On the ninth day, Bhishma caused serious harm to the Pandava army. The Pandavas knew that Bhishma had to be killed if they wanted to win the battle. So, keeping Shikhandi in front of him, Arjuna attacked Bhishma. Seeing Shikhandi Bhishma gave up his bow and arrows.
As Bhishma fell, the arrows supported his body, preventing him from falling to the ground. He asked Arjuna to provide a support for his head. The grieving Arjuna shot three arrows that formed a pillow for his grandsire. Bhishma could choose the time of his death, so he decided to wait for the opportune time of his death. When Bhishma was thirsty and once again asked Arjuna to give him water, Arjuna shot an arrow into the ground and the mighty Ganga, Bhishma’s mother, came up to give him fresh and pure water. Even as he lay dying, Bhishma advised Duryodhana to make peace with the Pandavas. Karna begged his forgiveness and Bhishma blessed him profusely. After the exit of Bhishma, Karna entered the battlefield. Duryodhana wanted to make him commander-in-chief but Karna supported preceptor Drona as he was seniormost of all the Kauravas.
Fall of Bhishma
