Who killed Bhishma?

Day 7 of the war - Bhishma attacked Shikhandi and Shikhandi was leaving the war, Yudhishtira stopped him saying that Shikhandi VOWED to kill Bhishma in front of Yudhishtira and Drupad. Yudhishtira asked him not to be a man who is unable to fulfill his vow bringing shame to his race and family, Yudhishtira told him that he has nothing to fear as Arjuna will be there to protect him from Bhishma

This one was an important read because Pandavas take vows/oath very seriously, they didn't kill people to uphold these vows, Arjun was ready to kill Yudhishtira to keep his vow

"The high-souled Ajatasatru, angrily addressing Sikhandin in that battle, said these words, 'Thou saidst at that time, in the presence of thy sire, unto me--Even I shall slay Bhishma of high vows with my shafts of the hue of the effulgent sun. Truly do I say this.--Even this was thy oath. That oath of thine thou dost not fulfil inasmuch as thou dost not slay Devavrata in battle. O hero, be not a person of unfulfilled vow. Take care of thy virtue, race, and fame. Behold Bhishma of terrible impetuosity scorching all my troops with his innumerable arrows of fierce energy and destroying everything in a moment like Death himself. With thy bow cut off avoiding the battle, and vanquished by the royal son of Santanu, whither dost thou go, forsaking thy kinsmen and brothers? This doth not become thee. Beholding Bhishma of infinite prowess, and our army routed and flying away, thou art assuredly, O son of Drupada, frightened, since the colour of thy face is pale. Unknown to thee, O hero, Dhananjaya hath engaged in the dreadful battle. Celebrated over the whole world, why O hero, art thou afraid today of Bhishma."

https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06086.htm

1 Then the diadem-decked (Arjuna), excited with wrath, and placing Sikhandin ahead rushed at Bhishma and cut off the latter's bow.

2 Thereupon mighty car-warriors, seven in number, viz., Drona and Kritavarman, and Jayadratha the ruler of the Sindhus, and Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Salya, and Bhagadatta could not brook that act of Arjuna. Inflamed with rage, they rushed at him. Indeed, those mighty car-warriors, invoking into existence celestial weapons, fell with great wrath upon that son of Pandu, and covered him with their arrows. And as they rushed towards Phalguni's car

They rushed towards Arjuna's car, No mention of Shikhandi here

3 Hearing that furious uproar, the mighty car-warriors of the Pandava army rushed forward, O bull of Bharata's race, for protecting Arjuna. They were Satyaki, and Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race, and both Virata and Drupada, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and the wrathful Abhimanyu

These people rushed to protect Arjuna from 7 others, again no mention of protecting Shikhandi by these people who was the KEY to defeat Bhishma, Bhishma won't kill Shikhandi but those 7 warriors will, and there goes the only chance of killing Bhishma

^^^

This point was an important one for me to remove the possibility of Bhishma telling them the way to kill him was Shikhandi

After this -

Then the son of Ganga took up another bow that was tougher. That even was cut off by Phalguni with three sharp shafts. Indeed, that chastiser of foes, viz., Arjuna, who was capable of drawing the bow with even his left hand, excited with rage, one after another, cut off all the bows that Bhishma took up. Then Bhishma, whose bows were thus cut off, excited with rage, and licking the corners of his mouth, took up a dart that was capable of riving a hill. In rage he hurled it at Phalguni's car. Beholding its course towards him like the blazing bolt of heaven, the delighter of the Pandavas fixed five sharp broad-headed arrows (on his bow-string). And with those five arrows, O chief of the Bharatas, the angry Arjuna cut off into five fragments that dart hurled from Bhishma's arms. Thus cut off by the angry Arjuna, that dart then fell down like a flash of lightning separated from a mass of clouds. Beholding his dart cut off, Bhishma became filled with rage.

Arjun incapacitated Bhishma by breaking every weapon, he was using, there's a mention of Shikhandi shooting arrows at Bhishma. In this we can't say that Bhishma didn't fight Shikhandi, as he didn't get a chance to do it, also there's one place on day 10 where I read Bhishma attacking Shikhandi, I will look for it

There's alot of repetition after it, Bhishma mentions feminine nature of Shikhandi and says he won't fight anymore but he keeps fighting then after Arjun cut his bows, broke his dart and chariot, Bhishma says he won't fight Arjun after it but again he is coming down from his chariot with a sword to fight but Arjun cut his shield

Desirous of obtaining either death or victory, the son of Ganga then took up a sword and a shield decked with gold. Before, however, he could come down from his car, Arjuna cut off by means of his arrows, that shield into a hundred fragments.

__________

Then that great bowman, Partha, stationed at the head of his troops, broke the centre of the Kuru army. Ourselves then, afraid of Kunti's son Dhananjaya having white steeds attached to his car, and afflicted by him with polished weapons, fled away from the battle. The Sauviras, the Kitavas, the Easterners, the Westerners, the Northerners, the Malavas, the Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, the Vasatis, the Salwas, the Sayas, the Trigartas, the Amvashthas, and the Kaikeyas. 1--these and many other illustrious warriors,--afflicted with arrows and pained by their wounds, abandoned Bhishma in that battle while he was fighting with the diadem-decked (Arjuna).

Now look at this, here Arjuna is ahead of everyone, no mention of Shikhandi again, no mention of Arjuna putting Shikhandi ahead of him, Kauravas abandoned Bhishma when he was fighting with Arjun.

Dhritrashtra and Sanjay mention this in their conversation that Bhishma was killed because everyone abandoned him, I will look for it

Thus was thy sire mangled with arrows of keen points by Phalguni in that battle. And then he fell down from his car with his head to the east, a little before sunset, in the very sight of thy sons.

Clearly mentioned that Phalguni (Arjuna's) arrows made Bhishma fall from his car

When Santanu's son Bhishma of mighty energy, who was (regarded as) unslayable, was slain, all of us thought that the destruction of the Kuru king was at hand. 1 Vanquished by Savyasachin, with our foremost heroes slain, and ourselves mangled with sharp arrows, we knew not what to do.

From Drona Parva -

Sanjaya said, 'Beholding the grandsire, viz., the venerable Bhishma, that destroyer of all the Kshatriyas, that hero of righteous soul and immeasurable energy, that great bowman thrown down (from his car) by Savyasachin with his celestial weapons, lying on a bed of arrows, and looking like the vast ocean dried up by mighty winds, the hope of thy

thy sire Bhishma of high vows, that grandsire of the Bharatas thrown down in battle and lying covered with Arjuna's shafts, on a hero's bed.

There are citations saying Shikhandi killed Bhishma aided by Arjuna or protected by Arjuna and there are citations saying Arjuna did it and those have no mention of Shikhandi

Most important point comes from subsequent chapters in Drona Parva where everyone is fearing Arjuna not Shikhandi, Kauravas didn't set out to defeat someone who killed their Commander In Chief.

I came to 3 points -

1 Shikhandi was added to give Bhishma a decent farewell, he didn't die because he couldn't fight, he died because he didn't wish to fight someone from LGBT community

2 Shikhandi and Arjun both were attacking Bhishma, it can't be decided whose arrows killed him

3 It was Shikhandi's vow to kill Bhishma, with the uncertainty of which arrow killed Bhishma they decided Shikhandi did it, otherwise from war chapter, even if I remove Shikhandi, there's absolutely no change as Bhishma surrendered to Arjuna not Shikhandi

Krishna tells Bhishma's mother that Arjun killed Bhishma, I read someone saying that Arjun was born to kill Bhishma or something like that

Note - We discussed it but this keeps coming back so I thought about opening a post to share more information and analyze Bhishma's death

Originally posted by: NoraSM

Krishna tells Bhishma's mother that Arjun killed Bhishma, I read someone saying that Arjun was born to kill Bhishma or something like that

Note - We discussed it but this keeps coming back so I thought about opening a post to share more information and analyze Bhishma's death

This came during the Bhishma-Parashurama battle. The latter was told that Arjuna is destined to slay Bhishma.

Statements that followed the war are contradictory. I think the poet employed a hyperbole when characters mouthed that Shikhandi killed Bhishma. There's also an instance of Yudhisthira lamenting how they brought down Bhishma by deceit. But, was it really deceitful?

The battle descriptions don't support the claim because it was Bhishma vs Arjuna and Shikhandi was nowhere around when Bhishma decided to withdraw.

Regarding the arrows that killed him months after the war, I believe those belonged to Arjuna as it's mentioned that he had pierced Bhishma's vitals. Also, he was attacked by several Pandava warriors.

On seeing that the javelin had fallen down, Bhishma was overcome with anger. In the battle, the brave and intelligent one, the destroyer of the cities of enemies, began to think. ‘I am capable of slaying all the Pandavas with a single bow, had the immensely strong Vishvaksena not been their protector now.

There are two reasons for me not to fight with the Pandavas—the Pandus cannot be killed and Shikhandi’s feminity. In earlier times, when my father married Kali, my father was satisfied and granted me the boon that I would be invincible in battle, except when I decided to die myself. I think the time has come for me to decide on my death.’

^ Somehow Shikhandi was the second reason behind the surrender. Still, I don't understand how he was the reason behind his death.

Also, it seems that the warriors were respecting Shikhandi's vow when they gave him extra credit after assisting him in the battle. 😆

Copying from another thread.

After getting appointed the commander in chief, Bheeshma tells Duryodhana he would slay Panchalas but won't KILL Shikhandi.

The use of the term KILL explains the two attacks on Shikhandi. Those attacks must have been intended to shoo him away because 2 attacks in 10 days don't translate into a battle. There are numerous instances of Shikhandi being ignored.

If we reject the rebirth theory, Shikhandi's grudge against Bheeshma may be explained by the fact that he was Draupadi's brother who desired justice for her relatives by slaying Kauravas.

Few facts that are consistent in all unabridged versions

1. Shikhandi and Arjun were not on the same chariot. They were on different chariots. TV serials are completely wrong when they show Arjun and Shikhandi on same chariot

2. Bhishma did not drop his weapons. He fought Shikhandi as well as Arjun. He was also aided by kourava warriors, he was not alone. He was disarmed by Arjun and killed by him in a fair fight

3. Shikhandi was either a woman or transsexual or homosexual, and by the time of war this was a very well known fact atleast for Pandavas and of course Bhishma and through him Duryodhan

4. Vyasa says Shikhandi is incarnation of Rakshasa. Not re incarnation of Amba. During battle with Parshuram the Rishis do declare that Bhishma will die in the hands of his own grandson.

5. Bhishma is the only person who says Shikhandi is reincarnation of Amba and he says that in Udyoga Parva after Dhrishtadyumn takes a very public oath that he will kill Drona and Shikhandi will kill Bhishma in the war.

6. Bhishma commanded everyone's respect, but he was amongst the oldest people on the battlefield well past his prime. He Ofcourse knew divine weapons but his physical body strength cannot logically match a much younger and more battle experienced Arjun

7. Arjuna would however never kill Bhishma, Bhishma knew that. The only person he was going to kill as per Bhima's oath was Karna

Now my opinion on Bhishma's death

Take point 5 and 7 together, once war became inevitable Bhishma realised that there is a very real possibility that he will be killed by a woman or trans or homosexual man.

Bhishma the man who was known for his physical and mental strength all through his life was very likely scared with the possibility of being killed by someone whom society presumed to be less than an average man.

Hence he narrates the story of Amba and boon from Shiva to be cause of his death and that if Shikhandi comes in front him he will not attack him. Just so that story of boon and his laying down arms makes it a face saving from an inglorious death.

When Arjun doesn't kill Bhishma after every attempt at convincing by Krishna. He sends Shikhandi at Bhishma and himself takes Arjun along to aid Shikhandi

Eventually Arjun realised that Bhishma would be killed that day and Shikhandi might just do it, with the help of pandavas warriors. He steps in to give the glory of death in hands instead of Shikhandi

There's one more point. The Vasus cursed Arjuna post Bhishma's fall, not Shikhandi.

The curse of Vasus may be rationalized into a physical aid.

Originally posted by: Chiillii

Few facts that are consistent in all unabridged versions

1. Shikhandi and Arjun were not on the same chariot. They were on different chariots. TV serials are completely wrong when they show Arjun and Shikhandi on same chariot

2. Bhishma did not drop his weapons. He fought Shikhandi as well as Arjun. He was also aided by kourava warriors, he was not alone. He was disarmed by Arjun and killed by him in a fair fight

3. Shikhandi was either a woman or transsexual or homosexual, and by the time of war this was a very well known fact atleast for Pandavas and of course Bhishma and through him Duryodhan

4. Vyasa says Shikhandi is incarnation of Rakshasa. Not re incarnation of Amba. During battle with Parshuram the Rishis do declare that Bhishma will die in the hands of his own grandson.

5. Bhishma is the only person who says Shikhandi is reincarnation of Amba and he says that in Udyoga Parva after Dhrishtadyumn takes a very public oath that he will kill Drona and Shikhandi will kill Bhishma in the war.

6. Bhishma commanded everyone's respect, but he was amongst the oldest people on the battlefield well past his prime. He Ofcourse knew divine weapons but his physical body strength cannot logically match a much younger and more battle experienced Arjun

7. Arjuna would however never kill Bhishma, Bhishma knew that. The only person he was going to kill as per Bhima's oath was Karna

Now my opinion on Bhishma's death

Take point 5 and 7 together, once war became inevitable Bhishma realised that there is a very real possibility that he will be killed by a woman or trans or homosexual man.

Bhishma the man who was known for his physical and mental strength all through his life was very likely scared with the possibility of being killed by someone whom society presumed to be less than an average man.

Hence he narrates the story of Amba and boon from Shiva to be cause of his death and that if Shikhandi comes in front him he will not attack him. Just so that story of boon and his laying down arms makes it a face saving from an inglorious death.

When Arjun doesn't kill Bhishma after every attempt at convincing by Krishna. He sends Shikhandi at Bhishma and himself takes Arjun along to aid Shikhandi

Eventually Arjun realised that Bhishma would be killed that day and Shikhandi might just do it, with the help of pandavas warriors. He steps in to give the glory of death in hands instead of Shikhandi

How can we rationalize rakshasa? Vyasa used the same term for all Duryodhana's brothers. In fact, all characters are attributed divine/demon origins.

Kshattri and Yudhishthira are both portions of the deity of Righteousness. Know that Duryodhana was Kali, and Sakuni was Dwapara. O thou of good features, know that Dussasana and others were all Rakshasas. Bhimasena of great might, that chastiser of foes, is from the Maruts. Know that this Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, is the ancient Rishi Nara. Hrishikesa is Narayana, and the twins are the Aswins. The foremost of heat-giving ones, viz., Surya, having divided his body in twain, continued with one portion to give heat to the worlds and with another to live (on Earth.) as Karna. He that took his birth as the son of Arjuna, that gladdener of all, that heir to the possessions of the Pandavas, who was slain by six great car-warriors (fighting together), was Soma. He was born of Subhadra. Through Yoga-puissance he had divided himself in twain. Dhrishtadyumna who sprung with Draupadi from the sacrificial fire, was an auspicious portion of the deity of fire. Sikhandin was a Rakshasa. Know that Drona was a portion of Vrihaspati, and that Drona's son is born of a portion of Rudra. Know that Ganga's son Bhishma was one of the Vasus that became born as a human being. Thus, O thou of great wisdom, the deities had taken birth as human beings, and after having accomplished their purposes have gone back to Heaven. That sorrow which is in the hearts of you all, relating to the return of these to the other world, I shall today dispel. Do you all go towards the Bhagirathi.--You will then behold all those that have been slain on the field of battle.'

Originally posted by: Wistfulness

On seeing that the javelin had fallen down, Bhishma was overcome with anger. In the battle, the brave and intelligent one, the destroyer of the cities of enemies, began to think. ‘I am capable of slaying all the Pandavas with a single bow, had the immensely strong Vishvaksena not been their protector now.

There are two reasons for me not to fight with the Pandavas—the Pandus cannot be killed and Shikhandi’s feminity. In earlier times, when my father married Kali, my father was satisfied and granted me the boon that I would be invincible in battle, except when I decided to die myself. I think the time has come for me to decide on my death.’

^ Somehow Shikhandi was the second reason behind the surrender. Still, I don't understand how he was the reason behind his death.

Also, it seems that the warriors were respecting Shikhandi's vow when they gave him extra credit after assisting him in the battle. 😆

Yes, I have mentioned this in my post, there's repetition after this, I have noticed that poet has repeated events in different words in a single chapter -

Then the diadem-decked (Arjuna), excited with rage and placing Sikhandin to the fore, approached Bhishma (nearer) and once more cut off his bow. And then piercing Bhishma with ten arrows, he cut off the latter's standard with one. And striking Bhishma's chariot with ten arrows, Arjuna caused him to tremble. The son of Ganga then took up another bow that was stronger. Within, however, the twinkling of an eye, as soon, in fact, as it was taken up, Arjuna cut that bow also into three fragments with three broad-headed shafts. And thus the son of Pandu cut off in that battle even all the bows of Bhishma. After that, Bhishma the son of Santanu, no longer desired to battle with Arjuna.

This is the bow cutting event repetition where Bhishma doesn't wish to fight anymore -

Saying these words, Bhishma, the valiant son of Santanu, as if for the object of consuming the Pandavas, hurled a dart at Partha. Partha, however, caused that dart to drop down, cutting it into three fragments with three shafts, in the very sight, O Bharata, of all the Kuru heroes of thy army. Desirous of obtaining either death or victory, the son of Ganga then took up a sword and a shield decked with gold. Before, however, he could come down from his car, Arjuna cut off by means of his arrows, that shield into a hundred fragments. And that feat of his seemed exceedingly wonderful.

This paragraph is after that again a repetition of Bhishma throwing dart and Arjun cutting it with addition of Bhishma trying to come down with a sword

Shikhandi is mentioned either in front of Arjuna or shooting arrows at Bhishma, Arjun putting Shikhandi in front of him serves no purpose, if Bhishma vowed not to kill Shikhandi, there was Dusashan protecting Bhishma along with thousands of car and foot warriors, none is mentioning that they have to remove Shikhandi as Bhishma is not fighting him/her, only Bhishma is saying this, if Bhishma told Duryodhana and team that he won't kill Shikhandi, the first thing they would do is kill the dude who will remove their CIC

Anyway, After this Yudhishtira asks everyone to go after Bhishma and Kauravas assemble too, repetition of warriors going behind Arjuna to kill him and protect him

Then that great bowman, Partha, stationed at the head of his troops, broke the centre of the Kuru army. Ourselves then, afraid of Kunti's son Dhananjaya having white steeds attached to his car, and afflicted by him with polished weapons, fled away from the battle.

Here, it is mentioned that Pandava army was led by Arjuna, Finally there's a battle between Kurus and Pandavas, Arjuna attacks Bhishma and he falls down from his chariot, no mention of Shikhandi in all this

There are two different war scenes here -

1 Shikhandi is present - Either he is placed before Arjuna or shooting arrows and none is noticing him, Bhishma can't fight him but Drona, Asswathama, Karna etc have fought Shikhandi

2 Shikhandi is absent - Here Arjuna is leading and nothing changes apart from Bhishma being invincible and brought down because he refused to kill Shikhandi

Originally posted by: Chiillii

Few facts that are consistent in all unabridged versions

1. Shikhandi and Arjun were not on the same chariot. They were on different chariots. TV serials are completely wrong when they show Arjun and Shikhandi on same chariot

2. Bhishma did not drop his weapons. He fought Shikhandi as well as Arjun. He was also aided by kourava warriors, he was not alone. He was disarmed by Arjun and killed by him in a fair fight

3. Shikhandi was either a woman or transsexual or homosexual, and by the time of war this was a very well known fact atleast for Pandavas and of course Bhishma and through him Duryodhan

4. Vyasa says Shikhandi is incarnation of Rakshasa. Not re incarnation of Amba. During battle with Parshuram the Rishis do declare that Bhishma will die in the hands of his own grandson.

5. Bhishma is the only person who says Shikhandi is reincarnation of Amba and he says that in Udyoga Parva after Dhrishtadyumn takes a very public oath that he will kill Drona and Shikhandi will kill Bhishma in the war.

6. Bhishma commanded everyone's respect, but he was amongst the oldest people on the battlefield well past his prime. He Ofcourse knew divine weapons but his physical body strength cannot logically match a much younger and more battle experienced Arjun

7. Arjuna would however never kill Bhishma, Bhishma knew that. The only person he was going to kill as per Bhima's oath was Karna

Now my opinion on Bhishma's death

Take point 5 and 7 together, once war became inevitable Bhishma realised that there is a very real possibility that he will be killed by a woman or trans or homosexual man.

Bhishma the man who was known for his physical and mental strength all through his life was very likely scared with the possibility of being killed by someone whom society presumed to be less than an average man.

Hence he narrates the story of Amba and boon from Shiva to be cause of his death and that if Shikhandi comes in front him he will not attack him. Just so that story of boon and his laying down arms makes it a face saving from an inglorious death.

When Arjun doesn't kill Bhishma after every attempt at convincing by Krishna. He sends Shikhandi at Bhishma and himself takes Arjun along to aid Shikhandi

Eventually Arjun realised that Bhishma would be killed that day and Shikhandi might just do it, with the help of pandavas warriors. He steps in to give the glory of death in hands instead of Shikhandi

This clears picture much more for me

Thanks

Off topic -

I read Shikhandi's story, She was born woman but raised as a man then her wife got to know that he is a woman and she went to jungle to change it, returned as a man

1 Why did Drupad raise his daughter as a man? Isn't it very unlikely?

2 People in his Gurukul or where he went to learn weapons and Vedas, would have seen her, I mean it is not really possible to hide from people when they had to bath in public

3 Shikhandi had a son too

4 Shikhandi is always addressed as Son of Drupad, Prince of Panchal

I was wondering, if people assumed Shikhandi was from LGBT community because Bhishma said he is reincarnation of Amba, a woman?

Or there's more to his story?