The Sub Parvas of Adi Parva

 The Adi-Parva of Mahabharata has 19 sub parvas.

Here is a summary of those 19.

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-19-sub-parvas-of-adi-parva-summary.html

Bhishma dies

Yudhistira asked about Uttanka and Krishna.
Bhishma said -
Uttanka was a great devotee of Krishna. He used to worship the Lord from his childhood.
Pleased with his devotion Krishna appeared before him and blessed him.

Saying all this Bhishma said Go to Hastinupura. Take over the kingdom and rule it like an ideal king. It is time for me to leave this world. I give you to Krishna along with your brothers and Draupadi. Krishna will guide you.

Bhishma closed his eyes and started taking the name of Krishna. He closed his eyes and could see Vishnu. It was the month of Magha (January / February) and the dark phase of the moon. On the eight day Bhishma left his mortal body.

All broke down. Cries were heard everywhere. Vyasa the came there. He consoled all.
Yudhistira performed the last rites of Bhishma.

Giving away many gifts to the priests, all left.

Greatness of the name of Hari

Yudhistira asked Bhishma - Please tell me about those who have sinned and who they get relief.
Bhishma said - Yama's abode is huge. It measures sixteen hundred miles. The one gives cows to a brahmin gets the protection of Vishnu. They go to Yama's abode and treated like Gods. Chitragupta, who is Yama's assistant, weighs the sins with the virtues. One who worships Narayana and prays to Him regularly is worshiped like Vishnu, when he dies. Vishnu comes there and takes the person with him. One who gives gifts of food and clothing does not go unrewarded. They are worshiped by the Gods.
Yama is the giver of justice. The person gets exactly what he deserves. To get relief one needs to take the name of Govinda. One day Narada went to Brahma. Brahma wanted to know why Narada had come there. Narada said I want to know about the greatness of the name of Hari.
Brahma said He is the soul of the Universe. I do not know the significance. Go to Shiva, He should be able to help.
Narada went to Shiva. Shiva said I am unable to explain this. Go to the one who is only One.
Narada then went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. He prayed to Vishnu.
Pleased Vishnu said I am difficult to grasp but I am captivated by my devotees and bow down to them. Do tell me why you are here.
Narada said he wanted to know the reason behind the greatness of the name. Vishnu smiled and said - Go to Sanjivanipura, the abode of Yama. There you will see a form of mine. Ask Him. He will answer you.
Narada saw the four handed divine form, dark in color, wearing yellow garments. The form asked Narada to go to a certain place where he would get the answer. Narada went there. It was a wet place infested with crocodiles. People were being tormented there. Scared Narada began taking the names of Krishna. The moment Narada had uttered the names, the sins of the sinners vanished. The place changed to a beautiful place.
Narada realized the greatness of the name of Hari.

Bhishma then said - I have not told you about the North gate of Yama. The ones who take the name of Hari go there and are worshiped by Yama himself. 

Bhishma talks to Yudhistira

Yudhistira said - I am a great sinner. To get a kingdom, I had to strike a great person like you, down. I have had to kill my relatives to get a kingdom. Drona was our Guru and we had to kill him too. I have acted against the scriptures. I have killed my brother Karna. I have sinned and I want to leave everything and go away somewhere.
Bhima said - Listen to me carefully off what I tell you. There is one God who is responsible for Death and Life. He sees all actions. A thief could feel safe that no one is seeing him, but he is being spotted in heaven. The body is perishable. You are clinging to it as if it something precious. Narayana is the only truth.
Yudhistira said with folded hands - What is death? Who devised this?
Bhishma said this is wonderful. When Brahma created the world, there was no death. The earth was tormented. She appealed to Brahma. Brahma hearing her pleas created a being called Swayambhu. Swayambhu had a son called  Ruchi. Ruchi had seven sons who ruled over seven lands. One son called Bharata asked for the land called Jambudweep. Bharata was given that and Jambudweep went to the eldest son. Bharata got Plakshadweep. Angry, Bharata decided to renounce all and retire into the forests.
Bharata performed austere penances. Brahma appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Bharata kept quiet. This angered Brahma and an asura was born from that. The asura started tormenting the people of Jambudweep. The earth went to Brahma and asked to relieved from the torture. Brahma then went to Ganga. On the way, he started sweating and from that was born a ferocious being. This was Death. Death said I will end all on this earth. To that, Brahma said - Go to Jambudweep. Decide first before taking someone with you. Live there as illness and thus kill people.

Hearing this, Yama built a wonderful castle. The sages who die go the northern gate of Yama's castle. The western and eastern parts of the castle are very beautiful with streams and fruit trees. The warriors who fall in battle go the western part. The women who die with their husbands go to the eastern part. The southern part is horrible. The sinners go there. There are ferocious animals which devour the dead. The workers of Yama torture the dead sinners. Killers of cows and women go there. Liars and cheats go there. They are fried in hot oil. 

Yudhistira goes to Bhishma

Yudhistira felt happy. He asked his brothers and ministers to come along with him to see Bhishma. Everyone started getting ready, eagerly waiting to meet and greet Bhishma. Dhritarashtra, Vidura, Gandhari, Draupadi and the Kunti and other royal women also went along.

Reaching the spot where Bhishma was lying, they all sat around him.

Bhishma said - You have Krishna with you. I am blessed that he has come along with you here. Krishna - You are the one true being, the maker of all.

There was once a priest called Krishanu. He was a great devotee of yours and used to pray to you and cook for you and feed you. You wanted to test him. You took the form of a dog and came to him. Seeing the priest, the dog scared started running. The priest started chasing the dog, saying please come and take part of my offering. God is in all. You are Krishna for me. Please take my offering.
Krishna pleased appeared before him in his form with four hands. He said I am pleased with you. Please cook for me everyday and I will eat from your hands. Krishna, you are my creator and I know no one else, other than you. The others are all in your protection.

In Gaya there was a priest who in the name of worship used to perform evil deeds. He used to trade in leather and lived in the company of the cobblers. He used to spit and blow on everything. He left his prayers and worship. When he went home, he cooked and first fed Krishna, took his name and then took his food.
When he died, the attendants of Yama came to take him but was stopped by the attendants of Vishnu, as he had been taking name of Krishna everyday evening.

Yudhistira , do not ever be jealous of other and do not insult anyone. especially brahmins. Discard anger and grief. 

Duryodhana goes to Bhishma

Before the war was about to begin, Duryodhana went where Bhishma was lying. He said I have come to take leave of you as I go to fight the Pandavas. Drona has been made the commander.
Bhishma said Listen to what I say and agree to respect my word. Make friends with Yudhistira. Give Yudhistira something. I will convince Yudhistira to be happy with he has got. Krishna is with the Pandavas and there is no way you can win the war. Ask Drona and see if he agrees to what I say.

Duryodhana was stubborn and refused to accept Bhishma's advice. He said Every one points out at me. What did I do? All I did was find fault with the Pandavas. By strength or by wit, I need to defeat my enemies. If I die in the battlefield, people will consider me a hero. I have made a promise that I will fight and I will not go back on my word.

Bhishma kept quiet knowing that the Kauravas would be destroyed.

Duryodhana left for the battlefield.

Day Ten - Bhishma falls

The next day, battle began. Bhishma asked his charioteer to take the chariot near Arjuna. The charioteer said this was not a good day and he was seeing ill omens. It was raining without clouds in the sky. Vultures were flying around, wavering over chariots.
Bhishma said What ill omen can be there when the Lord himself is the charioteer for Arjuna?
The charioteer took the chariot near Arjuna. Bhishma aimed arrows at Krishna and the flag staff having Hanumana on it. Arjuna cut off the arrows.
Bhima killed many kaurava warriors. Dushsasana came and wounded Bhima with arrows. Enraged, Bhima threw his bow and picked up his mace. With a blow, he smashed the chariot killing the charioteer and the horses. Dushsasana fainted and began bleeding. Drona then attacked Bhima, who killed the guru's charioteer and horses. Seeing Bhima wounded, Abhimanyu came to help. He cut off Drona's armor. Drona then recovered and started showering arrows at Abhimanyu.
At another corner, Drupada, Virata, Dhristadyumna and Ghatotkacha were fighting. They made havoc of the Kaurava army. Seeing this, Bhurishrava, Kritavarma, Shalya and Jayadhrata rushed there.
Ghatotkacha was making a mess of the army. Seeing this Duryodhana fled. Bhishma stopped the fleeing Duryodhana and asked him to stand and face the battle.
Bhishma then started showering arrows at Arjuna and Krishna, wounding them and killing the horses. Seeing this Arjuna started shooting arrows randomly killing countless soldiers.
Krishna decided this was the time to get Shikhandi.
Shikhandi came and keeping him in front, the battle began. Arjuna said this was not fair. Krishna said It was time to fight.
Seeing Shikhandi Bhishma dropped his bow. Shikhandi said I will kill you.
Bhishma said Nature made you a woman and dressed as a man you have joined the Pandavas.
Shikhandi then started shooting arrows at Bhishma as directed by Arjuna. Arjuna seeing this was not working, picked up his bow and started shooting arrows at Bhishma. Bhishma knew these were not Shikhandi's arrows.
Soon Bhishma was pierced every where with arrows, bleeding profusely. Arjuna picked up a weapon and shot that. That pierced Bhishma's heart. The old man fell from his chariot.
His body did not touch the ground. The arrows piercing the ground formed a bed on which Bhishma lay.
All left the war and rushed to Bhishma's side.
Duryodhana could not control himself and burst into tears.
Yudhistira and the Pandavas along with Krishna went to Bhishma. Yudhistira said You were the father to the Pandavas. Today we have killed that father figure.
Slowly Bhishma said I will live till the sun comes its journey from south (Dakshinayana) to the north (Uttarayana .
He said to Duryodhana - My head is hanging, please get me a pillow fit for me.
Duryodhana got the best of the pillows. Bhishma rejected those and asked Arjuna to get a pillow. Arjuna shot three arrows which pierced Bhishma's head and then went into the ground. Bhishma then said he was thirsty. Duryodhana got water but that was rejected. Again Bhishma asked Arjuna.
Arjuna shot an arrow into the earth. A stream of water burst forth falling in Bhishma's mouth.

Bhishma asked Duryodhana to stop the war but Duryodhana refused. Spending sometime with Bhishma, everyone left for their camps.

Yudhistira approaches Bhishma

In the camp, Yudhistira was wondering how Bhishma could be finished. Krishna said Your brothers are fighting bravely, so why are you so worried?Arjuna will be able to kill Bhishma. Do not worry on that.
Yudhistira said I can understand that but I want to know how Bhishma will be killed.
Krishna said Bhishma is a noble person. Let us go to him and ask him. He has a boon of dying only when he wishes to. He will be able to answer your question.
With the Pandavas, Krishna went to Bhishma. Bhishma greeted them and the five brothers bowed down to Bhishma. Bhishma wanted to know why they had come at that hour.
Yudhistira said When I asked for five village that was denied. The war started and now no one is able to face you. I now ask you, please let me know how can you be killed?
Bhishma said Listen. I am known for my skill and strength. No one defeat me as long as I hold my weapons in my hands. As long as I am in the field, I will serve the Kauravas. if you kill me, know for sure, it will be your victory and the defeat of the Kauravas. I will not lift a weapon at some fleeing or someone weak or sick. I will not lift a weapon at a woman. Anyone who has a name of a woman will not be hurt by me. Listen to me. Drupada's son Shikhandi was born a woman and now as a man is skilled in warfare. If Shikhandi comes in front, I will drop my weapons. Arjuna can use Shikhandi as a sheild and kill me.
Yudhistira, Krishna and the Pandavas took leave of Bhishma and went back to their camp.

Day Nine

Yudhistira was sad. Bhishma was fighting in full form and Krishna's vow had been broken.
Drupada said The Lord will bend down to please his devotee.
This talking the night ended and the day started and battle began.
Arjuna killed many soldiers and so did Bhima. Rivers of blood were flowing in the ground and in that dead animals and soldiers were floating.
Bhishma killed many of the Pandava soldiers. Foot soldiers, horses and elephants fell. Bhima shot arrows at Duryodhana, wounding him. Duryodhana picked up his mace and jumped off his chariot. He killed Bhima's charioteer with a blow of his mace. Bhima cut off the mace with his arrows.
Drona attacked Bhima cutting off his bow. Bhima picked another bow. Before he could string the bow, Drona cut that too. Angry, Bhima picked his mace. Drona tried to cut the mace, but before that Bhima smashed Drona's chariot. Drona jumped on another chariot and started showering arrows at Bhima. Bhima killed the charioteer. Drona, with sharp arrows, cut off the mace. Angry Bhima picked up the chariot. Drona fell on the ground. Drona then rushed towards Bhima and both started wrestling.
With no one winning, Drona climbed on a chariot and started aiming arrows at Bhima. Bhima then got on his chariot and cut off Drona's bow again.
Abhimanyu was killing many soldiers. Kripacharya attacked Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu cut off Kripa's arrows. Kripa, taking divine weapons, cut off Abhimanyu's bow. Taking another bow, Abhimanyu killed the horses and charioteer of Kripa. With two arrows, Abhimanyu pierced Kripa's armor. Kripa fainted.
Ashwatthama saw this and came to Kripa's rescue. Abhimanyu cut off his bow. Abhimanyu cut off all weapons of the son of Drona.
Arjuna and Bhishma were fighting. Arjuna cut off all the divine weapons that Bhishma tried to use. Arjuna then cut off Bhishma's bow. He then pierced Bhishma's armor. Then he began busy, killing soldiers.
Bhishma recovering shot arrows wounding both Arjuna and Krishna.
With evening, the day came to an end.

Krishna breaks his vow

Seeing the havoc being created by Bhima, Kirpacharya came to face Bhima. Kripa cut off Bhima's bow. Bhima picked up another bow and showered arrows on Kripa.
Satyaki was fighting Bhurisharava and Abhimayu was fighting with Susharma. Ghatotkacha was fighting Alambush and Drupada and Ashwatthama were fighting each other. Yudhistira and Shalya were fighting while Nakula and Dushshasana were fighting. None was able to win over the other. Sahadeva was fighting Shakuni. Shakuni had to flee, seeing Sahadeva's fighting skills.
Arjuna and Bhishma's war was something to see. The Gods had gathered in the skies to see the battle. Bhishma shot arrows at Arjuna, who cut those. Arjuna then cut off Bhishma's bow, who picked up another one. Bhishma then started aiming arrows at Krishna. Arjuna seeing this, cut off Bhishma's bow. Bhishma picked up another bow and Arjuna cut that too.
Krishna was wounded by Bhishma's arrows. He knew what Bhishma wanted. Bhishma and Arjuna were fighting each killing many soldiers in the other's army.
Arjuna was getting tired trying to fight off Bhishma's arrows.
Krishna becaem angry. He said he would now kill off all the Kauravas. He said I had made a promise that I will not lift a weapon. If I try to fulfill my promise, the Pandavas will be finished.
Krishna jumped off the chariot and picked up a wheel of a chariot and went to kill Bhishma with that.
Bhishma dropped his weapons and said Come O Lord and quickly make an end of me.
Seeing Krishna angry, Arjuna jumped off the chariot and caught Kirshna's hands. He said I had promised to kill Bhishma. With your grace I will fulfill that. Please return.

Krishna returned and resumed his role as the charioteer. Arjuna using divine weapons killed off many soldiers. Bhishma tried to attack but his arrows got cut off. Angry, he began killing soldiers.

The day then ended.

Day Eight

The day began. Duryodhana was sad about being tricked. Arjuna faced Bhishma who said Let me see your skill today. Taking the crown of Duryodhana, you tricked me. Now listen to me, I will make Krishna break his vow. He will pick up a weapon.
Gods wondered what would happen. Krishna had vowed not to touch a weapon and here Bhishma had made a promise. Let us see who will break his vow.
Bhishma fought furiously. He cut off all Arjuna's arrows.
Drona and Dhristadyumna were fighting. The son of Drupada was cutting off all of Drona's arrows. Drona cut off Dhristadyumna's bow. Dhristadyumna then picked up a mace and flung it at Drona who cut that off. Drona then cut the chariot of the prince. Dhristadyumna then picked up a sword and rushed at Drona. He cut off the horses of the chariot. Using five arrows, Drona cut the sword. Dhristadyumna then climbed up on the chariot of Abhimanyu.
Bhima and Duryodhana were fighting each other with their maces. Wounded, Duryodhana climbed on his chariot and began shooting arrows at Bhima. Bhima seeing  this, also climbed up on his chariot. Bhima cut off Duryodhana's bow. Duryodhana picked up another bow. Bhima cut that off too. Seeing this many warriors came to rescue Bhima and all of them met their end in the hands of Bhima.

Krishna tricks Bhishma

In the evening, in the camp, Duryodhana went to Bhishma. He said You are one whom even Parashurama could not defeat. You alone can destroy the three worlds. How then do the Pandavas go back to their camps alive?
Bhishma said He would kill the Pandavas the next day unless Krishna did something.
Duryodhana was pleased and went back happy.
Sahadeva knew about this. When Krishna was discussing the plan for the next day, Sahadeva said Bhishma took five arrows from his quiver and said he would kill the five Pandava brothers with those.
This scared Yudhistira. He said Bhishma is known for his promises and his word. How will we survive the day?
Krishna said Do not worry. Give me Arjuna. We will go to the Kaurava camp and get the five arrows. That will end the story there.
Yudhistira said How will that be possible?
Krishna said Think back. When you were in the forest, Duryodhana had come to the forest to show off his wealth and make you jealous. He had left Bhishma and Drona in Hastinapura.  There he along with Karna had been made prisoner by Chitraratha. There Arjuna had gone and rescued them. Duryodhana had then said Ask for something. Arjuna had said I will ask for it when the time comes.

Krishna and Arjuna went to the Kaurava camp. Krishna stood outside and asked Arjuna to go inside, remind Duryodhana about the promise and ask for his crown. Then with that, go to Bhishma and get the five arrows.

Duryodhana was told Arjuna had come. He welcomed Arjuna and made him sit. Arjuna reminded Duryodhana about the promise and asked for the crown, Duryodhana took that off and gave it to him.

Placing the crown on his head, Arjuna went to Bhishma's camp. Bhishma was able to make out the crown and asked why Duryodhana had come to him at that hour. Arjuna said Give me the five arrows. I will use those myself. Bhishma handed those over. The moment he did that, Krishna came inside. Bhishma knew immediately that he had been tricked. 

Day Six

The day started with the armies fighting. Karna was creating havoc with his mace. Sahadeva started his fight, killing many soldiers. Shakuni aimed a sword at Sahadeva, who cut that off. All arrows of Shakuni were cut off by Sahadeva. Shakuni fled.
Nakula and Jayadhrata were fighting. Dhristadyumna and Bhurisrava were fighting.
Arjuna and Drona began fighting. Seeing this, Abhimanyu joined in. He cut off Drona's bow. When Drona picked another bow, Abhimanyu cut that too. Whatever weapons Drona used were cut off by Abhimanyu.
Krishna took the chariot towards Bhishma where Arjuna attacked the grand sire. It was a severe combat with each cutting off the other's arrows. Arjuna cut off the flag staff of the chariot and killed the charioteer and the horses of Bhishma's chariot.
Bhishma then picked up a weapon called Narayana and invoked the power by reciting the mantras. When the weapon was released, the earth started shaking. Krishna told Arjuna - drop your weapons on the chariot and sit down. Arjuna said this was not his duty. His duty was to fight.
Krishna said, this was not the time for words. Arjuna dropped his weapons seeing which the other Pandava warriors and their allies did the same. Bhima still had his mace in hand. Krishna said Immediately  drop the mace. Bhima refused and said he would rather die.
The weapon saw only Bhima with a weapon and came towards him. Krishna seeing this went towards Bhima and stood in front of him. The weapon came and struck Krishna. The weapon, on touching Krishna, lots all its power.
Bhishma seeing this started praising Krishna.
The war resumed.with Bhishma wounding Arjuna.
Soon it was evening and the war ended.

Duryodhana, Karna and Bhishma talk

In their camp Duryodhana sent for Karna. He and Shakuni spoke to Karna. Duryodhana said I made Bhishma the commander thinking the Pandavas would be finished but now it does not seem to be working.
Karna said Bhishma and Drona have a soft corner for the Pandavas. Whatever you do, think carefully before that. Let us go and talk to Bhishma.
Duryodhana went to Bhishma and said You said you will make an end of the Pandavas. I do not see that happening. It would have been better if Karna had been the commander.
Bhishma became angry. He said When I tried to tell you something, you called me old. What did Karna do when the Gandharvas bound you? When you stole the cows of Matsya, where was Karna? Arjuna and Krishna together are invincible. Listen to me. In the house of Nanda, when Krishna was growing up, he used to play with boys of his age. The sages who used to pray to Indra, stopped praying to him and began praising Krishna. Angry, Indra created a great storm. Not knowing what to do, the sages and people of the city went to Krishna for help. Krishna lifted the mountain Govardhan and the people took shelter under the mountain. For seven days, Krishna stood with the mountain on his hand. Who can destroy the ones who have Krishna to help them?
I will try my best tomorrow.

Day Five

Battle began at dawn. While the kuru army used a formation like an ocean, the Pandavas used a horned formation.
Many horses, elephants and soldiers were killed.
Bhishma was on a rampage. Seeing this, Bhima attacked Bhishma. Bhima avoiding the arrows with his mace, killed the charioteer and horses of Bhishma's chariot. Bhishma climbed onto another chariot and started a fresh attack. Avoiding Bhima, Bhishma went where Arjuna was. Krishna also took the chariot near Bhishma. While Arjuna and Bhishma fought, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva killed many Kaurava soldiers. Ilavanta, son of Arjuna came to fight there.
When Arjuna was in exile, he had been captured by Uloopi, daughter of a Naga. This was their son. Ilavanta had grown up in heaven, learning under Indra. When Arjuna had gone to the heaven, he had met his son there.
The sons of Shakuni attacked Ilavanta. Ilavanta killed them. Seeing this, Duryodhana came to fight. Seeing no respite, he asked the demon Alambusha to attack.
Ilavanta fought valiantly, combating Alambusha. Alambusha fainted and Ilavanta kept killing the soldiers of the Kauravas. Seeing his army getting killed, Duryodhana attacked. Duryodhana had to flee, seeing the might of the young man. Ilavanta then cut off the weapons of all the kings who came to help Duryodhana.
Alambusha coming to his senses attacked Ilavanta again. The two fought with each other, sometimes with arrows, sometimes with swords.
Alambusha hid behind the clouds and Ilavanta caught him. Soon Alambusha caught up with Ilavanta and struck him with his sword.
Ilavanta fell dead. Seeing this, Ghatotkacha attacked Alambusha.
Hearing off the death of his son, Arjuna attacked whoever came in front of him. Bhishma cut off his arrows. Arjuna used the fire arrow to burn Bhishma's chariot. Bhishma invoked water and the fire went out. Arjuna then used the wind to evaporate the water.
The fight between Arjuna and Bhishma continued till it was the end of the day.

Day Four

Every one accumulated in their camps and began discussing. The night thus ended and the new day began.
Krishna took the chariot in front of Bhishma.
Bhima was fighting Susharma. Bhima killed many Kaurava soldiers. Susharma showered arrows at Bhima which Bhima dodged using his mace. Susharma started fleeing. Seeing this Duryodhana attacked Bhima. Duryodhana showered arrows which Bhima cut off. Bhima then shot arrows at Duryodhana. Duryodhana cut off Bhima's bow. Bhima took another bow and cut off Duryodhana's bow. Bhima cut that off. This happened many times with bows getting cut off. Bhishma seeing this asked some of the kings to go and help Duryodhana.
Bhima was attacked but he managed to cut off the weapons coming towards him. Bhagdatta attacked Bhima and managed to control him for sometime, till Bhima cut off his bow. Ghatotkacha saw this and came to Bhima's side. Bhagdatta's elephant was killed. Alambish came to fight. Both Ghatokacha and Ambalush used magic on each other.
Arjuna and Bhishma kept fighting.
The day ended.

Day Three

Having bathed and changed, Yudhistira sat in his camp. He was trying to console Virata who had lost 2 sons in a day.
The next day the Kaurava army created a Garuda formation with Bhishma at the tip. Drona and Kritavarma were the eyes.
The Pandavas formed a crescent formation.
When the two armies clashed, the noise was so great that it was very difficult to hear any other sound. Like rain, the sky was overcast with arrows flying around.
Arjuna along with Ghatotkacha and Abhimanyu killed many Kaurava warriors.
Bhima and Duryodhana fought with bow and arrows and at one time Duryodhana fainted.
Coming to his sense he asked Drona and Bhishma to concentrate on the battle. This angered them and they said - When we tried to talk to sense to you, you refused to listen. Now, let us handle things ourselves.As a king you need to be responsible for your people.
Bhishma started fighting again. It was difficult to stand his might.
Arjuna got showered by arrows from Bhishma. Using divine weapons, Arjuna cut off Bhishma's weapons. Arjuna cut off the flag staff on Bhishma's chariot and cut off his bow. Arjuna then killed Bhishma's charioteer. Bhishma took another bow. The sun was hidden with the arrows flying around.
The day's fight ended.

Day One

A great noise was created with the conch shells blowing. Krishna told Arjuna -Bhishma should be our target.
Arjuna approached Bhishma and took his blessings.
Arjuna said to Bhishma - Why are you decked up as a warrior at this age?
Bhishma said That was his duty.
Bhishma said Glory to Kunti and Pandu whose son has managed to get the Lord as his charioteer.

Bhishma then began showering arrows at Arjuna who cut those off.
Bhima was fighting Duryodhana and Satyaki was fighting Kritavarma. Somdutta fought Uttar and Dhristadyumna was fighting Drona. Abhimanyu was fighting Karna. Yudhistira was fighting Salya. Salya cut off his bow. Yudhistira took another bow and cut off Salya's bow.
Abhimanyu and Ghatotkacha together were killing off the Kaurava army. This angered Bhishma.

Abhimanyu stood like a wall. He cut off the flag post on Salya's chariot and then cut off the arrows of Kripa. Attacking Kritavarma, he cut off his chariot, killing the horses and the charioteer. He then cut off the flag post on Bhishma's chariot. Bhishma, angry started showering arrows, wounding Abhimanyu. Seeing this, some of the Pandava warriors rushed to his rescue. They started showering arrows on Bhishma who cut them off. Arjuna seeing this attacked Bhishma. Bhishma picked a weapon given by Parashurama and hurled that. Seeing that Krishna said, Use a powerful weapon. Arjuna used a weapon given by Indra, which cut off Bhishma's weapon.

Bhima on the meanwhile killed many Kaurava soldiers.

The first day's battle got over.

Arjuna fights Bhishma

Arjuna said to Uttar - Everyone seems to be running away and I am not here to kill people. Take the chariot where Bhishma , son of Shantanu is. He is the protector of the Kaurava army and I want to face him,
Uttar said I am tired and I am not able to control the horses any more. My ears are paining from the noise.
Arjuna said What you are saying is not fit for Kshatriya. Do not worry, this will not be long and soon we will return.  Saying this, Arjuna rubbed Uttar's body and asked him to get ready.
Feeling confident, Uttar grabbed the reins of the horses and turned the chariot towards Bhishma. Arjuna shot two arrows towards Bhishma's feet and Bhishma shot two arrows which touched Arjuna's head. Dushshana and three of this brothers were guarding Bhishma. Seeing Arjuna, they attacked. Arjuna shot arrows and the brothers had to flee.

Coming close to Bhishma, Arjuna said How can a person of your character come to steal the cows of the king of Matsya.

Bhishma said I am not here to steal cows. The spies said you were in this land and I have come to meet you. What need do I have of wealth and land. All I have belongs to you all.

Arjuna said With your blessings we brothers had to stay in the forest for twelve years and had to be in hiding for a year. If you please move away, I will come face to face with Duryodhana.

Bhishma said Duryodhana is under my protection.
Arjuna said Then protect him.

Arrows started flowing as Bhishma and Arjuna attacked each other. Bhishma was very pleased to see Arjuna's skill. Arjuna cut off the bow of Bhishma and his ornaments. Soon Bhishma fainted on the chariot.

Dhritarashtra agrees to bring back the Pandavas

Dhritarashtra called Bhishma and Drona. He sat with them and his ministers. He said he had come to know that Pandavas and Kunti were alive. He had no idea where and why they had been hiding. They have married the daughter of Drupada but did not inform me about that. He then wanted to know what was to be done in this case.

Bhishma said For you Pandavas should the same as your own sons. There was a time when you used to proud of the achievements of the Pandavas. Not sure what happened suddenly and you sent the Pandavas to Varnavrata. You should be glad that the Pandavas along with their mother are alive. Do as you used to do earlier. Send for the Pandavas immediately. For me Gandhari and Kunti are the same, and so are the sons of Pandu and your sons. If Pandu was alive today, this kind of a situation would not have arisen. What I suggest is, divide the kingdom into two and give one portion to the Pandavas.

Drona said he was in agreement with what Bhishma had said. He said  Send someone to Panchala to fetch the Pandavas. Also get ready to welcome the newly weds and greet Draupadi with jewels and gifts. To Kunti, ask her to forget the past. Send gifts for Drupada. Send someone who is loyal and truthful and someone whom the Pandavas can trust.

Karna said he did not agree of this and said the ideas of Bhishma and Drona were not to listened to.

Drona said he knew all about Karna and how he performed in the swayamvara in Panchala. Drona reminded Karna about how he had run and leave the field, when confronted by Arjuna.

Vidura then told Karna, Bhishma and Drona had wisdom and their words should be listened to. Krishna and Balrama were cousins of the Pandavas. Drupada was now their father-in-law and the Pandavas were now to be feared. He too asked Dhritarashtra to bring the Pandavas over.

Dhritarashtra agreed and Vidura to go and bring the Pandavas back.