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)