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Arjuna was mortified to see Kṛṣṇa breaking His promise not to fight. It was his fault. If he had exerted himself against Bhīṣma, this would not have been necessary. Of course, Kṛṣṇa’s promise had been that He would not wield weapons in the war, and a wheel was hardly

You are the Pāṇḍavas’ refuge, without doubt, but please do not violate Your promise. These were Your words, O Lord: ‘I will not take up arms.’ Do not falsify Your vow.

He looked at Bhīṣma and Droṇa, calling out, “Do not heed these shouts.

We should therefore ensure that he does not have to face Drupada’s son. We should not let Śikhaṇḍī kill him, like a wolf in a pack slaying a lone lion.”

I told Dhṛtarāṣṭra to abandon Duryodhana, even as the Bhojas abandoned Kaṁsa, but he did not listen.

It appeared that even Death personified could not approach him.

Arjuna is not doing what he should do out of his respect for Bhīṣma.

I do not see any way to stop him other than through yourself, O prince of Rākṣasas.

Although the Somakas were fierce fighters, they could not face Bhīṣma.

As he prepared for the day’s fighting Bhīṣma thought of Kṛṣṇa’s promise not to take up arms in the battle

He was not surprised.

Therefore, it will not be possible for me to slay the five brothers today.

Remembering the duties of your order, do not hesitate.

Killing those who ought not to be slain, he strives for wealth and power.

Seeing him killing the foremost Pāṇḍava warriors, and that Arjuna was not fighting to his full power,

Śikhaṇḍī came forward and shouted out his challenge, firing a hundred shafts, but Bhīṣma did not respond

If that is not possible, then such a wretched monarch should be abandoned.”

Others galloped away at full speed, not looking back.