Sixth Day of Kurukshetra War : Episode 135

Duryodhana praises the valor of Shalya, Bhurisravas and his father Somadatta, all the while looking scornfullay at Bhishma. He tells Bhishma to learn the meaning of 'loyalty' from them. Bhishma is piqued, but his explanations about his being busy elsewhere in the battlefield cut no ice with the Kauravas. Also the fact that Bhishma has sworn not to kill the Pandavas is very irksome for Duryodhana, who is not permitted to usher in Karna when Bhishma is participating in the war.

Drona visits Bhishma when he is alone in the chamber and expresses remorse at Duryodhana's attitude. Bhishma says Duryodhana was rattled by the sight of Arjuna's prowess, and he could see the fear of death in Duryodhana's eyes. Bhishma also said he anticipated more abusive behavior from Duryodhana in the future, when the situation could probably become worse.

The Kauravas have arranged their troops in the form of a makara or crocodile and the pandavas have decided on the krauncha bird formation. It is a fierce battle between Dushasana and Bhima. Duryodhana butts in. Drishtadyumna planning to end the duel, invokes the mighty Pramohana Astra and shoots it towards the brothers of Duryodhana. Struck by the Pramohana Astra, the brothers of Duryodhana fall unconscious on their chariot. Drona, who is engaged in a duel with King Drupada, invokes the mighty Prajna Astra, and nullifies the effects of Dhrishtadyumna’s Pramohana. The unconsious warriors rise and resume fighting.

Back in the camp, a vaidya attends to Duryodhana's wounds. Bhishma sits by Duryodhana's side and applies herbal paste on the wounds.

Duryodhan says the salve the grand sire applied has cured his physical affliction, but has done nothing to quieten his mental anguish. Duryodhana asks pointedly why Bhishma has not yet killed adversaries such as Drupada or Virata even if he has not killed the Pandavas because of his vow. Bhishma asks Duryodhana to ensure that he does not get into a combat with the Pandavas but proceeds to fight other adversaries.

Pandavas are weary too with the long-drawn and inconclusive battle in which the commander-in-chief of their adversary has the boon of determining the time of his own death. Krishna says in mysterious tones that they should force Bhishma to fight with them alone, without Bhishma getting closer to other veterans on their side.