The War – Day 17 (Part 9)

Karna

Before we witness the historic fight between Karna and Arjuna let us remember a few details. Both were born of Kunti, the former as the son of the sun god and the latter, of Indra. Karna was, truly, the first born even before Kunti got married to Pandu. That single irony of fate resulted in Karna’s adoption by the charioteer of Duryodhana and his feeling of inferiority as compared to the royal status of his younger brothers.

Karna had stooped low in all his dealings with the Pandavas. But, all that could be explained through the one single greatness in him, his unflinching loyalty to Duryodhana. That was evident when Kunti revealed his true identity and asked him to side with the Pandavas. He did not hesitate even for a second to say that he would be with the Kauravas to the end.

It appeared that Arjuna had an upper hand against Karna on almost all occasions when the two faced one another in the past. Yet, Karna had proven his true skills at the very first time when all the Pandavas and Kauravas appeared for their test in front of Drona and the elder Kurus. Every one had acknowledged on that occasion that it was Karna who would pose the greatest challenge to Arjuna. Each viewed the other as his true enemy from that day to the very end. Let us remember, on this occasion, his promise to Kunti.

“You will be left with five children, in either case, at the end.” Only one of the two between him and Arjuna would survive. Karna promised that he would spare the other children of Kunti.

One wonders, like so many other “if”s in Mahabharata, if Karna had not given away his armour, with which he was supposed to have been born, to Indra! If he had not used up the unfailing weapon, “Sakthi”, against Ghatotkacha! If he had not received the two fatal curses, first from Parasurama that he would forget the secret of his special weapons and then, from a Brahmin that the wheel of his chariot would be stuck in the mud at the crucial time!

The fight

The final battle took place between the two in the afternoon of the 17^th day of war. Each knew that it was fight to the end, either of the enemy or of the self.

At first, the two exchanged ordinary arrows in quick succession. Both got hurt and started bleeding profusely. At one point the onlookers could see nothing but a cloud of arrows engulfing the two chariots carrying the combating warriors.

Then, both Karna and Arjuna started using special weapons. Arjuna dispatched the arrow of fire (Aagneyaastra) which raged against the enemy engulfing even the chariot of Karna in flames. The son of Adhiratha immediately used the arrow of ocean (Vaarunaastra) to put out the fire. The arrow of Karna caused such a torrent of rain that Arjuna had to invoke the arrow of wind (Vaayavyaastra) to blow away the rain clouds. Both used even the weapon of Brahma (Brahmaastra), the effect of one nullified by the other. Thus, the battle raged between the two, each trying to outwit the other with his stock of special weapons.

Veda Vyasa spares no words to describe the intensity of the battle between the two equals. The fight is compared to that of Indra against the ferocious demon, Vritra. Again, he says that the two fought like two elephants in rut taking on each other.

The fighting came to a full stop everywhere else and all gathered around the two heroes. The Kauravas often shouted. “There is no hope for Arjuna this time”. The supporters of the Pandavas called out, again and again, “This is the end of Karna”. Karna’s arrows destroyed thousands on the Pandava side. Similarly large numbers of the Kauravas perished under Arjuna’s attack.

Krishna wondered after a while why Arjuna was failing to put an end to his enemy. He tried to invoke Arjuna’s anger reminding him of the Karna’s heinous acts against the Pandavas.

Karna’s chariot stuck

Suddenly Karna found one of his chariot wheels stuck in the mud. He sensed danger, thinking about the curse he received from the Brahmin. He asked Arjuna. “Arjuna, you are highly reputed as one who sticks to principles (Dharma). You know that you should not send weapons against an enemy who, has dishevelled hair, has turned his back, is a Brahmin, is with folded hands, is asking for protection, has put down his weapons, is begging (for mercy), has exhausted his weapons, is without his armour or is unarmed or has his weapons damaged.

(PrakeerNakeSe vimukhe braahmaNe-tha kritaanjalow

SaraNaagate nyasta Sastre yaacamaane tathaarjuna

abaaNe bhrashtakavace bhrashta bhagnaayudhe tatha

na vimuncanti SastraaNi Sooraah saadhu vrate sthitaah)

Give me minute. I shall pull out my wheel off the mud and give you a good fight”.

Arjuna was hesitant. His chivalry dissuaded him from attacking an opponent in distress.

But, Krishna exhorted. “Karna, fine are your words of advice on Dharma when it suits you. Where was your sense of justice when Bhima was poisoned, the house of wax was burnt down, the Pandavas were cheated in a game of dice or Draupadi was helplessly pulled to the assembly and on so many other similar situations?” Karna heard Krishna’s words and hung down his head in shame.

Krishna, then, turned to Arjuna and asked him. “Use this opportunity and put down your enemy sending your divine weapons”.

Karna noticed the confusion in Arjuna’s mind. He sent a few arrows against Arjuna and Krishna standing on the ground to gain time. Then, he stooped down trying to pull his chariot wheel that was stuck. But, however hard he tried, the wheel remained rooted in the mud.

The end of Karna

Arjuna hesitated for a moment and then took out his special weapon that he had earmarked for Karna. He remained in meditation for a brief moment, invoking the full power of his weapon. Then, he pulled his Gandiva to his ear and dispatched the weapon with full force.

Arjuna’s arrow flew like a rocket and struck on Karna’s neck with unerring accuracy. The next moment Karna’s head was severed from his body. It is said that a divine glow arose from his body and rose towards heaven at that time.

Veda Vyasa explains the end of Karna, comparing the sight to several remarkable scenes in nature. He says, “Karna’s head fell down like a big boulder uprooted by a hurricane, like the glowing sun sinking in the ocean at the end of day”, and so on. The sun was about to set on the 17^th day of war.

Krishna and Arjuna blew on their conch shells to herald victory. The Pandavs erupted into tumultuous joy. There was beating on drums and blowing of trumpets. Thousands of hands waved pieces of cloth (upper garments) in the air to express joy and relief.

The Kauravas fled looking back again and again at Arjuna’s mast as though they were being chased by the god of death.

(The 17^th day’s war to be concluded in the next episode)

The War – Day 17 (Part 8)

Krishna started driving Arjuna towards Karna at full speed. The journey was blocked by the vast army of the Kauravas lead by its veteran leaders at several stages. Arjuna was in no mood to waste much time. So, he drove through the milling army, sending showers of arrow and destroying the opposing forces in large numbers. Great was the damage done by the Pandava all along the way.

Aswatthama’s words to Duryodhana

Aswatthama had already felt dejected when his father was killed by Dhrishtadyumna. He had seen so many die on both the sides before and after that, all unnecessary according to the son of Drona. It was the gory scene of Bhima killing Dussasana that convinced Aswatthama that it was high time to put a stop to the meaningless war. He opened up his mind to Duryodhana. He did not hesitate to point out that victory was beyond hope when Arjuna guided by Krishna fought on the enemy’s side. He concluded by saying, “I can still convince the Pandavas to come to terms with you. So, please give up this futile and disastrous war now.”

But, Duryodhana was beyond any re-conciliation. He said. “Did you not see the cruel and heinous act of Bhima against my brother? Besides, he has openly declared that he is going to kill me next. No, I shall not give up at this stage. I shall, still, win the war with Karna fighting for me.”

Duryodhana, then, gave the command to his army. “Why are you holding back? Go, attack and kill the enemies”.

Meeting of the two foes

Meanwhile Karna, encouraged by Salya, has been advancing fast towards his born rival. Krishna pointed out the flag of Karna seen from a distance. He said. “Arjuna, don’t you see the flag of Karna with the mark of chain ? Now you can notice the white horses carrying the chariot of Radheya (Karna) advancing at a fast tempo towards us.”

Arjuna replied. “Krishna, do not wait for him to reach us. I am excited that my hour of reckoning has come. Please drive on so that I can meet him half way.”

Soon, the two arch rivals came face to face. A fierce fight ensued between the two. Both started sending all the divine weapons in their stock against the opponent. Each knew how to neutralize the enemy’s weapon by one of his own. It was a battle between two equals. The two fought keenly like two elephants on rut.

The soldiers on the Pandava side, like the Panchalas and Somakas, pressed Arjuna to, “hurry, kill Karna!” Similarly, the men on the Kaurava side shouted encouraging words, “Karna, kill Arjuna . Let the Pandavas go back to the forest!”

The whole world to watch the fight

It is said that the whole world, even the entire universe, came to a stop and all gathered around the two to watch their fight. The battle was so engrossing that soon the observers started taking sides. Vyasa says that the entire universe, including celestial objects, supported one or the other side. The gods, in general, supported Arjuna. The exception was the sun god who stood by his son, Karna. The demons, as a whole, came to support the son of Radha. The sky, including all the stars favoured Karna. But, the good earth stood behind Arjuna. Similarly, even the elements of nature like the wind, rivers and the good earth, too, started forming sides.

The gods started arguing on the outcome of the keenly contested battle. After watching battle for a while it is said that the gods approached Brahma and suggested. “It is difficult to make out who, between Arjuna and Karna, is going to win. It will be a pity if either of the two is killed by his enemy. Please put an end to the war so that both survive for the sake of the world”. But, both Brahma and Lord Siva replied saying that Arjuna had to win for the overall well being of the world.

Meanwhile the battle between the two grew in intensity. The two chariots came so close that even the horses of Arjuna, it appeared, took on those of Karna. The flags of the two fighting heroes got mutually entangled giving the impression that even they were in a tussle, one against the other. The two charioteers, Krishna on one side and Salya on the other, stared fiercely at each other, in a visual combat.

Karna asked Salya in the middle of the war. “If I am killed by Arjuna by chance, tell me honestly what will you do?” To that Salya replied. “I shall take revenge by killing both Krishna and Arjuna single handedly”.

Perhaps it was a coincidence that Arjuna asked he same question to Krishna. Krishna’s reply was, “it may so happen that the sun falls down from heaven and even the fire cools down, but, Karna will not succeed to kill you”.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 17 (Part 7)

Arjuna was on way to meet his enemy. He had to pass on a message to Bhima on the way. The latter was busy destroying the Kaurava forces in a pitched battle being fought all alone.

Arjuna’s very presence brought cheers in the Pandava army, more so to his elder brother, Bhima. The two greeted heartily in the middle of the battle field. Arjuna informed Bhima that Yudhishthira was safe and was taking rest in the tent. There was no need for concern on his account. This news gladdened the heart of Bhima. The younger Pandava, then, proceeded with his journey for the historic encounter with Karna.

Bhima against Dussasana

Bhima had already inflicted great damage on the attacking Kaurava forces. It was then that he found Dussasana coming against him. The sight of his arch rival raised Bhima’s fury to new heights. He remembered all the heinous acts the Kauravas had committed against him and his brothers. Dussasana was the main perpetrator of all those crimes. The insult on his dear wife, Draupadi, in the open assembly of the Kauravas came vividly to his mind at that time. It was the same Dussasana who had dragged Draupadi there pulling her all the way by hair. The climax to the insult was when he tried to disrobe Draupadi in front of all who had gathered in the hall. Bhima had sworn openly that day that he would tie her hair with his hands soaked in the blood of the Kaurava who had tormented her.

Bhima decided that the time had come for revenge. He fought with all the hatred that was burning in his heart.

But, Dussasana was not an enemy to be put down that easily. The two fought a pitched battle. Bhima faced some initial reverses from the well marked arrows launched from the Kaurava’s bow pulled to the ear. He soon recovered from the initial shock. Then, he decided to take the drastic step. Bhima jumped down from his chariot and rushed to Dussasana holding his formidable mace in hand. Before Dussasana had any chance of escape he swung the mace against his enemy’s head. The impact was so heavy that the Kaurava fell down in his chariot.

The death of Dussasana

Bhima wasted no time. He pulled his enemy down from the chariot without giving him any chance to recover. His fury had reached such a height that he lost all sense of normal human behaviour. His first savage act was to tear off the two arms of his enemy. He, then, tore the chest of Dussasana who was still struggling for life with his bare hands. Bhima, then, drank the warm blood that oozed out of his enemy’s heart and roared like an animal with its prey. His final act was to chop the head of his enemy with his sword. Bhima then, soaked in the blood of his enemy, announced loudly that he had redeemed his pledge.

People all around watched in disbelief and shook with terror at the savage sight. Soldiers fighting on the Kaurava side started to flee in panic, thinking that it was a demon had attacked the Kaurava prince. Even Karna, who happened to watch the scene from a distance, was horror stricken.

It is not clear whether Bhima, indeed, tied the hair of Draupadi with his hands stained with the blood of the evil Dussasana. As far as Bhima was concerned he had kept his word. The task remained with him was to kill the remaining sons of Dhritarashtra, including Duryodhana. We shall learn about it only much later.

Meanwhile, Arjuna was proceeding to meet his main foe, Karna. We shall learn about their encounter in the next episode.

The War – Day 17 (Part 6)

The war had made tempers fly high. It brought out the worst of both Yudhishthira and Arjuna. Krishna managed to calm down his friend through his wise counsel.

Yudhishthira in distress

Arjuna realized how wrong he was in turning against his brother whom he held in high esteem. He went to Yudhishthira and touched his feet, apologizing profusely for his rudeness.

Meanwhile, the elder Pandava was totally dejected seeing how his words had affected his dear brother. He proclaimed that he was retiring to the forest. He would not stand a similar situation, if it happened again between him and his brothers. It took a lot of effort on the part of Krishna to pacify him.

Finally, Krishna managed to patch up the relation between the two brothers who had turned against one another. Yudhishthira, finally, embraced Arjuna with tears and blessed him for victory against the enemy. Arjuna took leave promising that he would kill Karna without delay in battle. With those words he took leave of his brother.

Arjuna’s journey to meet the enemy

Krishna knew that Arjuna was on the most important mission in the war, against his arch rival, Karna. He decided to mentally prepare his friend for the crucial battle and started to recount his glorious victories in the past. Arjuna had faced so many great Kaurava warriors alone in battle and defeated them all at the end. In conclusion Krishna asked Arjuna. “Was it not with your help that Sikhandi killed Bhishma and Dhrishtadyumna put an end to Drona?”

Krishna, then, went into all the evil deeds of Karna to work up on Arjuna’s emotion. He concluded reminding Arjuna of the most insulting words of Karna. “Arjuna, did not Karna ask your dear wife, Draupadi, to choose one among the Kauravas as husband as the five of you had already become their slaves?”

Krishna’s words had the desired effect on his friend. Arjuna swore again that he would kill Karna without any further delay and requested Krishna to drive the chariot where he could meet his enemy.

Battles in progress

Meanwhile, several duels were being fought on the battle ground. The most notable one was between the Panchala prince, Uttamowjas and Vrishasena, the son of Karna. Both fought fiercely at the end of which the Panchala killed his enemy. Karna was watching the duel from a distance where he was fighting his own battle. The death of his dear son greatly enraged Karna and he unleashed such an attack that the Pandavas found it difficult to withstand.

Bhima worried

Bhima was bearing the main brunt of the Kaurava attack. After a prolonged battle he asked his charioteer. “Visoka, I have not seen Arjuna anywhere on the field for a long time. I have been fighting almost a lone battle. The enemies appear to be in great strength even now. Tell me how many arrows of each type are left in all my quivers together.”

Visoka took a count of the weapons in stock in the chariot by category and reported that to Bhima. He, then, said. “If you listen carefully, you can hear the twang emerging from Gandiva. It seems, Arjuna, lead by Krishna, is appearing on the scene.”

The news of Arjuna joining force with him was highly encouraging to Bhima. He fought even harder against his opponents with renewed vigour .

Duryodhana noticed the damage Bhima was doing to his force. He requested his uncle, Sakuni, to take on the Pandava before he did further damage.

Bhima fought against Sakuni with a vengeance. In spite of some early reverses, he defeated his foe at the end of a fierce battle. The king of Gandhara fled from the field with his life.

The Kaurava forces were completely unnerved by the defeat of their leader and took refuge under Karna who was fighting elsewhere.

(To be continued. Please refer to www.kunjunny.blogspot.com for an interesting anecdote.)

The War – Day 17 (Part 5)

In search of Yudhishthira

It was the afternoon on the 17th day. Arjuna had succeeded in pushing Aswatthama off the field when the latter had posed a threat to all other Pandava warriors. He then spoke to Krishna.

“I do not find my brother, Yudhishthira, anywhere in the battle ground. I am worried on his account. Let us look for him”.

Accordingly, Krishna drove the chariot through the army. Seated on the chariot Krishna showed the horrors of war to his friend. Bodies of men lay all around. Many were dead and others had been incapacitated to move. A variety of weapons could be seen all through the battle ground, either held in the hands of the fallen men or knocked down on the field. Many hands could be seen, chopped off from the body, with the weapons, still held in them.

The bodies were in many cases pierced by sharp arrows. Others had been shattered by the blow from heavy maces. There were bodies with the heads chopped off by sword. Others had been crushed under the feet of elephants in their plight or knocked down by panicked horses. Many of those who were not yet dead were crying out for water.

Streams of blood could be seen flowing in all directions.

The war of Karna

Seated on the chariot of Arjuna, Krishna pointed out the battles fought by Karna to his friend. He had been inflicting heavy casualties on the Pandava side. Krishna urged Arjuna not to delay meeting Karna in a decisive battle and killing him at the end.

Krishna said. “You can hear Karna persuading other Kauravas to go after Yudhishthira. Why is that roar from among their midst? Is it possible that your brother has been killed or captured alive? Look, how Karna is destroying all your men, intent on demonstrating his skills to his friend, Duryodhana. He is sending glances in your direction in between, as though challenging you for a direct combat”

With these words and showing the battle scenes, Krishna proceeded with Arjuna towards the Pandava camp. They met Bhima on the way. He reported to them that his elder brother had left the battle field thoroughly beaten by Karna in combat.

Yudhishthira in bed

When Krishna and Arjuna reached the camp Yudhishthira was in bed recovering from wounds. He welcomed them beaming with happiness, thinking that Arjuna had come to report the killing of Karna. He said. “Tell me, Arjuna in detail, how you killed Karna in battle”.

Arjuna was embarrassed when he realized how mistaken his brother was. He answered timidly. “I have not managed to meet Karna long enough to fulfill my promise. I was busy with the Samsaptakas. Then, I came here to make sure that you are safe. I shall leave now and challenge Karna for a duel. I shall definitely kill him at the end”.

But, Yudhishthira was crestfallen when he realized that what he hoped desperately had not happened. Then, much unlike him, he started speaking harsh words to Arjuna. “You must have seen that our army has been thoroughly thrashed by the enemy. Bhima has been taking the brunt of the battle all alone. You left him behind out of sheer cowardice. Vain are the words that praised your superior skills in warfare. Our hopes in you have been proven wrong. You better hand your Gandiva over to someone else”.

Arjuna in a fury

The words of his brother enraged Arjuna in no small measure. He jumped forward with sword in hand towards his brother.

Krishna blocked him and said. “Why, what is the matter? I do not find an enemy for you to kill anywhere here!”

Arjuna hissed like a serpent and roared. “You know of my pledge that I would kill anyone who spoke belittling my handling of Gandiva”.

Krishna tried to pacify his friend. He said. “Arjuna, you are not aware of the ways of Dharma (right and wrong). That is why you are confused. You must understand first that hurting any living being (Himsa) with no good reason is a worse offence than telling a lie. You may have to tell a lie to save a difficult situation, such as marriages, in matters of sex, when life is in danger, when there is the risk of losing all that one possesses and for the sake of a Brahmin.

(Vivahakale, ratisamprayoge, pranaatyaye, sarva dhanaapahaare,

viprasya ca arthe hyanrutam vadeta panchaanrutaanyaahu rapaatakani).

Lies told on these five occasions are said to be not sinful”.

Krishna implied that killing Yudhishthira to keep his word would be a worse sin on the part of Arjuna. He, then, told the story of a naïve Brahmin who always told the truth unmindful of the consequences.

The story of the truthful Brahmin

A Brahmin used to do penance in a forest. One day some people came there trying to escape from enemies who were in their chase. Soon, others came in their hot pursuit. The new comers asked the Brahmin. “Did you, sir, find some people coming this way?” Being a man of truth he told them that they, indeed, did. As a result, those who took refuge in the forest were found out and mercilessly butchered.

Krishna, through this story, tried to impress on Arjuna that Ahimsa (non-violence) is a superior virtue in comparison to truthfulness. Even if Arjuna failed to keep his own words, he was saving himself from a much worse sin, of killing his own brother.

(To be continued)

The War – Day 17 (Part 4)

The Suicide Squad of Susharma

Arjuna’s main target was Karna. Before he could proceed in search of his foe, the suicide army (Samsaptaka) of Susharma renewed its attack against the Pandava. The king was leading it from the front. The Samsaptakas encircled the chariot of Arjuna with loud battle cries. They were so many and were unconcerned of their own lives. Some held the horses and others put a brake to the chariot wheels with their bare hands. The chariot of Arjuna came to a full stop. Meanwhile, several of the arrows from Susharma found their target on Arjuna and Krishna.

Arjuna spoke to Krishna. “Look, Krishna, what the Samsaptakas have done. We are virtually under arrest. I have to do something drastic to save the situation”. With those words Arjuna blew on his conch shell, Devadatta. Krishna blew on his Panchajanya, in response. The sound of the two created confusion and fear in the minds of the Samsaptakas. Arjuna , then, sent an arrow powered with serpents (Naga Astra) against his tormentors. The effect of the arrow was dramatic on the Samsaptakas. Hundreds of serpents emerged from the arrow and tied up the feet of Susharma’s soldiers leaving them immobile. Arjuna, then, started to kill them in large numbers, sending sharp arrows from his Gandiva in quick succession.

Susharma quickly realized the danger and released an arrow empowered with the eagle (Garuda Astra). Eagles arrived in large numbers attacking the serpents which had tied up the Samsaptakas.

A great battle ensued between Arjuna and Susharma in which several other divine weapons were exchanged.

Kripa in action

Elsewhere, the army of Duryodhana was retreating under the powerful attack of Bhima. Kripa came on the scene to save the situation. He unleashed a formidable attack against the Panchala contingent of the Pandava army. Sikhandi was angered looking at the damage done to his army by the Kaurava warrior and took on Kripa with great resolve. The two fought fiercely for a while. At the end, the horses of the Panchala prince were killed by the arrows from Kripa. He jumped out his chariot with sword in hand and ran towards his enemy.

Kripa wasted no time to cut the sword and shatter the shield of the Panchakla into pieces with his sharp arrows. Shikhandi realized that what he did was rash and panicked for a moment. At that very moment Suketu, a great warrior on the Pandava side, came on the scene to save Suikhandi. Kripa, then, turned his attention on to Suketu. Sikhandi used the opportunity to save himself from the clutches of death at the hands of Kripa.

The teacher of the Kauravas turned to his new enemy and sent sharp arrows one after another to him. Kripa’s arrows found the target on the chest and every other vital point of Suketu pierced. He sat down on the floor of his chariot unable to move. Another well aimed arrow from Kripa hit his neck and his head was severed in the next instant.

Aswatthama defeats Yudhishthira

Elsewhere, Aswatthama spotted Yudhishthira in the middle of the Pandava army and turned to him for a face to face combat. Several veterans on the Pandava side, like Satyaki, came in support of Yudhishthira. The Pandavas were totally defeated at the end of a spirited battle. Yudhishthira escaped from the scene to save his own life.

Aswatthama against Arjuna

Great was the damage done to the Pandava army by the son of Drona. None among the Pandavas could face Aswatthama that day. But, Arjuna came on the scene after having pushed back the attack of the Samsaptakas. It looked that even Arjuna was not effective against Aswatthama. Krishna watched his friend for a while and said. “I am surprised, Arjuna, that you are powerless against your enemy. Are you not holding Gandiva in your hand? Or, are you being soft on your opponent thinking that he is your teacher’s son?”

Krishna’s taunting words had the desired effect on the Pandava. He sent a torrent of arrows pulling the string of his Gandiva as far as his ears. Arjuna’s arrows found the target and Aswatthama was, soon, in trouble. At one point he sat down on the floor of his chariot losing his consciousness. At that point the charioteer of Aswatthama deftly drove the chariot off from the battle field.

Aswatthama’s pledge

Duryodhana was not happy that the battle was not turning the way he thought it would under the command of Karna. He called his warriors around him and spoke. “It has to be a fight until victory for us all today. If we die in the process, take heart that the doors of heaven remain open for us”

Aswtthama was already in despair that the one who killed his father unjustly was still at large. So, he took a terrible pledge right in front of all those who had gathered. “Note my words; I shall not remove my armour until I take revenge on Dhrishtadyumna who killed my father when he was unarmed”.

With those words he turned towards the Pandava army in search of his sworn enemy.

(To be continued)