Bhishma Pitamah: Why He Fought for the Kauravas in the Mahabharata

In the epic Mahabharata, the complex and profound character of Bhishma Pitamah presents a multifaceted perspective on loyalty, duty, and the rivalrous kingdoms of Hastinapur. This article explores the reasons behind Bhishma's allegiance to the Kauravas and his role in the epic battle.

Introduction

In the grand narrative of the Mahabharata, the figure of Bhishma Pitamah occupies a significant and pivotal role. Dhritarashtra's son, Duryodhana, and his brothers turned to Bhishma for protection and counsel, while the Pandavas tried to reclaim their rightful kingdom.

Loyalty to Dhritarashtra

Bhishma Pitamah remained loyal to Dhritarashtra due to his unwavering oath and the many privileges he had received in the Kuru kingdom. He had lived in immense dignity and comfort in Hastinapur, an experience that fostered a deep bond of gratitude and obligation.

Despite knowing that the Pandavas stood for Dharma (virtue and justice), Bhishma pledged his allegiance to the Kauravas:

“I wish to give thee victory and joy. For thy sake I do not at all dissemble. They that have become the allies of the Pandavas in this battle are fierce and numerous. Mighty car-warriors of great renown they are exceedingly brave and accomplished in arms. Incapable of being fatigued they vomit forth their wrath. Cherishing feelings of animosity towards thee and swelling with prowess they are not capable of being defeated easily. I will however O king, contend against those heroes with my whole soul and throwing away my very life. For thy sake in battle O thou of great glory my life itself shall today be recklessly exposed. For thy sake I would consume all the worlds with the celestials and the Daityas, let alone thy foes here. I will O king, fight with those Pandavas and do all that is agreeable to thee.

Duryodhana, upon hearing these words, became filled with great confidence, his heart brimming with hope that Bhishma would fight on the Kauravas' side.

Faith in Dharma and Duty

While Bhishma's oath to Kuru kingdom required him to stay true to his pledge, his actions also had a moral component. He chose to follow the path of duty and loyalty, even if it meant going against his personal beliefs and knowledge of right from wrong:

“I took an oath not to marry and to safeguard the Kuru kingdom to the last. He fought as per that commitment but refused to use powerful weapons and kill the Pandavas. Arjuna and Shikhandi had to kill him because he was fighting for the Kauravas.

Bhishma was faithful to his duty of defending the Kuru kingdom, but also refused to use his full power or offend individual Pandavas. His actions were guided by a sense of Svadharma (one's prescribed duties based on caste and stage of life) and a commitment to the longstanding tradition of the Kuru clan.

Political and Personal Rape

Despite Bhishma's efforts to prevent the Kauravas from causing chaos and ultimately destroying themselves, he was still perceived as being disloyal by many. Even the Pandavas, who stood for justice and Dharma, harbored animosity towards him:

“I did not destroy you; you were aided by those daemons to bring about the destruction of your own kin. Therefore, I regard myself as not at fault and verily innocent of the sin of this great holocaust. Bhismadeva, who being a Brahmana, had always been chaste, had also been Raped by women, i.e., coveted and abused and treated like an intimate. So also others like Bhima (of a horrid lust among boys) and Duryodhana, the slayer of his father.

This reveals the personal and political misunderstandings that existed between the characters, further straining the relationship between Bhishma and the Pandavas. Bhishma was seen as acting against the moral and ethical standards set by society, though his actions were rooted in a deep sense of loyalty and duty.

Conclusion

Bhishma Pitamah's allegiance to the Kauravas in the Mahabharata embodies the complexities of duty, personal honor, and the political realities of a kingdom torn apart by strife. His oath to protect the Kuru kingdom led him to fight against the Pandavas, despite knowing that the Kauravas were on the path to destruction. His actions were a reflection of his deep sense of loyalty and commitment to a cause, even if that cause led to great sorrow and conflict.