Shikhandi and Karna Ask Bhishma For Forgiveness : Episode 142

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Arjuna, guided by Krishna and shielded by Shikhandi, strikes Bhishma down on the tenth day of the war. Bhishma falls upon a bed of arrows and receives Arjuna’s final offerings of water and comfort while both armies mourn his fall.

Bhishma Refuses Treatment

All the warriors gather around Bhishma. Duryodhana offers immediate medical aid to ease his suffering, but Bhishma refuses. He says he is waiting for the arrival of Uttarayana kala, in the month of Thai / Pausha, when he will voluntarily give up his life. Until then, he wishes to remain on his bed of arrows.

When Duryodhana turns angrily toward Arjuna, Bhishma requests everyone to leave and return to their camps. Duryodhana declares the spot a protected zone outside the war limits and orders guards to ensure no animal approaches Bhishma.

Draupadi Seeks Forgiveness

Draupadi stands near Bhishma with tears streaming down her face, lamenting that she has been the cause of his condition. Bhishma consoles her gently. He says that once an arrow leaves the bow, no one can recall it, and she should not carry guilt. She is only an instrument chosen by the divine. He blesses her.

Shikhandi Repents

Shikhandi visits Bhishma next. Overwhelmed with remorse, she weeps that she has caused the fall of the greatest warrior. She says the Pandavas who struck him cried, and even the celestials showered flowers, revealing Bhishma’s greatness. She confesses that her hatred dissolves only after witnessing this scene.

Bhishma consoles Shikhandi and says she is not at fault. True blame belongs to empty vows and false pride, not to the victims of destiny or circumstance.

Karna Meets Bhishma

Karna is shaken when his son Vrishasena brings the news. His wife, Shubhangini, cannot understand his pain, knowing Bhishma’s past insults toward him. Karna says he has always revered Bhishma, the greatest warrior on earth.

Karna rushes to the battlefield to see Bhishma. Bhishma greets him as Kunti-putra. Karna is stunned. Bhishma reveals that he has always known the secret of Karna’s birth. His harshness was deliberate — he wished Karna would leave Duryodhana and join his true brothers. Bhishma says that despite deep affection for Duryodhana, Karna has never corrected him, and that failure pains him. Bhishma urges Karna to remain loyal to his friend and support him to the end.