Shikhandin that grinder of foes rushed against the son of Ganga. The two old mighty car-warriors, Draupada and Virata, inflamed with rage, rushed to fight with Bhishma, holding at bay the army of the Kauravas as was they advanced. Thereupon that foremost of carwarriors namely Ashvathama, wrought up with wrath confronted both those warriors in battle.
यदाभ्यधावद् गाङ्गेयं शिखण्डी शत्रुकर्शनः॥ विराटदुपदौ वृद्धौ वारयन्तौ महाचमूम्। भीष्मं च युधि संरब्धावाद्रवन्तौ महारथौ॥ अश्वत्थामा रणे क्रुद्धः समायाद्रथसत्तमः।