Sixth Day of Kurukshetra War : Episode 135

Recap of the Previous Episode :

Shakuni warns Duryodhana not to push Bhishma too far. On the fourth day, Bhima kills eight Kaurava princes and grief fills Hastinapura. Duryodhana rages at Bhishma while Karna feels helpless. On the fifth day, Makara Vyuha clashes with Syena Vyuha, and Bhurisravas kills ten sons of Satyaki, driving Duryodhana to mock Bhishma openly.

Duryodhana’s Anger Against Bhishma

Duryodhana praises the valor of Shalya, Bhurisravas and Somadatta, but his words are laced with scorn as he looks directly at Bhishma. He tells Bhishma to learn ‘true loyalty’ from them.

Bhishma remains composed, explaining that he has been battling relentlessly across the breadth of the field. His words do not soften the bitterness in Duryodhana, who finds it intolerable that Bhishma has vowed not to kill the Pandavas. He is also frustrated that Bhishma’s presence prevents Karna from entering the war.

Drona and Bhishma Speak in Private

Later, in solitude, Drona visits Bhishma. He confesses his sorrow over Duryodhana’s disrespect. Bhishma smiles sadly. He tells Drona that Duryodhana is shaken by Arjuna’s devastating strength, and he has already seen the fear of death in Duryodhana’s eyes. He predicts that harsher insults and greater humiliation may follow in the days ahead.

The Fifth Day Formation

The Kauravas arrange their troops in Makara Vyuha (Crocodile Formation). The Pandavas respond with Krauncha Vyuha (Crane Formation).

Battle erupts fiercely. Bhima and Dushasana clash with ferocious strength, and Duryodhana intervenes. Seeking to end the duel quickly, Drishtadyumna invokes the powerful Pramohana Astra, sending Duryodhana’s brothers into deep unconsciousness.

Drona, engaged in combat with King Drupada, invokes the mighty Prajna Astra, neutralizing the Pramohana. One by one, the fallen warriors recover consciousness and rejoin battle.

A Night of Pain

Back in camp, physicians tend to the wounded. Bhishma sits beside Duryodhana and gently applies herbal salve upon his injuries.

Duryodhana looks at him with burning anguish. He says the treatment may have healed his body, but it has done nothing to ease his tormented heart. He demands to know why Bhishma has not slain warriors like Drupada and Virata, even if he refuses to kill the Pandavas.

Bhishma replies with quiet firmness: He asks Duryodhana to keep him away from direct combat with the Pandavas and allow him to confront other adversaries without interruption.

Pandavas Plan for What Lies Ahead

In the Pandava camp, exhaustion and dread hang heavy. The war drags on with no decisive progress, and Bhishma’s boon — the right to choose the moment of his death — looms large before them.

Krishna speaks softly, but his tone carries deep implication. He tells the Pandavas that Bhishma must be isolated — drawn away from the support of other stalwart warriors — if they are to defeat him.

The strategy for the coming day begins to take shape.