Vedic Wisdom Talks

  Fight for?   Bhisma bowed before Parasuram & quickly remounting his chariot, blew his mighty conch shell. Soon, fighting began in earnest as Parasuram rained 960 arrows upon Bhisma. The son of Ganga-devi said: O Preceptor, while fighting with you I’ll not aim my arrows at the Vedas, which you embody, nor your Brahminical status. Nor shall I attack the merit you have earned by executing severe austerities. I will simply aim at the kshatriya nature you have adopted to fight with me. Now, watch as I cut off your bow   While saying this, Bhisma picked up an arrow that, which severed one of the ornamental horns at the end of Parasuram's bow.   Indeed, that arrow made the bow drop from the warrior incarnation's hands. Bhisma then discharged 100 arrows that wounded Parasurama all over covering him with blood. Parasuram picked up another bow & as he continued to shower arrows, Bhisma also became severely wounded so that he began to tremble due to pain. Still, he retal

  Humble! Parasuram laughingly accepted Bhisma's challenge by saying: It is my good fortune that this opportunity to fight has come to me of its own accord. I can assure you that your mother, Ganqa-devi, will weep this very day seeing vultures eating your dead body Bhisma respectfully bowed down before Parasuram & went to inform Satyavati of the impending duel. After receiving his stepmother's blessings, he mounted his silver chariot drawn by white horses & set out. He was dressed completely in white & he wore a white crown. Overhead was placed a white umbrella & he was fanned by white camaras Bhisma & Parasuram soon arrived at Kurukshetra, eager to display their prowess. Seeing Parasuram coming before him, Bhisma blew his great white conch shell. At that time, he noticed how all the chief demigods & sages had assembled in sky to witness the battle. Parasuram was accompanied by numerous sages, & they surrounded the battlefield to watch Just as fighti

Promises & vows! Lord Parasuram upon arriving at river Sarasvati, set up a camp. After 3 days he sent a message to Bhisma, announcing his arrival.  Receiving this news, Bhisma immediately came out of the city to greet his illustrious guest, taking many brahmanas and a cow to present in charity   Lord accepted Bhisma’s worship & explained: O descendent of Kuru, because you have abducted Amba, King Salva has rejected her so that she has been put into a very awkward situation. After being kidnapped and rejected, who do you think will marry Amba now? O Bhisma! Because no one else will accept her, you must do so. She is an innocent girl that does not deserve such humiliation   Bhisma replied: O son of Jamadagni, Vichitravirya will not accept Amba because she declared that her heart had already been given to Salva. For this same reason, neither I nor any other good kshatriyas will marry her and besides, I have taken a vow of lifelong celibacy, I will not marry under any circumstances

Diplomacy! Akrtavrana said: I think Bhisma should be punished, for if he hadn’t kidnapped you, Salva would've married you. Besides, I know that Bhisma is very proud of his strength. It would be good to cut down his false prestige Amba said: I must admit that I'd love to see Bhisma killed in battle. Still, because I’m helpless, I will leave the matter in your hands Next morning, Lord Parasuram came to sages' asrama. Dressed in deerskin, with matted hair, carrying an axe, sword, bow & surrounded by disciples, he approached King Hotravahana. After being worshiped by all, the Lord took his seat. Finally, after conversing with Lord for some time, the King took opportunity to introduce Amba When the king mentioned how Amba needed assistance, Parasuram asked her to come forward & explain her difficulty. Amba came, bowed down & touched his feet, & stood silently with folded hands. Then, exhibiting her womanly nature, she began to cry & in her grief took shelter

  Response!   In spite of the advice from sages that she should go back to her father’s safety, Amba's determination remained fixed on doing austerities. She said: O sage, in my childhood I had to spend some time in the forest, along with my father. Besides, I’ve realized miserable nature of material existence & so I want to perform austerities so that I’ll not have to undergo more suffering in future lives   While Amba was thus debating with sages, a great king named Hotravahana happened to come there. The king was welcomed by sages & after being seated, he listened to story of Amba's plight. It turned out that King was Amba’s maternal grandfather & thus he was very compassionate towards her   After comforting her, he explained: My dear, because I am the father of your mother, I’ll advise you for your benefit. The greatest warrior on earth is Parasuram. If you’re able to win his sympathy, he will either force Bhisma to accept you or else kill him   Arnba said: I wi