Arjuna Vishada Yoga

English

Bhishma, also known as Pitāmaha, Gangāputra, and Devavrata, occupies a central role in the epic Mahābhārata. As the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces during the Kurukshetra War, Bhishma wields immense power and authority on the battlefield. Remarkably, he is the sole witness to the entirety of the Mahabharata's unfolding events, beginning from the reign of his father, King Shantanu of the Kuru kingdom. Bhishma's lineage is deeply intertwined with the epic's narrative, as he is the stepbrother of Sage Vyāsa, the grandfather of both the Pāndavas and the Kauravas. Renowned for his statesmanship, Bhishma serves as a father figure in the politics of the Kuru Kingdom. Originally named Devavrata, he was destined for greatness as the heir-apparent of his kingdom. However, in a profound act of sacrifice for his father's happiness, Bhishma relinquished his birthright and vowed lifelong celibacy. This selfless decision earned him the name Bhishma, and a divine blessing from his father, King Shantanu, granting him the ability to choose the moment of his death. Despite his allegiance to the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War, Bhishma's unwavering commitment to righteousness and honor defined his character. Bound by a vow made long ago to protect the throne of Hastinapur until his last breath, he fought from the Kaurava side. However, on the battlefield, he faced a formidable challenge from the Pāndava prince Arjuna, who, aided by Shikhandi, pierced Bhishma with countless arrows, leaving him paralyzed on a bed of arrows. It's notable that Bhishma, known for his invincibility, could hardly have been overcome by Arjuna had he not chosen to abandon his weapons. This decision stemmed from his realization that he was being compelled to attack Shikhandi, a woman. In a poignant conclusion to his illustrious life, Bhishma departed from this world after spending fifty-one nights on the arrow bed, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and virtue that reverberates through the ages. Karna, also known as Vasusena, Anga-raja, and Radheya, stands as a central figure in the epic Mahābhārata. Born of a blessing of the sun god Surya to Princess Kunti on her invoking the sun god through a powerful Mantra, Karna possessed divine lineage and formidable prowess. However, his life began in secrecy and abandonment when Kunti, still unmarried, gave birth to him in her youth. Fearing the social stigma associated with premarital pregnancy, she placed him in a basket and set him adrift on the Ganges. Fortunately, Karna was discovered and adopted by the charioteer and poet Adhiratha Nandana and his wife Radha. Raised as their own son, Karna grew into a skilled archer. Despite his royal lineage, he faced discrimination due to being perceoved as the son of parents of a low caste. Duryodhana, bestowed upon Karna kingship of the territory of Anga to make him an ally that could counter Prince Arjuna, perceived as the most formidable archer of his time. While the entire society looked down upon Karna due to his lowly birth despite being a formidable archer and warrior, Duryodhana elevated him to the position of a king. Karna's unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana led him to participate in the Kurukshetra war on the side of the Kauravas. Throughout the epic, Karna's desire for recognition and acceptance drove his actions. Despite his remarkable abilities and noble character, fate conspired against him. In a climactic battle, Karna faced his destiny, engaging in a fierce duel with the third Pāndava, Arjuna, his long-lost brother. Ultimately, Karna met his end on the battlefield, succumbing to Arjuna's superior skills, but leaving behind a legacy of valor and sacrifice that resonates throughout the Mahābhārata. Kripāchārya was the royal guru of the Kuru-lineage princes at Hastinapur. His sister, Kripi, married Dronāchārya. He was renowned for his impartiality among his students and for treating them as his own children. He too participated in the Mahabharata war. He is one of the eight "immortals" destined to live until the end of the current time-cycle.