Was Bhishma Betraying Hastinapur by Allowing Kauravas to Suffer?

The question of whether Bhishma betrayed Hastinapur by not removing the arrows from his body has long been a subject of debate. Some believe that he was abandoning his duty; however, the deeper context reveals a much more complex story.

The Background

Before delving into the specifics, a quick background is necessary. The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the story of the Kurukshetra war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Bhishma, an elderly and revered warrior, was instrumental in the lasting peace of Hastinapur. He fought for the Kauravas despite their morally questionable actions, guided by the belief that it was the only path to avert a larger catastrophe.

Bhishma's Dilemma

Bhishma's actions can be seen as a biding of time. Mahadev (Shiva) had blessed the Kauravas' foremother, Amba, leading to Bhishma's subsequent grief and vow to serve the Kauravas for their protection. By the tenth day of the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma no longer had the physical strength to fight, and his contentions with the Kauravas had deepened.

Shikhandi's Role

The fateful encounter between Bhishma and Shikhandi is a pivotal moment. On the tenth day, Arjuna took Shikhandi as his chariot rider. Curiously, Bhishma did not target Shikhandi with his arrows, likely due to an unspoken pact or perhaps an acknowledgment of Shikhandi's right to choose his battle. It was then that Arjuna pierced Bhishma with countless arrows, virtually incapacitating him.

Understanding Bhishma's Intentions

From the perspective of the Mahabharata, Bhishma's decision to remain in the battle aligns more with a strategic retreat. In the latter stages of the war, Bhishma understood that his continued presence was more of a hindrance. By staying in the field, he prolonged the conflict unnecessarily, which was detrimental to both Hastinapur and the Pandavas. His tragic realization was that his prolonged fight would only postpone the inevitable transition of power and peace.

Bhishma's Final Wisdom

By the ninth day, Bhishma may have recognized that his present role was not serving the best interests of Hastinapur. He chose to step aside, allowing Yudhishthira to become the rightful king. This move brought a semblance of peace and moral righteousness to Hastinapur, as evidenced by Dhritarashtra's newfound calm and happiness.

Conclusion and Reflection

Bhishma's actions are a complex mix of dedication and wisdom. While his decisions caused tremendous suffering, they ultimately led to a more just and peaceful rule. Understanding Bhishma requires delving into the layers of legend and myth, as encapsulated in the Mahabharata. This tale serves as a profound reminder of the balance between current actions and future consequences.

References and Further Reading

For a deeper dive into the story, consider the following references:

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