Shikhandin’s vow had to be fulfilled. Arjuna had decided to kill Bhishma. So keeping Shikhandin in front of him, on the tenth day Arjuna attacked Bhishma. Covered with arrows from the bows of Shikhandin and Arjuna, Bhishma knew his end was near. 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 right time before dying. He 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 a drink of her fresh, pure waters. Even as he lay dying, Bhishma advised Duryodhana to make peace with the Pandavas.
Bhishma’s Fall
