during the ghosha-yatra incident.
- Misconception 4) Bhisma forced krishna to raise weapons twice
Quote:
Vasava’s younger brother144 was unable to tolerate the act of the foremost among the kings running away. In that battle, he saw that Bhishma was exerting all his powers, that Partha was mild and that the Kurus were advancing from every direction. ‘“Unable to tolerate it, the great-souled and illustrious one, the protector of all the Dasharhas, spoke approvingly to Shini’s descendant. ‘O brave descendant of the Shini lineage! Those who are running away, are indeed running away. O Satvata! Let those who are still here, also flee. Behold. In this battle, I will today bring down Bhishma from his chariot and also Drona and all their followers. O Satvata! There is no charioteer among the Kouravas who will escape when I am enraged in battle today. I will grasp the terrible chakra and rob the one who is great in his vows, of his life.145 O descendant of Shini! I will kill Bhishma and his followers and Drona, the foremost among charioteers. I will act so as to bring pleasure to Dhananjaya, the king,146 Bhima and the two Ashvins.147 I will kill all the sons of Dhritarashtra and the foremost among kings who are on their side.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 55
We all know (hopefully) that Krishna did not fight Bhisma, Drona and co... So why trust his words over here? He wasn't telling the truth. He was most likely goading Arjuna to get serious and to drop his feelings and morals against Bhisma, Drona etc.
Quote:
"Vasudeva saw that Partha was fighting mildly. Bhishma was continuously showering down arrows in the battle. Stationed between the two armies, he was as scorching as the sun. He was killing the best of the best in the army of Pandu’s son. Against Yudhishthira’s forces, Bhishma was like the destruction at the end of a yuga. The mighty-armed Madhava, the destroyer of enemy heroes, could not tolerate this. O venerable one! He abandoned Partha’s horses, which had the complexion of silver. Full of anger, the great yogi descended from the great chariot. The powerful one advanced towards Bhishma, with his arms as weapons. The spirited one had a whip in his hand and roared repeatedly like a lion. The lord of the universe seemed to make the earth shatter with his footsteps. Krishna’s eyes were coppery red with anger. The infinitely radiant one wished to kill him. In the great battle, those on your side lost their senses. They saw Madhava advance against Bhishma in that battle, as if he would swallow him up. ‘Bhishma has been slain. Bhishma has been slain.’
Analysis: After this Arjuna put Krishna in check and held him back, Krishna listened and continued to drive the chariot.
Source: Bhishma Parva Section 102
Krishna did this because of Arjuna's mildness and the fact that Arjuna was holding back. If Arjuna was not holding back then krishna would not choose to raise weapons.
- The amount of Kourava brothers killed during Bhishma's reign as Chief.
- Names of those brothers
- On the 4th day
- Senapati
- Sushena
- Jalasandha
- Sulochana
- Ugra
- Bhimaratha
- Bhima
- Bhimabahu
- Alolupa
- Durmukha
- Dushpradharsha
- Vivitsu
- Vikata
- Soma
- On the 7th day
- Sunabha
- Adityaketu
- Bahvashi
- Kundadhara
- Mahodara
- Aparajita
- Panditaka
- Vishalaksha
- On the 8th day
- Anadhrishti
- Kundabheda
- Vairata
- Dirghalochana
- Dirghabahu
- Subahu
- Kanakadhvaja.
- Average amount of kauravas killed per day
- For bhisma. It averages to 2.9 killed every day, for 10 days equals 29 kaurava brothers.
- For karna 27 kauravas brothers were killed in his two days of being the generalissimo. That makes his average 13.5 per day.
- As a matter of fact these twenty-seven were alone killed on the seventeenth day itself so it should really only be one day not two days as the divider, but i'm being lenient towards karna.
- So if i were to choose between Bhisma and Karna as who is the better generlissimo of course i would choose bhisma.
Bhisma did not possess any great weapons. Did he possess the Pasupata? No. He didn't have the Vaishnavastra, Narayanastra, he didn't get none of those. He doesn't even have the Brahmasira. He don't got a Vajra with him either. All he has is the Brahmastra/high Brahmastra, which is pretty useless since even Yudhishthira and Dhrishtadyumna have the Brahmastra. Arjuna would not finish Bhisma off when he had the chance, bhisma is just an average fighter. He had nothing special. And Praswapastra can be countered by Arjuna's Sammohanastra & Dhrishtadyumna Pramohana.
Bhisma's gradebook:
Weighted Grade (
how does bhisma stack up against the other general of the kauravas): Better than Shalya, Equal to Karna, Inferior to Aswathama and Drona. I mean Bhisma does not even have knowledge about the chakravyuha. But he did pretty well as a commander in-cheif if you compare him to the others in his job who had to do what he did.
But i have the right to say this now.
- Bhisma failed to kill ordinary elephants of the Pandava army on the first day of the war.
- During day 1 Abhimanyu dominated his fight with Bhisma and five others.
- On the 1st day Bhisma ran away from Arjuna to fight Drupada (a warrior his own age).
- Bhisma failed to counter the Indrastra of Arjuna and retreated from the war.
- Satyaki defeated Bhisma on the 2nd day of the war.
- Yudhishthira and some panchala warrior defeated Bhisma & Drona on the 3rd day.
- On the 3rd day Bhisma accepted defeat at the hands of krishna.
- Arjuna defeated Bhisma, Bhurishravas, Shalya and Duryodhana on the 3rd day.
- On the 4th day Satyaki defeated bhisma again and was about to kill him, but demon Alambush saved him.
- During the fifth day Sikhandi rushed towards Bhisma and Drona, but Bhisma chose to run away.
- On the 6th day Bhisma killed Panchala warriors and then ran away to his own camp to avoid fighting the rest of them.
- On the 7th day Bhisma met Shikandi who forced him to retreat from her. He ran away to the srinjayas instead.
- During day 8 Bhima killed Bhisma's charioteer and defeated him in one minute, bhisma fled like usain bolt.
- On the 8th day when Arjuna's eldest son (Iravat) died, Bhisma tried to ambush an angry Arjuna with the help of Bhagadatta & kripa. But Arjuna dominates them all and they fail to gain any advantage over him.
- On the 9th day of the war Shikandi attacked Bhisma, and as usual Bhisma ran away.
- On the 9th day of the war Virata wounded Bhisma's charioteer and Bhisma himself, the latter was helpless and needed foot soldiers to rescue him xD.
- Yudhishthira defeated Bhisma and seventy kaurava brothers on the 9th day, so bhisma chose to fight foot soldiers instead.
- On the 9th day bhisma accepted defeat at the hands of krishna.
- During the begininng of the 10th day Bhisma ran away from Arjuna in fear.
- On the 10th day, the Pandavas and Sikhandi defeated Bhisma and were about to kill him but then Duhsasana (the incarnation of Indrajit as per MTN) had to come in and rescue Bhisma.
- During the tenth day, Srinjaya rathis cut off bhisma's armor and disrobed him in battle.
- On day 10, arjuna cut off two (2) bows of Bhisma and Bhisma said Arjuna cannot be defeated.
- On the 10th day of the war Arjuna shot a thousand arrows on Bhisma's body, this led him to fall off his chariot and not be able to move.
People will say "defeat is common in war" which i agree too but you know what else is common? Victory. That being said, he's not a worthy adversary of Arjuna.
