Duryodhana again went to the camp of Bhishma. He was very unhappy. He was under a heavy load of distressing news. His twenty-four brothers had been slain by Bhima. There was no respite from Arjuna. Bhishma once again told him that he was doing all that he could. About killing of Arjuna and the Pandavas, he expressed his inability to do anything. It was not possible for him to break the protective cover extended to them by Krishna. No one had that power.

Dejected, Duryodhana, went to his dear friend Karna, who had been kept out of the battlefield, so far. Karna was also very sad about the death of the brothers of Duryodhana. He said that he would like to do whatever he could do to help his king and his friend, Duryodhana complained that Bhishma was having a soft corner for the Pandavas and he had not been killing them.

Karna, too was very uncomfortable about this point. Duryodhana was not aware, but Karna knew that the Pandavas were his brother, had developed more affection for them, even more than Bhishma. He was now dreadful of the day, when he would have to face the Pandavas. He was strengthening himself, to rise to such an eventuality, Karna knew that the Pandavas were invincible. Duryodhana was not able to see this even after he has witnessed the Vishvaroopa of Shri Krishna in his court. The Pandavas, under the protection of Krishna, who was the protector of the Universe, were not capable of being defeated by anyone. When the lord himself had taken their side and then who could oppose them? Karna sat brooding on these things for long. The events of his life, full of tragedies and misfortunes came to his mind. Karna prayed for strength to face the Pandavas, as he must in a few days. Then he went to sleep.

The ninth day of the war saw Bhishma in a very determined frame of mind. Duryodhana was hoping that today his victory was possible. He was quite ecstatic. He was telling his brother Dussasan again and again that Bhishma would win the war for them. Duryodhana decided to fight with Shikandi so that he could not reach Bhishma. Arjuna was finalising his strategy for the day with Dhristadhyuma. He said that Shikandi's chariot should be placed before Bhishma and Arjuna would be protecting him.

Bhishma went for a Vyuha called Sarvatobhadra which meant safe from all sides. Bhishma was in the front, Guarded by Kripa, Kritaverma, Shakuni, Jayadratha, Kamboja and sons of Dhritarastra. Trigartas were also there. The Pandavas formed a Vyuha in shape of a constellation. The Pandavas and sons of Draupadi were leading from the front. Shikhandi Chekitan and Ghatotkacha were holding important positions to defend. Abhimanyu, Kekaya brothers and Drupada were guarding the rear.

Abhimanyu led a spirited attack on the Kauravas and in no time he was able to break their Vyuha and he was inside their army. Veteran warriors on both the sides had all admiration for him. Alambusa was sent to face Abhimanyu. But Abhimanyu frustrated all his maya tactics. Alambusa was no match to Arjuna's son. Bhishma came to face him. Ahnimanyu faced his arrows with the confidence of a seasoned fighter, this pleased Bhishma no end. He is a combination of Arjuna and Krishna in him. Kripa fought with Satyaki and was defeated. He had to be taken out of the field. Now Ashvatthama came to face Satyaki. Drona had to come to help his son. Drona fought with Satyaki. Then Arjuna rushed to help Satyaki.

Drona and Arjuna fought a gruelling battle. The relationship of Guru and Shishya was forgotten for the time being. Duryodhana was fearful that Dhristadhymna would come to Arjuna's aid, It was known that Dhristadhyumna was born to kill Drona. Arjuna and Drona were involved in a spectacular fight, both heroes adopted the use of astras, their skills were watched by all.

Now the Bhishma came down on the Pandavas army like a thunderbolt. His fray could not be abated. The Pandavas army was gripped by fear. So terrible was Bhishma's assault that everywhere heaps of dead bodies were to be seen. Yudhisthira and other Pandavas were mute witness. They could not control the fury of Bhishma. Krishna spoke to Arjuna, "Bhishma will kill the entire army of the Pandavas. Except the Pandavas no one will survive. He has to be stopped." Arjuna advanced and joined battle with Bhishma. Once again, both the armies stood in awe to watch their fight. Krishna watched for some more time. He was quite displeased with Arjuna, who was still not putting in his best efforts.

Suddenly, Krishna again took his Sudarshan Chakra and made a dash at Bhishma. Bhishma was again there ready to fight and die. He prayed Krishna with folded hands to give him release from his life. It was Arjuna again, who had to try his best to pacify Krishna so that his oath was not broken. It took all tact and pleadings of Arjuna to check the anger of Krishna. Now Arjuna was free of all his delusions and was determined to put his efforts. Realising this Krishna came back to hold the reins of his chariot and a smile played on his lips this time.

Evening had come. The fighting stopped. Both sides returned to their respective camps. This was the most terrible day of the war. The Pandavas were down cast. Bhishma display had come as a blow to their hopes. The chances of winning the war looked remote.