On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Bhishma rose like Rudra himself, vowing revengefor the havoc Arjuna had created the previous day. The war intensified beyondimagination—a canal of blood from soldiers, horses, and elephants flowed acrossthe land.

For the first time, the Kaurava commanders witnessed the brilliance of young Abhimanyu’s skill. Drushtadyumna killed Shalya’s son, while Bhima struck down fourteen of Duryodhana’s brothers before being stopped by Bhagadatta. When Ghatotkacha rushed in to save hisfather, Bhishma, bound by his own code, let him go.

Enraged, Duryodhana confronted Bhishma. But the grandsire reminded him of his vow—he had already slain no fewer than ten thousand Pandava soldiers each day. Yet, he declared, victory was impossible against Krishna, the very personification of God.

This episode captures Bhishma’s fury, Abhimanyu’s emergence, Bhima’s power, and the tension between Duryodhana and his commander.