The Bed of Arrows
“Bhishma lies on his bed of arrows, the shara shayya, waiting for Uttarayana. The Pandavas visit him, seeking wisdom and guidance. Even in his fallen state, the great warrior imparts knowledge and maintains his dignity.”
Story Summary
After his fall, Bhishma lies on his bed of arrows—the shara shayya—supported by the very weapons that brought him down. He is wounded but not dead, waiting for Uttarayana, the auspicious time for death. The Pandavas visit him, seeking wisdom and guidance. Yudhishthira, in particular, approaches his grand-uncle with respect and humility, asking questions about dharma, duty, and governance. Bhishma, even in his fallen state, imparts profound wisdom. He speaks about righteousness, about duty, about the responsibilities of kingship. He shares knowledge that will guide the Pandavas in the days to come. The story emphasizes Bhishma's dignity in adversity, his wisdom even in defeat, and the respect shown to him by the Pandavas. It also shows the continuity of learning and the importance of seeking guidance from those who have experience and wisdom, even when they have fallen. The bed of arrows becomes a symbol of honor, dignity, and the power of choosing one's own time.