The war entered the fourth day. Bhishma was determined to destroy the army of the Pandavas. Bhishma started towards Arjuna. Arjuna met him halfway. Abhimanyu encountered Drona, Kripa, Salya, Vivimsati, Somadatta and Duryodhana. People were amazed at this prowess in such a young man. Ashvatthana, Bhurishrava, Salya, Chitrasena joined forces against Abhimanyu. Dhristadhyuman came to help him.

In the terrible fight, which took place, Bhima killed eight of the Kauravas brother. All efforts of the Kaurava warriors went in vain. Another highlight of the war was the extraordinary show of bravery by Ghatotkacha. The Bhima's son was so terrible in his devastation that the Kauravas were not able to withstand his on slaughter and they had to stop the fight much earlier than the usual hour. They were afraid that Ghatotkacha, being a rakshas would grow in strength as the evening approaches. Rakshas become more powerful during the night. At the order of Bhishma the Kauravas army withdraw to their camps.

Death of his eight brothers, has caused Duryodhana to lose his sleep. Everyone else was asleep, tired with exhaustion of the day's fight. Only he was awake. His mind was in turbulence. He was unable to sleep. He stood up and walked to the tent on his grandfather. He sat by his side and suppressing his fury, he said, 'Grandfather, eight of my brothers have been killed by Bhima. How could this happen in the presence of warriors like yourself, Drona, Ashvatthama, Kripa, Kritavarma, Bhurishrava, Bhagdatta and Vikarna. All of you are capable of defying the gods singly. The powerlessness of all of you in face of the Pandavas is beyond my understanding. How can they defy you all? Please tell me.

Bhishma smiled gently. His voice was full of compassion and sadness, which he spoke. He said, "My Child, Duryodhana, this is what I have tried to make you understand repeatedly. Even now your welfare lies in making up with the Pandavas. The Pandavas cannot be defeated by anyone in all the three worlds. You want to know how can they withstand Drona and me in the war. I tell you the secret. They have Krishna with them, This is the reason, and they are invincible. Krishna is lord, Vishnu himself in human form. He has taken birth to rid the earth of the evil. By killing all the arrogant and the proud kings of the earth, this purpose will be achieved. The Pandavas are on the side of dharma, therefore, Krishna is on their side. You have seen in the four days of the war what has happened." Duryodhana listened to his grandfather and walked out of his tent. His heart was full of anger, sorrow.

After this, Bhishma, sat thinking for a long time. He knew that Duryodhana would rather die than to think of compromise. He was happily remembering the form of Krishna wielding his Sudarshan Chakra again and again. He knew he could not depart from the earth till the house of Kurus established in its old glory. Only coronation of Yudhsithira will achieve that. He will have to live till then, this was his promise to his mother Satyavati. Bhishma remembered his childhood days with his mother Ganga. The sleep crept over him and he slept a dreamless sleep.