(Kavitraya) MAHAA BHAARAT (In Simple English)

Originally written in Sanskritby Bhagavan Veda Vyaasa
(Krishna Dvaipaayana)
Translated into Telugu (a Regional Language of South India)
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Sri Nannaya Bhattaarakah  
Sri Tikkana Somayaaji
Sri Yerra Pragada.
MAHA BHARAT
KARNA PARVA
FIRST CHAPTER.
Saint Vaisampaayana told Janamejaya, the story of Maha Bharata.
Upon the fall of Karna, Sanjaya, arrived at Hastinapura, with a heart filled with deep anxiety. He proceeded to the abode of Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya sent word to Dhritarashtra about his arrival.
Immediately, Dhritarasthra, who was in his inner apartnment, invited Sanjaya inside. Sanjaya went inside and occupied a suitable seat offered by Dhritarashtra.
“O King Dhritarashtra! I have seen the war for the last two days and come here to tell you about it. After the death of Drona, Karna was made the Commander of the entire Kourava army. Karna fought with Pandavas with great vigour and valour and massacred the Pandava Army. Karna fought vigorously for two days but succumbed to the prowess of Arjuna and lost his life. Pandavas took revenge on Karna for his mis deeds.
There is one more sad news for you, O King Dhritarashtra! Your son Dussaasana was killed by Bhimasena. Bhimasena broke the chest of Dussaasana and tasted his blood and discharged his promise made in the open assembly. O King Dhritarashtra! Instead of enjoying your own share of kingdom, you have grabbed the kingdom of Pandavas by means of wicked dice game. Now you are reaping the consequences” said Sanjaya.
On hearing that his son Dussaasana was killed, Dhritarashtra thought that Suyodhana also was killed. His body was trembled and exceedingly agitated. He fainted. Vidura who arrived there, with the help of other attendants, lifted him and made him to lie down on a soft bed and sprinkleld some cool water on his face.
After some time, Dhritarashtra regained consciousness. He cursed the fate. He scolded Sakuni who is responsible for all this disastour. He cursed himself for not bringing up his sons in proper order. He applauded Pandavas for their virtues.
“Sanjaya! I did not hear you properly What about Suyodhana! Is he alive or dead?” asked Dhritarashtra.
“O King Dhritarashtra! during these two days, Karna, his sons and brothers were killed. Bhimasena killed your son, Dussaasana and broke his chest and tasted his blood” said Sanjaya.
“Stop Sanjaya! Stop! I cannot hear you any more.” said Dhritarashtra.
All are silent for a while. Slowly Dhritarasthra began to speak.
“Sanjaya! All this is happening due to my wicked policy and the foolishness of my son, Suyodhana. Sanjaya! I do not find any way to annhilate this grief. Kindly tell me in detail who are alive and who are dead on both sides.” asked Dhritarasthra.
Sanjaya said thus: “O King Dhritarasthra! On our side, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Vikarna, Vrishasena, Dussaasana, Lakshmana are dead. On the side of Pandavas, King Virata, Sataaneeka, Drupada, Ghatotkacha, Abhimanyu, Kings of Pandya are dead. For the present, on Kourava side, Asvathama, Kritavarma, Salya, Sakuni, Kripacharya and few of your sons and sons of Karna are alive. With the help of these remaining warriors, your son. Suyodhana, is attempting to conquer Pandavas.” said Sanjaya.
“Sanjaya! Karna is like a mighty bull. How he was killed by Arjuna? Karna never cares for Arjuna or Krishna, at any time. Alas! he was killed by Arjuna. Sanjaya! Depending upon the prowess of Karna, Suyodhana developed animosity with Pandavas. Now he is dead. Where is the life for Suyodhana? How can he fight with Pandavas tomorrow? In my view, continuing war from tomorrow is sheer waste.
Sanjaya! Even after all these things, my heart is still in tact without breaking into pieces. Sanjaya! see how tragic my life is? Having heard that my sons are dead, I am still alive as a huge rock. No. I have to die. I will die. Give me some poison. Or let me strangle my neck” Dhritarasthra attempted to commit suicide.
Sanjaya stopped him and said: “O King Dhritarasthra! are you mad! You are wise and learned. How can you speak like this like a weak heart? Be brave. Remember your greatness and your vigour and valour.” consoled Sanjaya.
“Sanjaya! On hearing that Karna is dead, I am in great disaster. I am sure we will be defeated. I do not how Suyodhana will continue war with Pandavas? With whose support, he will fight with Pandavas? Sanjaya! I will not die so soon. My heart would have been broken into pieces soon after the hearing of the death of Karna. Dont worry. This wretch is blessed with long life. Once I was honoured by one and all as a great King and Emperor. Now everybody is pitying me.
How can I withstand the grief caused by the deaths of Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Dussaasana, one by one. Amongst all, the death of Karna is like a thunderbolt.
Now Suyodhana lost all his hopes on war. How can Suyodhana will fight from tomorrow and with whose support? Even after the death of Karna, if Suyodhana thinks that he will conquer Pandavas, it is as good as a lame man running speedily.
Even after receiving a message from Yudhishtira requesting me to restore peace, I paid a deaf year. Now I am reaping the consequences.When Bhishma, from his arrowy bed, requested for water, Arjuna pierced the earth and brought out the underground water. Beholding the prowess of Arjuna, Bhishma requested Suyodhana to make peace with Pandavas. Had my son heard those words, today I would not have been in this pitiable position.
Sanjaya! past is past. Tell me how Karna was killed by Arjuna. Was he killed in straight fight or with a wicked plan, as in the case of Bhishma and Drona? Did our army not try to save him? Have they left Karna alone? Sanjaya! Karna is not an ordinary warrior. He acquired Brahma Astra from Parasu Rama. He knows Sarpa Mukha Astra. (an astra with serpant face). Besides this, he got many more divine astras.
He is wise and well-planned. He killed great warrior like Abhimanyu and insulted Bhimasena. He left Sahadeva with life. He killed the Asura warrior, Ghatotkacha with his Sakti. What happened to his prowess? What happened to his divine astras. .Whether all of them have become useless. Something might have happened. Either his chariot might have been broken or his Divine Astras might have become useless. Otherwise, even Indra cannot vanquish Karna.
Sanjaya! you told me that Madra King was his chariot driver. While Arjuna was killing Karna, did Asvathama, Kripacharya and Sakuni not come to his rescue. Suyodhana used to regard Kritavarma as a great warrior. Atleast he would have come tothe rescue of Karna.
What happened to my son Suyodhana? Why did he not go to his help? What they were all doing? While Asvathama, Kripacharya, Sakuni, Kritavarma were riding behind him, how Karna was killed by Arjuna without any reason? Sanjaya! how Karna was attacked by Arjuna? How Arjuna escaped from the wrath of Sarpa Mukha Astra? How other Pandavas fought with Karna? Tell me in detail about the two days war” asked Dhritarashtra.
Sanjaya said thus: “O King Dhritarashtra! after the fall of Drona, Asvathama closed the war for that day. In the camp of Suyodhana, Asvathama, Karna, Dussasana and other Kourava warriors assembled and discussed about the future course of action. Suyodhana consulted Asvathama about the next Commander in Chief for Kourava Army.
Asvathama told Suyodhana that Karna will be the suitable person to be the Leader of Kourava Army. Suyodhana was very happy. Immediately he sent for sacred waters and a throne. Suyodhana told Karna: “Karna! After Bhishma and Drona, you are equal to them. So far, Bhishma and Drona were having partisan attitude towards Pandavas. Hence they could not kill them. Had you been the Leader of our army, Pandavas would have been killed long back and the war would have ended in our favour. That is why, I am making you as the Leader of our army. Conquer Pandavas and be triumph.” said Suyodhana.
Karna was very happy. “Suyodhana! I have already given you word that I will conquer all Pandavas and their friends and relatives. Now I discharge my promise. I will enthrone you as the Emperor of the entire Kuru Kingdom. I alone will fight and win the war. You just stand by my side and enjoy the victory.” said Karna with great proud.
Meanwhile, sacred waters from all holy rivers arrived. Suyodhana made Karna to sit on a throne and proclaimed him as the Commander of Kourava Army. On that happy occasion, Karna told Suyodhana! “O my friend Suyodhana! on that day, you made me the king of Anga kingdom and seated me on an highest pedestal. Now, you installed me as your Commander. What can I do for you except killing all Pandavas and installing you as the Emperor of this entire Universe.” said Karna.
Then all have departed to their places of stay. After that ceremony, I returned back to Hastinapura and told you about the killing of Drona. Again I have gone back to the battle field by the next day morning.
Next day morning, Karna, being the Commander of Kourava army entered the battle field. He arrayed Kourava troops in the form of Makara vyooha (in the shape of crocodile). Karna stood at the mouth part of crocodile. Sakuni and his son Ulooka stood at the places of both eyes. Asvathama stood at the head. Remaining brothers of Suyodhana stood at the neck. Kritavarma and Kripacharya stood at the feet of crocodile.Suydohana stood at the stomache. Salya and Sushena along with their army stood at the hind legs. Chitra and Chitrasena along with their army formed as the tail of crocodile. The rest of the troops stood around the vyooha. In this manner, Karna arrayed the kourava troops into Makara Vyooha.
Yudhishtira along with his allies also entered the war field. He observed Karna as the Army Chief of Kourava Army. Previously, Yudhishtira was afraid of Karna. Now Karna is deprived of his Indra Sakti as well as his natural Kavacha and Kundalas. Drona is not there to come to his rescue. So Karna can easily be conquered, Yudhishtira thought.
Yudhishtira addressed Arjuna: “Arjuna! Behold Karna. He is now the Chief of Kourava Army. He is the sole cause for all our woes in forests for twelve years. Take revenge on him. Now he is the only warrior in Kourava army who can fight with us. If you kill him, we can defeat Kouravas easily. Karna arrayed his troops in Makara vyooha. You array a suitable vyooha.” said Yudhishtira.
Accordingly, Arjuna arrayed his troops into half-moon form (Ardha Chandra Vyooha). Arjuna along with his army stood in the middle of the half moon. On the left edge stood Bhimasena and right edge stood Dhrushtadyumna. Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva stood behind the vyooha. Yudhamanyu and Uttamouja stood as the chariot protectors of Arjuna. Both sides arrayed their troops in vyoohas and were ready for war.
O King Dhritarashtra! your son, Suyodhana was very happy that on the first day of war, Krishna and Arjuna will be vanquished at the hands of Karna. Yudhshtira also was of the strong desire that Karna will be killed on that day by Arjuna.
Having received the signals from their respective Army Chiefs, both sides began to fight. Elephants, horses, food soldiers were being massacred ruthlessly. The broken chariots are formed into heaps. Karna and Arjuna were engaged in dual fight. The foot soldiers were being crushed under the feet of elephants and the chariot wheels.
Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumna, Chekitana, Upa Pandavas were fighting with Prabhadraka, Chedi, Pandya, Chola, Magadha, Vanga Kings and their troops. Bhimasena was moving on his elephant and crushing the kourava soldiers under the feet of his elephant.
Meanwhile, Kshemadhoorti, King of Kuloota, riding on his elephant, attacked Bhimasena. The troops of Kshemadurti surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena and Kshemadhurti were hurling sharp spears on each other. One cut the bow of the other. Their elephants were moving around each other. Kshemadurti pierced one spear into the chest of Bhiamsena. Kshemadurti was cutting the spears hurled by Bhimasena in the middle. Kshemadhurti shot 60 sharp arrows piercing into the body of Bhimasena. Bhimasena pierced most powerful arrows into the body of the elephant of Kshemadhurti. Unable the bear the pain, the elephant of Kshemadurti ran away, carrying Kshemadurthi.
After controlling his elephant, Kshemadurti returned to the battle field and again shot most powerful arrows on Bhimasena and his elephant. The elephant of Bhimasena fell down. Bhimasena got down his elephant, took up his mace and with a single blow delivered by him, the elephant of Kshemadurti fell down. Kshemadurti jumped down and took out a big sword. Bhimasena delivered a blow with his mace on the head of Kshemadurthi, as a result, he fell down and died.
Beholding the death of his leader, Kshemadurthi, his troops fled away. Bhimasena roared like a lion and proceeded towards Karna. At that time, Karna was breaking the heads of the elephants in Pandava army. Nakula was fighting with Karna. Bhimasena was fighting with Asvathama; Satyaki with Kekaya kings and Vinda and Anuva;Chitrasena with Srutavarma; Prativindhya with Chitra; Yudhishtira with Suyodhana; Arjuna with Samsaptakas; Dhrishtadyumna with Kripacharya; Sikhandi with Kritavarma, Srutakeerti with Salya and Sahadeva with Dussaasana. There was a fiercest battle between both the troops.
Satyaki cut the bows of Vinda and Anuvinda and pierced their bodies with most sharp arrows. Vinda and Anuvinda took up another bow and launched most powerful astras against Satyaki. Satyaki with a sharp edged arrow, cut the head of Anuvinda. Beholding the death of his brother, Vinda shot numerous arrows against Satyaki. They both killed their chariot drivers and broke their chariots.
Both of them got down from their broken chariots and were fighting with swords. In that dual sword fight, Satyaki cut the head of Vinda. Satyaki got into the chariot of Udhamanyu and left that place..
King Chitrasena was fighting with Srutakarma son of Sahadeva. Chitrasena shot five sharp arrows against Srutakarma. In retaliation, Srutakarma beat Chitrasena till he fainted. After regaining consciousness, Chitrasena broke the bow of Srutakarma. Srutakarma took up another bow and cut the head of Chitrasena with a sharp edged arrow. Beholding the fall of their King, his troops rushed against Srutakarma. Srutakarma with his vigour and valour, drove them away.
Prativindya was fighting with Chitra. Pravivindya shot three arrows piercing into the chest of his charioteer and also cut his flag and bow. He also cut the spears hurled by Chitra into pieces. Chitra hurled his mace, killing the horses and the charioteer of Prativindya. Prativindya hurled a Tomara weapon upon Chitra which broke the chest of Chitra. Chitra fell down and died. Unable to attack Prativindya, kourava troops fled away.
At another front, Bhimasena was fighting with Asvathama. They were showering arrows on each other, covering their chariots. They shot sharp edged arrows upon the charioteers and horses of each other. They were piercing arrows into each others bodies. Their charioteers drove their respective chariots away from the battle field, apprending danger to their Maha Radhas.
Srutakeerti son of Arjuna was fighting with Salya. Salya broke the bow of Srutakeerti and shot seven sharp arrows piercing into his body. Srutakeerti picked up another bow and shot 64 powerful arrows upon Salya. In retaliation, Salya shot 90 sharp edged arrows against Srutakeerti and broke his bow.
Srutakeerti took his mace. Salya broke that mace into pieces and also killed the charioteer of Srutakeerti. As there was no charioteer, the horses dragged the chariot of Srutakeerti to a long distance. Then Salya penetrated into the army of Dharmaja and was massacring them.
At another front, Sahadeva and Dussaasana were fighting with each other. Dussaasana shot sharp edged arrows piercing into the chest of Sahadeva. Sahadeva, in retaliation, shot Dussaasana with 70 powerful arrows. Dussaasana broke the bow of Sahadeva. Sahadeva took out a sword and cut the bow of Dussaasana. Dussaasana hurled a sword against Sahadeva. Sahadeva cut that sword into two pieces.
Dussaasana took up another bow and shot 64 sharp edged arrows against Sahadeva. Sahadeva cut them in the middle and shot 100 Sileemukhas against Dussaasana. Dussaasana cut them with three arrows. Sahadeva launched one Divya Astra upon Dussaasana by which the armour of Dussaasana was broken. Dussaasana fainted. His charioteer drove the chariot away.
At that time, Nakula was fighting with Karna. Nakula addressed Karna: “O Karna! Today is more auspicious. Fate brought you before me. You are the root cause for the enmity between Kouravas and Pandavas. I will kill you today.” so saying Nakula jumped against Karna.
Beholding the furious Nakula, Karna said: “O Nakula! You are a prince. You are learned, having learnt many Sastras. You are right in saying like that. But dont waste your breath. Let us fight and decide our fate” said Karna.
Karna shot 73 arrows, covering Nakula. Nakula rataliated with 70 sharp arrows. Karna broke the bow of Nakula. Nakula picked up another bow and shot 70 arrows piercing the entire body of Karna. With another arrow, he cut the bow of Karna. Nakula shot 300 powerful arrows, covering the chariot of Karna. Karna picked up another bow and pierced five sharp arrows into the chest of Nakula. Nakula with seven arrows cut the bow of Karna. Karna picked up another bow. In this manner, both Karna and Nakula were fighting with each other, with equal vigour.
Meanwhile, Drupada forces came to help Nakula. Karna shot most cruel arrows massacring the Drupada forces. Again Karna broke the bow of Nakula, cut his flag and killed his steeds. Nakula’s wheel protectors were also killed by Karna. Nakula picked up his mace. Karna broke that mace also. Nakula took his sword and shield, which were also broken by Karna into fragments. Then Karna shot most powerful arrows, piercing into the vital parts of the body of Nakula. Nakula ran away. Karna chased him and caught him.
“Nakula! You scolded me unnecessarily. Is it not wrong? You should know with whom you are talking, how much you have to talk and how to talk. Atleast you realised now that you are no match to me. Before entering into dual fight, you better assess your enemy’s strength and then fight. Dont fight with those who are more powerful than you and finally run away. You are much younger than me. Hence I do not kill you. You can go and join your brother Arjuna.” said Karna.
(Nakula was left alive by Karna as per the word given by Karna to Kunti.)
With a shameful face, Nakula left that place and boarded the chariot of Yudhishtira.
It was midday at that time. Karna was massacring the pandava troops ruthlessly. He was killing the charioteers, horses and elephants. He was cutting the heads of foot soldiers which were flying in air.
At that time, Yuyutsa opposed Ulooka. Ulooka cut the bow and flag of Yuyutsa. Yuyutsa picked up another bow and pierced five sharp arrows into the chest of Ulooka. Ulooka, in return, killed the charioteer of Yuyutsa with one arrow and also the steeds. Yuyutsa jumped down his chariot and climbed another chariot. Ulooka drove his chriot against the Panchala army.

Srutakarma attacked Sataaneeka, son of Nakula and killed his charioteer and steeds. Sataaneeka hurled his mace against Srutakarma and broke his chariot and killed his charioteer and steeds. Srutakarma ran away in anther chariot.
Srutasoma, son of Bhimawas fighting with Sakuni. Srutasoma launched numerous astras against Sakuni which were broken into pieces by Sakuni. Sakuni broke the chariot and flag of Srutasoma with most powerful arrows and killed steeds. Srutasoma jumed down from his chariot and was fighting with Sakuni. Sakuni with a powerful arrow cut the bow of Srutasoma. Srutasoma picked up a long sword and was cutting the arrows shot by Sakuni. Sakuni cut the sword of Nakula with only one arrow. Srutasoma hurled that broken sword upon Sakuni and broke his bow. He ran away on the chariot of Srutakeerti. Sakuni picked up another bow and was massacring the pandava troops.
At another front, Dhrushtadyumna was fighting with Kripacharya. Kripacharya was trying to take revenge upon Dhrushtadyumna, for killing his own brother in law, Drona. Kripacharya shot sharp edged arrows upon Dhrishtadyumna. His charioteer and steeds were injured. Then the charioteer of Dhrishtadyumna said: “O Dhrishtadyumna! this Brahmin warrior is most powerful and of great strength, well-versed in several astras and sastras. You cannot kill him. For the present stop fighting with him.” Dhrishtadyumna also agreed with his charioteer. The charioteer drove the chariot to otherside, avoiding Kripacharya. Kripacharya blew his conche and roared like a lion. He was massacring the Panchala troops mercilessly.
Meanwhile, Sikhandi attacked Kritavarma and shot five arrows aiming at the chest of Kritavarma. Kritavarma pierced 60 arrows throughout his body and broke his bow. Kritavarma took another bow and shot 70 arrows upon the body of Sikhandi. Sikhandi shot three most powerful arrows. Kritavarma shot most powerful iron edged arrows against Sikhandi. Sikhandi fell down and fainted. His charioteer drove the chariot to other side, avoiding Kritavarma. The troops of Sikhandi fled away.
Arjuna was fighting with the King of Trigartha. King Sibi and forces of Salva and Samsapataka were helping the King of Trigarta. His brothers, Satyasena, Chandradeva, Mitradeva, Mitravarma, Sousruti, Suvarma, Susarma were also accompanying him. All of them incessantly showering arrows upon Arjuna. Arjuna also poured arrowy showers on all of them. With five arrows, Arjuna killed Sousruti. With 8 arrows, he killed Chandradeva. Arjuna killed Satrudeva with a Sileemukha.
Satyasena hurled a spear which hit the elbow of Krishna and injured him. Beholding this, Arjuna was enraged with wrath. With only one arrow, he cut the head of Satyasena. With another arrow, he cut the head of Mitravarma. Beholding the deaths of their kings, the Trigartha forces surrounded Arjuna. But Arjuna scattered them with his powerful arrows. With an arrow fitted with silver head, Arjuna cut the head of Mitrasena. With another arrow fitted with iron head, he pierced the chest of Suvarma.
Meanwhile, Samsaptakas surrounded Arjuna and shot numerous arrows and astras upon him. Arjuna smiled and launched Indra Astra upon them. From out of that Indra Astra, several Bhallas, Anjalikas came out and massacred the Samsapataka forces. Chariots were broken. Flags were cut. Charioteers were killed. The battle field was filled with the dead bodies of elephants, horses and soldiers. Blood was flowing into streams. Unable to withhold the power of Indra Astra launched by Arjuna, Samsaptaka forces fled away.
At another front, Suyodhana was fighting with Dharmaja. Suyodhana shot nine arrows against Dharmaja. Dharmaja killed the charioteer and steeds of Suyodhana and broke his flag. Dharmaja also broke the sword taken by Suyodhana. Suyodhana jumed down his chariot and fled away.
Beholding this, Asvathama, Karna, Kripacharya came to the rescue of Suyodhana. Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva also arrived there for the help of Yudhishtira. It was afternoon at that time. As all the Athi Radhas and Maharadhas on both sides gathered there, there was a fiercest battle between them.” said Sanjaya.
At that time Dhritarashtra intervened and asked Sanjaya: “O Sanjaya! What happened to my son Suyodhana! Where has he gone! tell me.” Sanjaya said: “O King Dhritarashtra! Suyodhana did not run away from the battle field. As his chariot was broken, he got into some other chariot and returned to the battle field. He directed his charioteer to take his chariot against Dharmaja.
Beholding this Dharmaja also directed his charioteer to take his chariot against Suyodhana. Now, Suyodhana and Dharmaja were standing in opposite directions. Suyodhana with his powerful steeds broke the bow of Yudhishtira. Yudhishtira picked up another bow and cut the bow of Suyodhana. Suyodhana picked up another bow and shot powerful arrows against Yudhishtira. They were showering arrows one upon another. Both were injured severely.
Suyodhana hurled one spear against Dharmaja. Dharmaja cut it in the middle and shot one sharp arrow piercing the chest of Suyodhana. Dharmaja shot one Silimukha, tearing the body of Suyodhana. Suyodhana took his mace, got down his chriot, and rushed against Yudhishtira. Dharmaja launched Sakti against Suyodhana. Suyodhana turned back and got into his chariot and was fighting with Dharmaja with arrows. As there was heavy bleeding, Suyodhana fainted.
Beholding this, Kritavarma intervened between Suyodhana and Dharmaja. Bhimasena attacked Kritavarma. Kourava forces arrived there to help Kritavarma.
Meanwhile, Suyodhana regained consciousness. He saw Arjuna standing in front of him. Suyodhana shot most powerful arrows against Arjuna. Arjuna cut the flag of Suyodhana and hit the charioteer and steeds of Suyodhana with powerful steeds. Those arrows were cut by Asvathama. Leaving Suyodhana, Arjuna attacked Asvathama.
Arjuna cut the bow of Asvathama and killed his horses. Kripacharya attacked Arjuna. Arjuna cut the bow of Kripacharya. Kritavarma came to the rescue of Kripacharya. Arjuna cut the bow of Kritavarma and cut his flag and killed his steeds. Meanwhile Dussaasana intervened and attacked Arjuna. Arjuna cut his bow into two pieces.
Then Arjuna drove his chariot against Karna. Karna shot three arrows against Arjuna and 20 arrows against Krishna, tearing their bodies. Till then, Karna was fighting with Satyaki. Even after the arrival of Arjuna, Karna continued to fight with Satyaki. Karna, with 100 Sili mukhas hit the charioteer, steeds and flag of Satyaki.
Beholding this, Yudhamanyu, Sikhandi, sons of Droupadi, Uttamouja, Yuyutsa, Nakula, Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna, Chekitana, Prabhadraka, Kings of Chedi, Karoosa, Maatsya, Kekaya arrived there to help Arjuna. All of them surrounded Karna and showered most powerful steep arrows against Karna. But, Karna, with great skill, smashed those arrows and massacred the Pandava forces . Arjuna also nullified all the Astras launched by Karna and scattered the Kourava army with his Silimukha arrows.
By that time, it was sunset and darkness plunged in from all sides. Both sides closed the war for that day and returned to their camps . Karna’s first day war ended in that manner” said Sanjaya to King Dhritarashtra.
On hearing this, Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya: “O Sanjaya! Had Arjuna really intended to kill Kouravas, he would have killed all of them, in one day, inspte of Karna’s opposition; because, Arjuna was the son of Indra. After all, mortals like my son are no match to him. We all know that Arjuna is not an ordinary warrior. He vanquished Yadava warriors and abducted Subhadra. Arjuna opposed Indra and allowed Agni to consume Khandava forest. Arjuna fought with Parameswara and got Pasupathastra.When my son, Suyodhana was abducted by Gandharva, Arjuna saved him. Arjuna killed Kalakeyas single handedly. For such a great warrir, this battle is nothing. Therefore, we should not blame our army for being defeated at the hands of Arjuna. That defeat is an honour and glory for our army. Tell me what had happened later” asked Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya continued to say:
Suyodhana convened a meeting of all the Athi Radhas and Maharadhas and was discussing about the first day war of Karna. Karna told Suyodhana: “O King Suyodhana! We have to remember one thing. Arjuna possesses more tacts than all. Besides that, Krishna is there to give him timely valuable suggestions. When I preserved Indra Astra for the sake of Arjuna, Krishna made it inevitable to launch it against Ghatotkacha, and saved Arjuna. In this manner, Krishna deceived me. We need not fear about it. Let us depend upon our own prowess and strength. By launching the divine astras and sastras, I will kill Arjuna and Krishna.” said Karna.
Suyodhana felt happy with the words of Karna. All retired to their respective camps.
Next day, both sides assembled in the battle field for next day’s war. Dharmaja arrayed his troops into a vyooha which was arrayed by Brihaspati during Deva-asura war. Kourava troops were waiting for the arrival of Karna.” said Sanjaya.
“Sanjaya! On the first day of his leadership, Karna rewarded Suyodhana with an utter defeat. What he will do even on the second day? My son, Suyodhana, is a fool. Hence he trusted Karna. With a blind belief that Sakuni’s wicked plans and Karna’s prowess will acquire victory for him, my son dared to wage war against Pandavas.
Sanjaya! Our woes started even from the date of dice game. It culminated into a great disaster. My son resorted to wicked deeds and he is reaping the consequences. Sanjaya! have you observed one thing. In all these 15 days, not even a single brother of Pandavas was killed. But Suyodhana lost many of his brothers. Bhishma and Drona fell down. Pandavas were playing joyously in the battle field. It is nothing but fate.” said Dhritarashtra.
“O King Dhritarashra! Why you are blaming Suyodhana alone? Are you not responsible for this catastrophe by knodding your head for all the wicked plans of Suyodhana and Sakuni. Had you paid heed to the words of Vidura and stopped the dice game, situation would have been different. Past is past. Listen the war details.
Karna arrived at the battle field and stopped his chariot by the side of Suyodhana. “Suyodhana! todays war will be between me and Arjuna. My target is Arjuna. Arjuna will attack me without fear as I am lacking in Indra Astra. Hence we have to find alternative ways and means to kill Arjuna. Let us assess our respective strength.
The Astras and Sastras available with me and Arjuna are equal. Arjuna is in no way greater than me. In swift movements in the battle field, I excel Arjuna. Arjuna is having Gaandeeva. I do not have such a bow. But I got another divine bow which was given bymy Guru, Parasurama.That bow was used by Indra during Deva- Asura war. With that bow, which is equivalent to Gandeeva, I will attack Arjuna today.
Next, we will come to Akshaya Tooneera. We can get over this, by carrying loads of arrows behind my chariot, in several carts. Next, Arjuna is having an unbreakable Divine chariot . I will also get over this by keeping numerous chariots, tied with excellent steeds, running behind my chariot for my use. Whenever I am deprived of my chariot, I will jump into another chriot and fight.
There is one more difference between me and Arjuna. Sri Krishna is driving the chariot of Arjuna. I also want a charioteer equivalent to Sri Krishna. There is only one charioteer in Kourava army who is an equal match to Krishna.He is no other than King Salya, King of Madra. He is more tactful than Krishna in driving chariot. If you are able to convince him to be my charioteer, Arjuna’s defeat is certain” said Karna.
“Karna! I will make all arrangements with regard to chariots, horses, and carts filled with most powerful arrows. Let us go to Salya. I will certainly convince him and make him your charioteer.” so saying Suyodhana took Karna to Salya. Both of them saluted Salya.
Suyodhana told Salya thus:”O King Salya! You speak always truth. You are one of our eldest and respected by all. I regard you equivalent to my father. In the presence of the great warriors in Kourava Army I am making a small request. I hope and trust that you will not reject it.
He is Karna, King of Anga Kingdom. For the present, he is the Chief of the entire Kourava Army. His avowed object is to kill Arjuna. Arjuna’s charioteer is Sri Krishna. An equivalent charioteer to Sri Krishna is no other than yourself. After the fall of Bhishma and Drona, with your support and with the support of Karna only I am continuing the war. If you accept to be the charioteer of Karna, fall of Arjuna is imminent. I hope you will never reject my offer.” said Suyodhana.
Salya was enraged with great wrath. “Suyodhana! (he shouted) Having known fully well about me and about my prowess, are you requesting me to be the charioteer of a soota. Dont you know the caste system. I am a Kshatriya. How dare you ask me to be the charioteer of a Soota. No. I cannot drive the chariot of a Soota. I have come to help you in the war. I will fight with anybody whom you like and kill whomever you want. If necessary, I will kill all of them. Karna is no match to me. I do not care even Arjuna and Krishna. If you ask me out of ignorance, it is allright. If you again ask me to be the chariotter of Karna,I will leave this place and go back to my kingdom.” said Salya, King of Madra.
When Salya was about to leave that place, Suyodhana stopped him. “O King Salya! I did not mean that. Not only Karna, none on the face of earth is no match to you. I do not mean that Karna is more powerful than you. There is strong reason behind my request. The only warrior available in our army to fight with Arjuna is no other than Karna. But Krishna is foiling all my plans. The only charioteer who can foil the plans of Sri Krishna is yourself. That is the reason why I am requesting you to be the charioteer of Karna. It is nothing but regarding you as an elderly person. This task can be accomplished by you only.” said Suyodhana.
Salya was overjoyous by the boastings of Suyodhana. “Suyodhana! I grew angry without knowing your mind. You praised me greater than Krishna. That is sufficient. I will accept to be the charioteer of Karna but on one condition. I am more talkative. I will be talking as I like. He should not object. Let him mind his own work.” said Salya.
Suyodhana readily agreed for his condition. Again Suyodhana said thus: “O Salya, King of Madra! One day, I overheard the conversation between my father, Dhritarasthra and Saint Markandeya. During the Deva Asura war, Takarasura was dead. He got three sons. Vidyunmaali, Tarakasha and Kamalaksha. Those three sons of Tarakasura did penance about Brahma. Brahma appeared and asked them about their desire. All of them, with one voice, prayed that they maybe blessed without death. Brahma denied their request as death is imminent for mortals and asuras.
As an alternative they prayed: “Please give us three flying cities. We will be flying in those cities whereever we like. Those cities shall not be destroyed either by Devatas, Danavas, Yakshas or Uragas etc.”
Brahma said: “I will bless you accordingly. But for every object which is created, there must be an end. Whenever those three cities meet together, they will be smashed by any strong personality. As long as they do not meet together, none can vanquish them. You can built three cities and equip them as you like. They will be more splendid as desired by you.” so saying Brahma disappeared.
Those three Daityas were very happy with the boons given by Brahma. They requested Mayaa to build three flying cities for their use. Maya accordingly built three cites, with gold, silver and iron. Tarakaasha had taken golden city; Kamalaksha had taken Silverl city and Vidyunmaali had taken Iron city. The Golden city was flying in heaven, the silver city was flying in welkin, and the iron city was set on earth. The three Daityas occupied heaven, earth and welkin and were ruling them ruthlessly harrassing divine bodies, sages and saints and human beings..
In this manner, crores of years have elapsed. Tarakaasha got a son by name Hari. He also did penance about Brahma. Brahma appeared before him. Hari asked Brahma a strange boon. “Let a lake be provided in the city so that persons killed by means of weapons, may, when thrown into it. come out with life, ten for one, with redoubled strength.” Brahma blessed Hari with such a boon.
Obtaining this boon, Hari created a lake in his city that was capable of reviving the dead. In whatever form and whatever guise a Daitya might have been killed, if thrown into that lake, he was restored to life, in the same form and guise. As a result of that boon, all the inhabitants of those three cities became immortals. Even if they are dead, the population was increasing ten times. Even the divine bodies are afraid of them and their strength. Filled with pride, those daityas are causing much hardship to all the three regions, Deva, Pitru and human. They have been harassing the sages and saints doing penance.
Though Indra declared war against them but was utterly defeated at their hands. Indra, along with divine bodies, sages and saints approached Brahma and sought for his adivce. Brahma told them thus: “an eminent personality shall destroy those three cities with only one arrow, while all of them were at one place. Only Rudra can do that and none else. Therefore, we have to approach Rudra. I will also accompany you.” said Brahma.
Devendra, Brahma, divine bodies, sages and saints and others approached Maha Siva and sought for his help. Devendra prayed Maheswara: “O Maheswara! You are omnipotent, omnipresent and all pervasive. Nothing is unknown to you. You alone should save us from these three Dasyas.”.
Then Brahma told Parameswara thus: “O Maheswara! I am the protector of all the three regions. I have given a boon to these Dasyas . With the power of that boon, they created three cities and have come immortals. They are harrassing divine bodies and sages and saints. We are unable to vanquish them. You alone are competnet. Kindly save them. Kill those three Dasyas and save the divine bodies” prayed Brahma.
“O Brahma! what you said is correct. They should be killed. But I shall not, however, kill them single handed. They are possessed of great might. Therefore, all of you, united together, kill them in battle, with half of my might.” said Maheswara.
“O Maheswara! Their might is twice the energy and might of ourselves. We have already been defeated at their hands. Besides, we will not be able to bear half of your energy. On the other hand, with half of our united might, do you kill those daityas.” said divine bodies.
“If you are unable to bear half of my might, then, endue me with half of your united energy, I will kill them. You provide me with a divine chariot, divine horses, one bow and arrow” said Mahasiva.
All the divine bodies have given half of their might to Parama Siva. They all requested Tvashta Prajapati to provide one divine chariot. Accordingly he assembled a divine chariot thus: The earth itself was the divine chariot. Sun and Moon were its wheels. The great oceans were axles. Himalaya Mountain, Vindhya Mountain and Asthaachala were the poles on four sides. The three agnis were the reins. Mountain Meru was the umbrella. Four vedas were four horses. Time was the bow. Maha Vishnu was the arrow. The cosmos was his armour. Vrishabha was the sign on his flag. Thus Mahadeva was provided with a divine chariot, bow and arrow.
Parama Siva was very happy. Parama Siva got into the chariot and held his bow and arrow.
“Devendra! Who is my charioteer?” asked Parama Siva.
“You can choose any body” said Mahendra.
“Devendra! my charioteer must be a greater personality than me. Choose such personality to be my charioteer” asked Parama Siva.
Then all the divine bodies approached Brahma. “O God Brahma! Parama Siva accepted our request to kill the Tripurasuras. We provided him chariot, bow and arrow. Now we are in search of a suitable charioteer. You are capable of driving this divine chariot. Please accept our request.” prayed Mahendra and other divine bodies.
Accordingly, Brahma accepted to be the charioteer of Parama Siva. Parama Siva asked Brahma to drive the chariot towards Tripurasuras. Rudra launched his arrow, Pasupatha Astra, through his bow, targetting the three cities. As per his wish, all the three cities came in a line. Pasupatha destroyed those three cities. All the sages and saints, divine bodies, acclaimed Maha Siva for his heroic deed. In this manner, the Tripurasuras were killed. Parama Siva was called as Tripuranthaka.
O King Salya! As per the words of Parama Siva, the charioteer shall always be greater than the radhika. As you are greater than Karna, you can drive the chriot of Karna. You are equivalent to Lord Brahma . As Brahma drove the chariot of Maha Siva, you have to drive the chariot of Karna. Because, you are greater than Karna, Arjuna and Krishna. I humbly request you to kindly accept my request.” said Suyodhana.
Suyodhana continued to narrate another story overheard by him. “O King Salya! Rama was the son of a great saint Jamadagni. Rama did penance about Lord Siva. Lord Siva appeared before him. Rama prayed Lord Siva to bless him with several Divine Astras. Lord Siva said: “ These Divine Astras will destroy those who are not pure.Therefore, first attain purity and then come to me” said Parama Siva.
“O Maheswara! whenever you think that I am pure, you can bless me with those divine astras. Till then I will be serving you.” said Rama. Lord Siva blessed him accordingly. For number of years, Rama worshipped and served Lord Siva with great devotion. One day, Lord Siva told his wife, Parvati. “O Parvati! look at him. He is Rama my devotee. He is worshipping me with pure heart.” said Parama Siva.
At that time, all Devatas and saints came there and prayed Maha Siva to save them from Daityas. Parama Siva directed Bhargava Rama to kill the Daityas. “O Maha Deva! I am not equipped with any kind of Astras or Sastras. Daityas are more mightier than me. How can I vanquish them?” said Bhargava Rama.

“Bhargava Rama! I am directing you to kill those Asuras. I am behind you. Go and kill them” ordered Maha Siva.
Bhargava Rama went against Asuras and fought with Asuras. Bhargava Rama killed all those Asuras. But Bhargava Rama was seriously wounded. With the gentle touch of Parama Siva, all the wounds were healed.
“Rama! with my divine touch, you will never be injured by any kind of weapon. Now you are pure. I am giving you all kinds of divine astras”. said Parama Siva. Bhargava Rama received the divine astras from Parama Siva. Then Bhargava Rama returned back to his Ashram. Karna, after serving Bhargava Rama for a long time, got those divine Astras.
O King Salya! Bhargava Rama blessed Karna, because Karna was also a purest personality. Will any ordinary lady give birth to such a splendid personality like Karna with natural armour? Will a lion give birth to a deer? But Karna was blamed as the son of Soota. Therefore, O Salya, King of Madra, you have to drive the chariot of Karna, the beloved student of Bhargava Rama to whom Parama Siva was the preceptor, as Brahma drove the chariot of Parama Siva, because the charioteer shall always be greater than the radhika.” said Suyodhana tactfully.
Salya was very happy with the words of Suyodhana. He hugged Suyodhana. “Suyodhana! you recognised my vigour and valour. I am very happy. I will be the charioteer of Karna, but on one condition. I am a bit talkative. I will be talking as I like and will be giving advises to Karna. He should bear with me and hear me patiently. He should not get angry.” said Sarla.
On hearing these words of Salya, Karna said: “O Salya, King of Madra! I know you are a great personality. As Brahma drove the chariot of Parama Siva, as Krishna to Arjuna, kindly drive my chariot.” prayed Karna.
“O Karna ! I can even drive the chariot of Indra. I will drive your chariot also. But I will be talking as I like. Kindly bear with me.” said Salya.
“Karna! you are so fortunate that Salya has accepted to drive your chariot. Krishna is no match to Salya. Even Matali, the charioteer of Indra is no match to Salya. You will certainly defeat Arjuna in today’s war.” said Suyodhana.
A suitable chariot was arranged for Karna. All performed Pooja to that chariot. Karna went round that chriot three times and bowed before it. He saluted Soorya. Salya mounted the chariot and sat in the place of Charioteer. Karna also got into the chariot.
In this manner, Sanjaya explained to Dhritarashtra, how Salya was made as Charioteer of Karna.” said Ugrasravasa to Sounaka and other sages and Saints, in Naimisaaranya, as told by Vaisampaayana to Janamejaya.
MAHA BHARAT
KARNA PARVA
FIRST CHAPTER COMPLETED.
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT
MAHA BHARAT
KARNA PARVA
SECOND CHAPTER
In Naimisaaranya, Saint Ugrasravasa (sooti) told Saint Sounaka and other great sages and saints the story of Maha Bharata as told by Vaisampayana to Janamejaya.
Suyodhana addressed Karna: “O Karna! I expect you to achieve the feat of killing Pandavas, which could not be achieved by Bhishma and Drona. Atleast, capture Dharmaja as hostage and vanquish the entire Pandava army. I will feel happy.” said Suyodhana.
Karna smiled and asked Salya to proceed. The chariot was running. Karna told Salya:
“O Salya! Pandavas will be afraid of my arrowy showers. Divine bodies will acclaim my prowess. I will also make you to appreciate my strength and vigour.” said karna.
Salya smiled and said: “O Karna! Pandavas are virtuous and truthful. They are endued with great might. They are all great bowmen, acquainted with all kinds of weapons. They are unretreating and invincible. They are capable of inspiring fear in the heart of Indira himself. When you hear the twang of Gandiva in battle, you will become speechless. Beholding Bhimasena killing the elephants and horses and breaking the chariots with his mighty mace: beholding Dharmaja, Nakula and Sahadeva massacring your troops, if you stand before them with courage, then I will believe your words.” said Salya.
Karna paid a deaf ear to those words and said: “Salya! I will show my prowess. Drive our chariot towards Pandavas. If I hold the bow, even Devendra cannot stand before me. After all, Pandavas are nothing. I could not understand how, mighty warriors like Bhishma and Drona, were killed by Pandavas. I will kill Arjuna in no time. Even if the entire Pandava army comeS against me, I do not care. I will massacre them. I will let them know that Karna is invincible.” said Karna.
Salya smiled at Karna. “Karna! why are you wasting your breath by boasting yourself. You will become a laughing stock. You are no match to Arjuna. Everybody knows this. In which way you are greater than Gandharva King, Chitraradha who abducted Suyodhana and held him as hostage and Parama Siva who fought with Arjuna under the guise of Kirata. Have you forgotten the defeat meted out by all of you at the time of capturing cows at the northern end of Matsya kingdom. Do you mean to say that the sharp edged arrows of Arjuna are rusted out.You said that you will fight with Arjuna until your death. That may become true.In that way, you may keep your word.” said Salya.
With the words of Salya, Karna was enraged with great wrath but controlled himself. “Salya! It seems that you have no other job except boasting Arjuna. Behold my dual fight with Arjuna and then talk as you like. Till then shut up your mouth and drive the chariot.” said Karna.
Salya was driving the chariot. Karna addressed the great warriors of Kourava army.
“O great warriors! Where is Arjuna? Show me. Show me his chariot. Tell me his whereabouts. I will give them presentations in abundance.” said Karna.
Salya could not control his laughter. “Karna! Karna! One need not show you Arjuna. You yourself will see him. If you have extra wealth, you better spend it in useful manner than presenting it to underserved. You are boasting yourself that you can vanquish Krishna and Arjuna. Have you ever heard of fox vanquishing a lion. Having dual fight with Arjuna is nothing but a suicidal attempt.Hence dont attack Arjuna alone. Have your army by your side always. As I am your well-wisher, I am telling to this extent. Dont be angry.” said Salya sarcastically.
“Salya! I am not afraid of your words. Even Indra cannot stop me from killing Arjuna. First drive the chariot.” said Karna.
Salya wanted to dishearten Karna further. “Karna! My words will never reach your ears. You can hear only the twang sound of Gandeeva. You may become wiser with the arrowy showers of Arjuna. Is it an ordinary thing combatting with Arjuna? It is nothing but a deer fighting with Lion, a hare with elephant, a dog with tiger and a snake with eagle. Do you have such strength, courage and prowess to combat with Arjuna?” Salya expressed his doubt.
“Salya! stop! stop your unnecessary nonsensical talk! You are a charcterless fellow. How can you assess the mighty strength, courage and prowess of a warrior like me. I know about Arjuna much better than you. I got a divine weapon, “Sarpamukha Astra”. None can escape from its wrath, leave alone Arjuna and Krishna. If it fails, I will kill Arjuna with Bhargava Astra. Hence I said that the death of Arjuna is imminent. I am never afraid of Kapi Dhwaja and Gandeeva. Even if 1000 Krishnas and 10,000 Arjunas come against me, I will fight with them singlehanded. Stop that nonsensical talk. Otherwise, your life will be out of your body.” warned Karna.
While Salya tried to talk something more, Karna said: “Salya! You are a sinner. You are a wretch. You will never entertain noble ideas. All the people of Madra kingdom are wrong doers, sinners and scroundals.You are one amongst them. I heard that in your kingdom, people have incestuous relations and you treat it as scrupulous which was considered as unscrupulous by the rest of the world. You consume liquor instead of mother’s milk. You do not know to whom you were born. How can you speak about character, conduct and virtues as you are always under the influence of intoxicated drinks. I know you are the well wisher of Pandavas. I do not care for death as I will attain higher regions if I die in battle. None can stop me. If you speak a word more, I will break your head with my mighty mace. Shut up your mouth and drive the chariot.” said Karna with great wrath.
“O Karna! why you are saying like that. I am your well wisher. I am driving your chariot as per the wish of Suyodhana. I will be adivising you in my own way. Do you know about the charactersitics of a charioteer. He must be wise and learned. He should know about the strength of his horses and also about his Radhika. He also should be wellversed with the launching of all kinds of Astras and Sastras and also the skill of warfare. As I am wellversed in all these techniques, I am advising you. Even If you dont like it, I will never stop advising you in my own way as it is the duty of a charioteer.What wrong I committed for breaking my head with your mace.
Karna! I am your well wisher. I will tell you one small anecdote. After hearing that, you can do as you like. In the ancient times, there was an island in a sea. In that island there was a vysya. He was a peaceful and virtuous person. He performed many penances. He got many children. A crow was living on a tree in his back yard. The crow was consuming the sumptuous food left by the children. It was becoming fat day by day. The crow was not caring the other crows and birds.
One day, some swans visited that island. The vysya boys showed those swans to the crow and said: “Look at those swans. They are flying in the air so happily. Can you compete and defeat them?”
The crow agreed for that proposal. The crow went near the swans and challenged them: “Is there anybody who can compete with me in flying?” Those swans laughed at the crow and said. “We have come here from Manasarovar, Himalayas. We can fly upto any extent untiringly. You cannot compete with us in flying. Sofar, no crow was born on the earth who can compete with any swan”.
The crow could not control his anger. “I can fly directly into sky and come down straight to earth. I can defeat any swan.” said the crow.
One swan came forward and said: “Come on. fly with me” the swan challenged the crow. The crow accepted the challenge. Both the crow and swan flew into the sky. The crow was flying vigorously whereas the swan was flying in slow motion. The crow was going too far and coming back and again going ahead of swan. The swan was flying slowly and steadily.
After some time, the crow was very much tired and could not fly even an inch further. But the swan was steadily flying and had overtaken the crow. The crow tried to land on the ground. As it was flying on the sea, it could not land on the ground. If the crow lands on the sea, the sea animals will consume it.
The swan told the crow: “It is not your original strength. You have become fat by consuming the sumptuous food given by those vysya boys and is trying to compete even with Garuda. You might have realised by this time how powerful I am in flying.” so saying, the swan caught the crow with its claws and brough it to the ground.
O Karna! have you heard this story. You are no better than that crow. You have consumed sumptuous food given by Suyodhana and is boasting yourself and trying to fight with Arjuna. You have forgotten the recent past. Where were you when Arjuna killed your brother at the outskirts of Matsya kingdom? Why you have fled away, leaving Suyodhana to his fate, when Chitraradha caught him as hostage. Have you not heard the words of great sages and saints in the open assembly when Krishna arrived there as an emissary of Pandavas. Inspite of the words of Bhishma and Drona, you are provoking Arjuna for dual combat. Hence my sincere advise is not to fight with Arjuna. You better seek warriors equal to your status and strength and fight with them.” said Salya.
“Salya! do you mean to say that I am going to fight with Arjuna, without knowing his vigour and valour. I will certainly fight with Arjuna. You need not entertain any doubt. Either Arjuna should remain or I should remain on this earth.” said Karna.
“Salya! I am well aware of my lapses also. I am very much afraid of the anger of my Guru, Parasurama and the curses of a brahmin. Othersise, I would not have cared for Arjuna.
When I approached Parasurama for learning divine Astras and Sastras, he enquired me about my whereabouts. Unless I am brahmin, I could not learn Barhma Astra from him. Hence I told Parasurama that I was born as Brahmin. He believed my words and taught me several archery skills, diving astras including Brahma Astra. Parasurama cautioned me not to launch Brahma Astra, except for self defence.
One day, when myself and Parasurama went to a nearby forest for collecting fuel for daily rituals, it was midday. My Guru, Parasurama took rest by keeping his head on my lap. While he was in deep sleep, one large insect was biting my lap and blood was coming out. By feeling the wetness of my blood, Parasurama woke up and observed the profuse bleeding from my body. He asked me what had happened. I told about the biting of the insect on my lap. He was surprised about my courge and patience.
“Tell me who are you? Are you really a brahmin. This kind of courage and patience is very rare in brahmins.” said Parasurama.
I was verymuch afraid and told him that I was not a brahmin. Parasurama grew angry. He cursed me “Karna! you acquired Brahma Astra by telling falsehood. You cannot memorise Brahma Astra while you are in trouble. But you will remember it at the time of your death. But you will l never memorise Bhargava Astra under any circumstances.”
The curse of my Guru, Parasurama, is haunting me. Besides this, I got another curse from a brahmin. While I was learning archery skills, one sharp arrow relesased from my bow, by mistake, hit a calf and killed it. The owner of that calf was a brahmin. He cursed me: “As you killed my calf, mercilessly, you will be killed mercilessly, in a war. Your chariot wheels will sink in the earth. You will be killed by a warrior for whose sake you are acquiring all these divine astras.”
On hearing the words of that Brahmin, I was very much afraid. I offered him 1000 cows, 600 oxen, 1000 chariots, one hundred beautiful young unmarried ladies and 700 elephants, as compensation for the calf killed by me. But he did not agree.
“Karna! I cannot retreat my word. But this will not be a hindrance for you to attain higher regions, after your death.” said the Brahmin.
“O Salya! I am only afraid of the curse of my Guru and this Brahmin but not for the vigour and valour of Arjuna and Krishna. The Brahma Astra is well in my memory. Drive our chariot towards Arjuna. I will kill him with my Brahma Astra.” said Karna.
Salya was very much satisfied for discharging his word given to Dharmaja by making Karna mentally disturbed and weakened.
Karna was very angry with Salya for comparing him with a crow. “You dirty fellow Salya! Is it proper on your part to compare me with a dirty crow. You are a wretch and unscrupulous. Hence you are getting only unscrupulous and dirty ideas. Have I ever asked you to narrate about the prowess of Arjuna. Why you are unnecessarily praising Arjuna in my presence? You are breaching our trust and friendship. People who praises enemy shall never be pardoned. As you are deputed by my friend Suyodhana,with the responsibility of driving my chariot, I am keeping quiet. Myself and Suyodhana are best friends. But you are my bitter enemy. If my chariot wheels do not sink in the earth, I will certainly kill Arjuna.” said Karna.
“Karna! why you are wasting your time by speaking these waste words. Even if thousand Karnas come togher, they will never kill Arjuna.” said Salya.
Karna could not control himself. “Salya! Listen. One day. a brahin who hailed from your region scolded that the people of Bahlika kingdom are drunkards, meat-eaters and observe public nudity. He also said that your people of Madra are corrupt, cheaters and wrong doers. You are the king of that Madra Kingdom. How can you get better ideas. Therefore, shut up your mouth and keep quiet” Karna rebuked Salya.
“Karna! why you are saying like that. Dont you know about yourself? Bhishma declared you as an useless Ardha Radha. I heard that the people of your Anga Kingdom are experts in women trafficking and flesh trade. You are the king of such kingdom. You first realise your fault and then point out others’ faults. In every country and kingdom, there are good and bad. It is quite common. You cannot treat all of them alike. You have to first assess the good and bad of others and then talk. You should not talk foolishly like this.” Salya chastised Karna.
Having overheard the conversation between Salya and Karna, Suyodhana intervened and pacified both of them. Salya drove the chariot towards Arjuna.
Unable to control his mouth, Salya began to say: “Karna! Karna! Look at that side. The Kapi Dhwaja of Arjuna is seen there. Arjuna is massacring the Trigarta army. Karna! dont say loudly that you will kill Arjuna. Let it be between ourselves. Othersise your prestige will be lost. Because, both of us know pretty well that even Devendra cannot vanquish Arjuna. Karna! Karna! look at that tide. Bhimasena, Dharmaja, Nakula, Sahadeva and their sons are massacring our troops. What a splendid combat it is? Marvellous. Because Pandavas are virtuous, they are always winning.” said Salya to Karna looking at his face. Karna did not give any reply, ignoring his scornful words.
Suyodhana addressed his army thus: “O great warriors in Kourava Army! Time has come to show your prowess. Fight with Pandavas, without caring for your lives.” Suyodhana encouraged them.
Asvathama said: “Suyodhana! I wont remove my armour today without killing Dhrushtadyumna who ruthlessly killed my father.” said Asvathama.
There was a firecest fight between Kouravas and Pandavas. Suyoudhana, mounted his elephant and rushed against Bhima. His elephant troops followed him. Karna attacked Dharmaja.
Dharmaja called Arjuna to his side and said: “Arjuna! you attack Karna. Bhima will attack Suyodhana. Nakula will fight with Vrishasena, Sahadeva with Sakuni, Sataaneeka with Dussaasana, Satyaki with Kritavarma, Dhrushtadyumna with Asvathama, Our sons and Sikhandi will fight with the rest of the sons of Dhritarashtra. I will fight with Kripacharya.” declared Dharmaja.
But nobody stuck up to the words of Dharmaja. Everybody fought as they like. Arjuna fought with Karna. From other side, Samsaptakas attacked Arjuna. Arjuna left Karna and began to massacre Samsaptakas. Samsaptakas surrounded the chariot of Arjuna.Arjuna was mercilessly killing Samsaptakas.
Kripacharya, Sakuni, Kritavarma were fighting with Pandavas. Blood was flowing into canals. Chariots were broken. Elephants and Horses were falling on the ground. The battle was so fiercest.
Both Suyodhana and Karna were fighting with Panchala Army. Chedi army joined Panchala Army. Karna was chasing both Chedi and Panchala troops. Karna was consigning most of the Panchala and Chedi troops as guests to Yama.
From otherside, Prabharakas attacked Karna. Karna killed all of them with seven sharp edged arrows. Beholding this, panchalas attacked Karna. Karna killed all of them with 25 arrows. Five Panchala Kings viz., Bhanudeva, Chitrasena, Senabindu, Tapana and Soorasena attacked Karna. Karna killed all of them in no time.
Sushena, Satyasena and Vrishasena, sons of Karna, were helping Karna. Bhimasena, Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandi, Janamejaya, Satyaki, Nakula, Sahadeva, sons of Pandavas, Kekaya kings, Matsya kings, attacked Karna and his sons joined together and poured arrowy showers on Karna and his sons.
Beholding this, Suyodhana, Dussaasana and their sons arrived theire with their elephant forces. They all attacked Bhimasena. Suyodhana showered powerful arrows on Bhimasena. Bhimasena smashed them and showered sharp edged arrows on Suyodhana. The troops of Suyodhana could not stand before Bhimasena. Elephants and horses were killed by Bhimasena.
Kripacharya attacked Bhimasena. Dussaasana joined Kripacharya. The sons of Karna attacked Bhimasena. Sushena, son of Karna, cut the bow of Bhimasena and pierced seven sharp arrows into the chest of Bhimasena. Bhimasena took up another bow and cut the bow of Sushena. Bhimasena shot 14 arrows on Sushena, 73 arrows on Karna.
Matsyasena, son of Karna, attacked Bhimasena. Bhiamsena killed the charioteer of Matsyasena and cut his flalg. With another sharp edged arrow, Bhimasena cut the head of Matyasena. Then Bhimasena cut the bows of Kripacharya and Kritavarma and shot most sharp-edged arrows against them. Bhimasena shot 5 arrows against Dussaasana, 6 arrows against Sakuni. Bhimasena broke the chariots of Ulooka son of Sakuni.
Then Bhimasena attacked Sushena, son of Karna and shot five sharp edged arrows. Karna intervened and cut those arrows in middle and shot three most cruel arrows upon Bhimasena. Again Bhimasena showered arrows on Sushena but Karna cut all those arrows and protected his son. Karna shot 73 arrows against Bhimasena.
Meanwhile, Nakula arrived there and attacked Karna. Sushena poured arrowy showers on Nakula and cut his bow. Nakula picked up another bow and cut the bow of Sushena. Sushena, with another bow, shot 60 arrows against Nakula. Sahadeva arrived there for helping Nakula. Sushena shot 7 arrows against Sahadeva. Nakula and Sahadeva were fighting with Sushena.
Vrishasena, another son of Karna, attacked Satyaki. Satyaki shot 77 arrows against Vrishasena and killed his charioteer with three arrows. Satyaki cut the bow of Vrishasena , killed his steeds and cut the flag. Vrishasena took his sword and shield, got down his chariot and attacked Satyaki. Satyaki in turn cut the sword and smashed the shield. Dussaasana arrived there and picked up Vrishasena on his chariot.
Then Karna shot most powerful arrows on Satyaki and broke his chariot. Meanwhile, Upa Pandavas, Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandi, Bhimasena and Nakula and Sahadeva came to the rescue of Satyaki. All of them showered arrows on Karna. Karna broke the chariots of all of them and jumped against Dharmaja. The troops of Chedi Kingdom arrived there to help Dharmaja. But Karna began to chase all of them.
Satyaki, Sikhandi and some other warriors arrived there and fought with karna. But they could not withhold the prowess of Karna. Karna cut the bow of Dharmaja. With 90 powerful arrows, Karna broke the armour of Dharmaja. Dharmaja launched Sakti on Karna. Karna cut that Sakti into fragments and shot steep edged arrows piercing into the body of Dharmaja. Karna cut the flag and killed the charioteer of Dharmaja. Karna broke the chariots of Satyaki and Sikhandi and broke their bows.
Unable to attack Karna, Dharmaja diverted his chariot to other front and skulked away from the battle field. But Karna did not leave Dharmaja. Karna chased him and caught him. “O Dharmaja! You were born in Kshatriya community and knew much about Dharma and Adharma. Is it just on your part to skulk away from battle field like a coward. Yes. You are a coward like a Brahmin. Go and perform Yajnas and Yagas and lead the rest of your life. Why you have come to battle field for fighting? I do not like to kill you. Get away from this place and save your life.” said Karna.
Here also, Karna kept his word given to his mother, Kunti, that he will never kill any of the Pandavas except Arjuna. Hence he left Dharmaja with life. Dharmaja left that place, lowering his head with great shame.
After leaving Dharmaja, Karna began to massacre Pandava troops mercilessly. Beholding this development, Pandava forces fled away. Kourava army had beaten trumpets and blew horns with great joy. Dharmaja tried to convince his forces and rallied them again for battle. Under the leadership of Bhimasena, Pandava army with renewed vigour attacked Kourava army.
Bhimasena, Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna were massacring kourava troops. Unable to withhold their vigour and valour, Kourava army fled away.
Now it was the turn of Karna to rally the kourava forces for battle. Bhimasena told Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna: “I am very much annoyed about my brother’s insult at the hands of Karna.You have to safeguard my brother Dharmaja. I will take revenge against Karna. Today either Karna or I should remain.” so saying Bhimasena rushed against Karna.
Beholding the furious Bhimasena rushing against Karna with great wrath, Salya told Karna: “O Karna! You insulted Dharmaja. Bhimasena is coming against you to take revenge. Attack him and show your prowess.” said Salya.
“Salya! After all, Bhimasena is no match to me. How can I get name and fame by killing Bhimasena. I wont kill Bhimasena. If I fight vigorously with Bhimasena, Arjuna will certainly come here to help him. Then I will kill Arjuna. Drive our chariot against Bhimasena.” said Karna.
Karna incessantly showered arrows upon Bhimasena and cut his bow. Bhimasena took up another bow and shot against the chest of Karna. Karna in turn broke the armour of Bhimasena. Bhimasena hurled a spear against Karna. With that blow, Karna fell down on the chariot and fainted. Bhimasena took out a knife and jumed upon the chariot of Karna to cut his tongue which spoke ill of Dharmaja. Salya stopped Dharmaja.
“Bhimasena! Karna is still alive. He just fainted but not dead. But if you cut his tongue, he will die due to haemorrhage. Arjuna’s promise will not be accomplished. Hence leave him.” said Salya. Bhimasena realised his mistake. “Salya! you are right. Though Droupadi was dragged into the open assembly by holding her tuft, I suppressed my anger. Now I want to take revenge. As you rightly said if I now kill Karna, Arjuna’s promise cannot be accomplished. Hence, I leave Karna” said Bhimasena. Bhimasena jumped out of the chariot of Karna. and returned to his chariot. Salya drove the chariot away the battle field.
Beholding this situation, Suyodhana sent his brothers for the protection of Karna. Srutavarma and others surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena of great strength killed Srutavarma and his companions. Vikata, Sama, Nanda, Upananda, Gradha and other sons of Dhritarashtra were also killed by Bhimasena.
Meanwhile, Karna regained consciousness. Karna cut the bow of Bhimasena. Bhimasena hurled his mace upon Karna. Karna cut that mace and launched most powerful astras upon Bhimasena. Bhimasena shot one powerful arrow aiming at the chest of Karna which pierced into the chest of Karna. Karna broke the bow of Bhimasena and shot 25 arrows and killed his steeds.
Bhimasena took his mace and jumped down to earth. Bhimasena was killing all the elephants and horses coming on his way with his mace. He was breaking the chariots and killing the foot soldiers mercilessly. Bhimasena was wandering all over the battle field with his mace, massacring kourava troops. Meanwhile, 600 strong Gandhara force surrounded Bhimasena. Bhimasena smashed all of them with his mace and killed their charioteers, broke their flags and chariots.
Beholding this, Sakuni sent 3000 Yavana soldiers upon Bhimasena. As fire consumes the dry bamboo forest, Bhimasena massacred those 3000 yavana soldiers. Bhimasena mounted another chariot and began to slaughter the Pandava troops.
At another front, Karna was fighting with Dharmaja. Karna killed the charioteer of Dharmaja. Without a charioteer, the steeds dragged the chariot far away from that place. Beholding this, Bhimasena once again attacked Karna. In between them, Satyaki intervened. Both Karna and Sataki covered the sky with arrows.
Sun was shining in the middle of the sky. Kripacharya, Sakuni, Kritavarma and Asvathaqma along with their respective troops arrived there to help Karna. The battle became exceedingly fierce and awful. Blood was flowing into streams. Chariots were broken. The dead bodies of horses and elephants formed into heaps. Severed heads, broken hands and legs, fragments of bows, rolling crowns, broken flags, dead bodies of elephants, horses and soldiers, covered the entire battle field.
Susarma, king of Trigarta, shot ten arrows against Arjuna and three arrows against Krishna. The Kapi Dhwaja was cut. The Hanuman mounted on the Kapi Dhwaja roared like a lion. Most of the Samsaptaka army fainted on hearing those cries. Rest of the army surrounded the chariot of Arjuna. While Arjuna was shooting numerous arrows against Susarma, Krishna drove out the chariot from that mob. Arjuna launched Sarpa Astra and bound the legs of Samsapatakas with those serpants. Having bound by the serpants, Samsaptakas relelased the chariot of Arjuna. Meanwhile, Susarma launched Garudarstra and rescued them from the bondage of Sarpa Astra.
Susarma launched another Divine Astra upon Arjuna, under the influence of which, Arjuna fell on the chariot and fainted. Beholding the fall of Arjuna, Kourava troops loudly cried that Arjuna was dead. The blare of conchs and peal of drums and sound of diverse musical instruments and loud leonine shouts arose there. Meanwhile, Arjuna regained consciousness and poured arrowy showers on Susarma. Arjuna launched Indra Astra upon Trigarta troops. With the influence of Indra Astra, several kinds of weapons sprouted from that Astra and destroyed the Trigarta Army.
The remaining 14,000 Samsapatkas surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna was fighting with them.
At another front, Kourava army was fleeing away, unable to withold the prowess of Pandava Army. Suyodhana, Kritavarma, Dussaasana and other kourava warriors were inspiring confidence in their army and were trying to rally them. Kripacharya were pouring arrowy showers on Panchala army. Kripacharya broke the chariot of Sikhandi and killed the horses and charioteer. Sikhandi jumped down from the broken chariot, took out a long sword and rushed against Kripacharya. Kripacharya was showering arrows on Sikhandi.
Meanwhile, Dhrishtadyumna attacked Kripacharya. In between them, Kritavarma intervened and attacked Dhrishtadyumna. Dharmaja along with Upa Pandavas attacked Asvathama, Nakula and Sahadeva attacked Suyodhana, Bhima sena attacked Karna, and they were engaged in dual combat. Kripacharya cut the shield of Sikhandi. Sikhandi, with his sword, attacked Kripacharya. Meanwhile Suketha intervened and attacked Kripacharya. Sikhandi left that place.
Kripacharya cut the bow of Sukethu with six arrows. Suketha took up another bow which was also cut by Kripacharya. Suketha took another bow and cut the bow of Kripacharya. He also killed the steeds and charioteer of Kripacharya. Kripacharya took another bow and shot 30 sharp arrows against Suketha. With another arrow, Kripacharya cut the head of Suketha. Beholding the death of Suketha, his forces scattered away.
Dhrishtadyumna shot nine arrows aiming at the chest of Kritavarma. Dhrishtadyumna showered arrows upon Kritavarma shrouding his chariot, steeds, flag and the charioteer. Kritavarma got down his chariot and left that place. Dhrishtadyumna was searching for Kritavarma. Kritavarma was standing on the ground, took up another bow and resumed his fight with Dhrishtadyumna. Beholding this, a Kourava warrior dragged Kritavarma to his chariot and left that place. As Kritavarma escaped from his wrath, Dhrishtadyumna began to massacre the Kourava troops.
While Dharmaja was fighting with Asvathama, Satyaki arrived there to help Dharmaja. Asvathama covered them with his arrowy showers. Asvathama broke the bow of Dharmaja and shot sharp edged arrows. Meanwhile, Satyaki broke the bow of Asvathama. Asvathama killed the charioteer of Satyaki with a spear. The horses tied to the chariot of Satyaki dragged the chariot far away from that place.
Beholding this, Pandava troops showered arrows upon Asvathama. Enraged with great wrath, Asvathama massacred the Pandava troops. On hearing this, Suyodhana was overjoyous that Pandavas also might have been killed by Asvathama. Next moment, he was in a distressed mood on seeing that Dharmaja was chasing Asvathama. In this manner, the victory and defeat were playing hide and seek on that day.
Dharmaja accosted Asvathama: “O the son of my preceptor, Drona, you are learned and well versed in archery skills. You are a brahmin by birth. But you are not endowed with any qualities fit for brahmins viz., affection, gratitude etc. towards others. You have given up all rituals and penance, fit for a Brahmin. You are a brahmin in name only. Is it proper on your part to hold bow and arrows and fight like a Kshatriya instead performing rituals and penance fit for Brahmins..” said Dharmaja. Without heeding the words of Dharmaja, Asvathama showered arrows incessantly upon Dharmaja. Unable to withhold the wrath of Asvathama, Dharmaja fled away from the battle field.
Karna, who was fighting with Bhimasena, arrived there to help Kripacharya. Bhimasena was slaughtering the kourava troops. Suyodhana was fighting with Nakula and Sahadeva. Suyodhana cut the flalg of Sahadeva and broke the bows of Nakula and Sahadeva. Nakula and Sahadeva took up another bow and poured arrowy showers on Suyodhana. Enraged with wrath, Suyodhana shrouded them with his arrowy showers. At this juncture, Dhrishtaryumna arrived there with great speed and rescued both Nakula and Sahadeva.
Suyodhana shot most powerful arrows on Dhrishtadyumna and cut his bow. Dhrishtadyumna took up another bow and showered arrows on Suyodhana. Suyodhana again cut his bow and shot ten astras aiming at his forehead. Dhrishtadyumna was enraged with great wrath. He cut the bow and flag of Suyodnana and broke his chariot. Suyodhana also cut the spears, swords, flag, steeds, and armour of Dhrishtadyumna and killed his charioteer. Beholding this, the brother of Dhrishtadyumna dragged him to his chariot and left that place.
Karna who was fighting with Satyaki, left him and began to chase Dhrishtadyumna. Satyaki also chased Karna. There was a terrible fight between Karna and Dhrishtadyumna. Meanwhile, eight Panchala Princes attacked Karna. Karna consigned all of them to the abode of Yama. The troops of Chedi and Panchala surrounded Karna. Karna massacred all of them.
Then Karna rushed against Dharmaja. Beholding this, Dhrishtadyumna, Upa Pandavas, Nakula, Sahadeva, Sikhandi, Satyaki, surrounded Karna all at a time.
At another front, Bhimasena was slaughtering Kourava troops mercilessly. None were dare enough to stand before Bhimasena. Arjuna killed all the Samsaptakas and was chasing Trigarta army. Trigarta army fled away. Arjuna requested Krishna to drive the chariot against Karna. Suyodhana encouraged Trigarta troops and rallied them for fight with Arjuna. Trigarta army along with Kambhoja troops again surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna cut the heads of all the Trigarta troops. The entire battle field was filled with the heads and dead bodies of Trigarta army personnel.
Meanwhile, brother of the King of Kambhoja attacked Arjuna. With only one arrow, Arjuna cut his hands. Beholding this, Yavana troops surrounded Arjuna but were killed in the next moment. While Krishna was driving his chariot, Arjuna was going round the battle field, appearing himself everywhere.
Meanwhile Asvathama accosted Arjuna: “Arjuna! why you are avoiding me.Invite me as your guest for dual fight.”

Krishna staioned the chariot before Asvathama. Arjuna looked at Asvathama and said: “Asvathama! you want to discharge your debt owed to Suyodhana. Fight with Arjuna and discharge your debt.” said Krishna. Asvathama shot 60 arrows against Krishna and three arrows upon Arjuna. Arjuna broke the bow of Asvathama. Asvathama took up another bow and shot most powerful arrows piercing into the body of Arjuna. Then he incessantly poured arrowy showers covering the chariot of Arjuna. Krishna and Arjung along with their chariot were not seen by others.
The pandava troops raised hue and cry. Krishna said: “O Arjuna! what a wonder it is! Are you defeated by Asvathama! Has your prowess been vanquished. Has your Gandeeva lost its vigour. Are you showing mercy towards Asvathama because he is the son of your preceptor! Or are you afraid of Asvathama?” spoke Krishna sarcastically.
With the above words of Krishna, Arjuna was enraged with great wrath. Arjuna cut the bow of Asvathama and broke his flag. Asvathama took up a long spear. Arjuna also cut that spear. Asvathama was now unarmed. beholding this, Samsaptakas surrounded Arujuna. Arjuna massacred them in no time, broke their chariots, killed their horses and elephants.
Meanwhile, the troops of Anga, Vanga, Nishaada, and Kalinga surrounded Arjuna. Asvathama got into another chariot and attacked Arjuna. Asvathama shot most cruel arrows against Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna shot numerous arrows aiming at the head, neck, hands, chest and legs of Asvathama. Arjuna cut the reigns of the horses. The horses lost control and dragged the chariot of Asvathama sideways. Asvathama controlled his horses and drove his chariot towards Karna. To vanquish the remaining Samsaptakas, Arjuna went upon them.
Meanwhile, Dandadhara, king of Magadha, mounted his elephant, intruded into the Pandava troops and was smashing them. The pandava troops were being crushed under the feet of his elephant forces. “Arjuna! look at that side. Kill that Dandadhara and save our troops” said Krishna and drove the chariot towards Dandadhara. Dandadhara also moved his elephant against Krishna. Dandadhara showered most powerful arrows upon Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna tactfully cut both the hands of Dandadhara with one arrow. Arjuna killed his elephant with another arrow.
Beholding this his elephant troops fled away. Then Arjuna moved towards Samsaptakas.
Meanwhile, Suyodhana joined Karna along with his troops. The troops of both Suyodhana and Karna surrounded Pandava troops. The troops of Pulinda, Bahlika, Andhra, Bhoja also joined Suyodhana. With that mighty army, Suyodhana and Karna surrounded Pandava army. Unable to withold their prowess, Pandava army fled away.
Meanwhile, Malayadhwaja, King of Pandya was massacring the kourava troops. Asvathama attacked Malayadhwaja. Both of them engaged in dual fight. Malayadhwaja cut the bow of Asvathama. Asvathama tookup another bow and showered arrows upon Malayadhwaja. Malayadhwaja launched Vayavya Astra and shattered all the arrows shot by Asvathama, cut his bow, broke his chariot and killed his wheel protectors. Asvathama was not afraid of Malayadhwaja.
Meanwhile, Malayadhwaja mounted upon a huge elephant and shot an arrow aiming at the crown of Asvathama. Asvathama was enraged with great wrath. Asvathama killed the elephant of Malayadhwaja and also his companions. With another Bhalla arrow, Asvathama cut the head of Malayadhwaja. Beholding the death of Malayadhwaja, Pandya armies fled away. Suyodhana praised Asvathama.
Aswathama along with Karna was massacring Pandava troops. Arjuna arrived there and attacked Asvathama and Karna. Meanwhile, Dhrishtadyumna joined Arjuna and attacked karna. Asvathama accosted Dhrishtadyumna thus: “O Killer of Brahmin! I will take revenge upon you for killing my father. Today your life has come to an end.” So saying, Asvathama jumed against Dhrishtadyumna.
In reply Dhrishtadyumna said: “O Asvathama! You are calling me as Brahmin-Killer. If you and your father are Brahmins, I will be a Brahmin Killer. Having relinquished your own Dharma and following Kshatriya Dharma and fighting a ruthless war, you are no mnore Brahmins. I will be afflicted with great sin if I kill a brahmin but not you and your father as you are not fit to be called as Brahmins. The sword which cut your father’s neck is eagerly waiting to taste your blood also.” Dhrishtadyumna rebuked Asvathama.
Dhrishtadyumna cut the bow of Asvathama. Asvathama took up another bow and cut the flag and bow and also killed the steeds and charioteer of Dhrishtadyumna. Dhrishtadyumna took up his mace. Asvathama broke it into fragments. Dhrishtadyumna took up his sword and shield. Asvathama broke them also. Asvathama took up a sword and jumped upon Dhrishtadyumna to cut his head.
Beholding this Krishna cautioned Arjuna: “Arjuna! Dhrishta-dyumna is in danger. Save him.” so saying Krishna drove the chariot towards Dhrishtadyumna. Arjuna shot sharp edged arrows upon Asvathama. Asvathama left Dhrishtadyumna and came back to his chariot. Sahadeva dragged Dhrishtadyumna to his charopt and left that place.
Arjuna was fighting with Asvathama. Arjuna shot most powerful arrows aiming at Asvathama. Asvathama fainted. His charioteer took the chariot far away from that place. Pandava warriors acclaimed Arjuna. The sounds of trumpets and conches rose to sky. Beholding this, Karna attacked Arjuna. From other side, Trigarta warriors were provoking Arjuna to fight with them. Arjuna told Krishna:
“Krishna! Karna from one side and Trigarta warriors from other side are provoking me for war. If I attack Karna, I have to accept the defeat with Trigarthas. Hence, let us first fight with Trigarthas. Let our chariot be driven against Trigartas.” said Arjuna. Accordingly, Krishna drove the chariot against Trigarthas. Arjuna began to massacre Trigarta army.
At another front, Karna was fighting with Dharmaja. Karna was slaughtering the charioteers and the horses of Pandava troops. All the Panchala warriors, Nakula, Sahadeva, Upa Pandavas and Satyaki surrounded Karna. Karna alone was fighting with all the above warriors, shrouding them with thick showers of arrows. Meanwhile, Suyodhana arrived there with his elephant forces. Suyodhana instigated the elephant forces of Kalinga, Anga, Vanga, Magadha, Poundraka and Suhma kingdoms upon Pandava army. That mighty elephant forces intruded into the Pandava Army and were crushing the Pandava soldiers under its feet. Satyaki, daringly attacked them and killed the King of Vanga and his elephant forces.
Nakula attacked King Suhma, Sahadeva attacked King Poudraka and killed them and massacred their elephant forces. Beholding their death, the other kings with their elephant forces rushed against Pandavas. Sahadeva, with his sharp edged arrows, was slaughtering the elephant forces. Dhrishtadyumna and others also were killing the elephants.
The battle became exceedingly fierce and awful. Chariots were broken. Heads, hands and legs were rolling on the ground. The deadbodies of elephants were heaped into hillocks. Blood was flowing into streams.
Suyodhana was trying to catch Dharmaja alive. He along with his troops surrounded Dharmaja. Beholding this, Bhimasena and Satyaki came to the rescue of Dharmaja and saved him. Karna, Kripacharya and Asvathama came to the help of Suyodhana. All of them poured arrowy showers on Bhimasena and Satyaki. Karna was slaughtering Pandava army and was waiting for Arjuna.
Krishna told Arjuna: “O Arjuna! Karna is waiting for you. Go and kill him. If Karna is killed, Suyodhana will be left alone. You will be the King and Emperor of this Kourva Dynasty.” said Krishna.
Bhimasena along with Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki was chasing Kourava troops. Nishadha Prince attacked Bhimasena. Bhimasena shot four sharp edged arrows and cut the head of Nishadha Prince and also the head of his elephant. Beholding this, Nishadha troops fled away. Bhima was going round the battle field with his mighty mace, slaughtering the Kourava troops. Suyodhan attacked Bhimasena. Karna killed the charioteer of Sikhandi and broke his flag. Sikhandi fled away.
Dussaasana was fighting with Dhrihtadyumna. Nakula cut the head of the charioteer of Vrishasena, son of Karna. Vrishasena mounted another chariot and again entered the battle field.
Sahadeva shot numerous arrows against Ulooka, son of Sakuni, throughout his body. Ulooka left the battle field.
Satyaki and Sakuni were engaged in dual combat. Satyaki killed the steeds of Sakuni. Sakuni got down the chariot and ran away.
Bhimasena killed the charioteer of Suyodhana and broke his chariot. Suyodhana jumped into another chariot and left that place.

Yudhamanyu attacked Kripacharya and broke his bow. Kripacharya took up another bow and killed the charioteer of Yuyudhana and cut his flag. Yuyudhana ran away.
Asvathama attacked Arjuna. Asvathama showered sharp edged arrows incessantly upon Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna also launched numerous Astras and Sastras upon Asvathama.
Dharmaja attacked Chitrasena. Bhimasena, Nakula, Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna surrounded Suyodhana. Beholding this, Karna came to the help of Suyodhana. Karna shot one powerful arrow aiming at the chest of Dharmaja. Dharmaja fell down on the chariot. His charioteer drove the chariot far away from that spot. Kouravas chased the chariot of Dharmaja. The warriors of Kekaya and Panchala rescued Dharmaja.
Bhimasena was fighting with Suyodhana. Karna was fighting with Panchala and Kekaya warriors. Karna massacred them and then chased Dharmaja. Dharmaja turned back and again showered arrows upon Karna. Dharmaja killed the charioteer and the horses of Karna. Nakula and Sahadeva came to the rescue of Dharmaja and shrouded Karna with arrowy showers. Karna, enraged with wrath, killed the steeds tied to the chariot of Dharmaja. Dharmaja jumped down and mounted the chariot of Nakula.
Meanwhile Salya told Karna: “Karna! what is this! Show your prowess upon Arjuna not on Dharmaja. If for any reason, Dharmaja is killed by you, Arjuna will certainly kill you. Why you invite your death unnecessarily? Stop chasing Dharmaja. Oh. Karna. Look at that side. Your bosom friend, Suyodhana was caught by Bhimasena, unarmed. Go and save him. If Suyodhana is killed by Bhimasena, all your efforts will go in waste. Even if you kill all Pandavas, it is of no avail.” said Salya.
Accordingly, Karna left Dharmaja and proceeded towards Suyodhana. Left by Karna, Dharmaja, accompanied by Nakula and Sahadeva, proceeded towards his tent.” said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra, the war details, under the leadership of Karna.
In this manner, Sooti told the story of Mahabharata to Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints in Naimisaranya as told by Saint Vaisampayana to Janamejaya.
MAHA BHARATA
KARNA PARVA
SECOND CHAPTER
COMPLETED
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OM TATSAT.
MAHA BHARAT
KARNA PARVA
THIRD CHAPTER
In Naimisaranya, on the occasion of Satra Yaga, Ugrasravasa (Sooti) told Sounaka and other sages and saints, the Story of Mahabharata, as told by Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya.
On hearing from Sanjaya, that Karna left Dharmaja and proceeded towards Suyodhana for his help, King Dhritarashtra grew angry and said:
“Sanjaya! Karna appears to be a fool. Otherwise, how can he leave Dharmaja without killing him. Is my son Suyodhana, a useless fellow, incapable of fighting with Bhimasena? Why should Karna go for his help? It appears Karna is deceiving Suyodhana. Tell me what had happened later.” Dhritarashtra expressed his doubt regarding Karna. Sanjaya continued to say.
Having been left by Karna, Dharmaja proceeded to his place of stay. He laid down on a soft bed and the doctors were removing the arrows pierced into his body. Dharmaja was very much annoyed for the insult meted out by him at the hands of Karna.
Meanwhile, Nakula and Sahadeva arrived there. Dharmaja asked both of them to proceed towards Bhimasena for his help. Nakula and Sahadeva immediately proceeded towards Bhimasena for his help.
At that time, Arjuna was fighting with Asvathama. Asvathama hurled his mace towards Arjuna. Arjuna broke that mace into pieces. Arjuna pierced ten sharp edged arrows into the body of Asvathama. Asvathama, enraged with great wrath, poured arrowy showers on Arjuna and Krishna. Arjuna cut those arrows in the middle and cut the reigns of the horses of Asvathama.The horses dragged the chariot of Asvathama far away from that place. Having seen this, his army fled away. Pandava army acclaimed Arujuna for his prowess.
Beholding the fate of Asvathama, Suyodhana told Karna: “Karna! while you are very much present here, in the battle field, our troops are fleeing away. Is it not a wonder. If you fight with our enemy wholeheartedly, Pandavas are no match to you. Karna! Show your prowess. Launch all your Astras. Destroy the enemy.” Suyodhana instiraged Karna.
On hearing the words of Suyodhana, Karna told Salya thus: “Salya! have you heard the words of Suyodhana. Drive our chariot against Arjuna. I will to day kill Arjuna, Krishna and Bhima. I will show my vigour and valour to the rest of the world. I will enthrone Suyodhana to the entire Kuru Kingdom. Now it is your turn to exhibit all your driving skills.” said karna.
Karna launched Bhargava Astra against Arjuna. From out of that Bhargava Astra, innumerable weapons were coming out and massacring the Pandava troops. Chariots were broken. Horses and elephants were killed. Their dead bodies formed into great heaps. Unable to withold the power of Bhargava Astra, Pandava troops were running away.
Beholding this, Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! See how Karna is enraged with great fury. Now you have to act wisely. Dont be angry.” cautioned Krishna.
“Krishna! what you said is correct. Turn our chariot back. If we are alive, we can enjoy more pleasures.” said Arjuna.
At that time, Bhimasena was fighting with Karna. Dhrishta- dyumna, Sikhandi, Satyaki, Upa Pandavas and others surrounded Karna. Krishna thought that Arjuna was badly in need of rest. Hence Krishna drove the chariot far away from the battle field.
Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna, while we were fighting with Asvathama, Dharmaja was fighting with Karna and was caught by him. Later, we do not know what had happened to Dharmaja. As our people are fighting with Karna, let us first go and find out the whereabouts of Dharmaja. We will come later and fight with Karna.” said Krishna.
Arjuna searched for the flag of Dharmaja in the vicinity but could not find him. Arjuna enquired Bhimasena about Dharmaja. Bhimasena replied: “Brother Arjuna! while I was fighting with Kourava troops, I found Dharmaja fighting with Karna. Karna filled the entire body of Dharmaja with sharp arrows. Then Dharmaja left the battle field. As long as Krishna is by our side, nothing will happen to Dharmaja.” said Bhimasena.
“Bhimasena! I will continue to fight with Karna. You go and enquire about the welfare of Dharmaja.” asked Arjuna.
“Arjuna! you may do such things. I will never do like that. If I go away, others will think that I fled away from battle field. Look at that side. Samsaptakas are challenging me. How can I leave them. I will massacre them with my mace. You go and find out the welfare of Dharmaja” replied Bhimasena.
Having found no other alternative, Arjuna told Krishna: “Krishna! drive our chariot towards the abode of Dharmaja. I am very eager to see Dharmaja atonce. Drive fast.”
Krishna drove the chariot towards the abode of Dharmaja. Arjuna got down the chariot and rushed inside. He found Dharmaja lying on a soft bed. Arjuna touched the feet of Dharmaja and sought his blessings. Dharmaja was under the mistaken impression that Arjuna arrived there, after killing Karna, and was seeking his blessings. Dharmaja’s heart was filled with joy.
“O Krishna! O Arjuna! you both have killed Karna who is unconquerable even by divine bodies. I am very happy. Just now, there was a fiercest fight between me and Karna. In the presence of one and all, Karna killed my charioteer and broke my flag. He pierced numerous arrows throughout my body. Meanwhile, Bhimasena disarmed Suyodhana and was about to kill him. Beholding this, Karna left me and proceeded towards Suyodhana to save him. I returned back to my tent.
Arjuna! Karna insulted me. I am very much annoyed. Now you have relieved me from that agony. Arjuna! Karna is not an ordinary warrior. How have you killed him? Karna’s sons, relatives and his friends will always be by his side. It is highly commendable that you have killed Karna without sustaining any injury to your body. You have proved your strength, courage, vigour and valour to the entire world.
Arjuna! the words spoken to by Karna , insulting Droupadi in the open assembly, are still ringing in my ears. How can I forget the insult meted out by Droupadi at the hands of Karna. Today you have extinguished that fire of insult. Arjuna! Karna’s head is filled with aggrandizement and pride. How have you cut his head effortlessly? You might have shot numerous arrows targetting his chest and killed him, while he was showering arrows upon you. Is it not?” said Dharmaja, with a joyful heart.
Arjuna told Dharmaja thus: “Brother Dharmaja! while I was fighting with Samsaptakas, Asvathama, along with his troops, surrounded me. I broke 500 chariots belonging to his troops and killed all of them. The entire battle field was filled with their dead bodies. Asvathama showered arrows, shrouding my chariot. We could not come out of that shower. Then Asvathama left that place. I searched for you but could not find you. Bhimasena informed me that you left the battle field. To enquire about your welfare, we have come here. By God’s grace, you are safe. I am returning back to the battle field. I will be back with the severed head of Karna and fill your heart with joy.” said Arjuna.
Having heard that Karna is still alive, Dharmaja’s heart was filled with great wrath.
“Arjuna! I know you are not caring me as I have fled away from the battle field. Arjuna! not only me, you were also defeated by Karna. Bhimasena, Nakula and Sahadeva were already defeated by Karna. For the sin of joining with us, Krishna also was defeated by Karna. Therefore, we need not return back to the battle field and fight with the enemy. Let us once again go back to forests and spend the rest of our life in deep meditation. Otherwise, without boasting ourselves any more, let us go to Suyodhana and spend the rest of our life, serving Suyodhana and his brothers.”
While speaking these words, the eyes of Dharmaja were burning like fire balls. “Arjuna! Had I known about your true nature, I would not have ventured for this war. We would have spent our life in our own way. Had you informed me, even prior to commencement of war, that you are not capable of vanquishing Karna, I would not have thought of this war. We are not fit to be rulers. It is certain.
Arjuna! Remember what you told me prior to war. “I will certainly kill Karna”. Is it not? But you have returned from war field, utterly defeated by Karna, bundling up insinuations to my credit. That means, you told me a lie, a blatant lie. I learnt from our mother that soon after you were born, great sages and saints and invisible voice from the sky acclaimed that you will become a hero of great prowess and you will conquer all your enemies. But you have made all those divine words futile.
Arjuna! I am telling the truth. Trusting you only, I developed enemity with Suyodhana. At that time I do not know you are a coward, and will always be afraid of Karna. Arjuna! Tell me. In which way you are inferior to Karna. Divine bodies have bestowed you with a divine chariot and horses. Kapi Dhwaja will alwasy be flying on your chariot as a symbol of victory. Gaandeeva, a divine gift, is in your hand. Above all, Sri Krishna is your charioteer. Having been endowed with all these divine gifts, how you suffered a defeat at the hands of Karna, I do not understand.
I do not know whether you are aware of it or not, Suyodhana told me once that you are no match to Karna. But, I unnecessarily developed greater hopes and am utterly defeated. I trusted you. Our friends who have come to help us, trusted both of us. Unnecessarily they sacrificed their lives as a stake in this war.” said Dharmaja.
Arjuna did not speak a single word.
Looking at Krishna, Dharmaja said: “Krishna! It is definite that we cannot vanquish Karna. I was insulted by Karna in the presence of our enemies. I was saved by Bhimasena. Otherwise, I would have been killed by Karna. Is it necessary for me to remain in this world any longer? Anyhow, Bhimasena is fighting alone, for my sake. He never fled away like Arjuna.” said Dharmaja.
There was a pause. Again Dharmaja continued to rebuke Arjuna.
“Arjuna! If Abhimanyu or Ghatotkacha are alive now, the situation would have been different. Arjuna! do you know the meaning of a relative. A true relative will always be by our side, in our difficulties and distress. Krishna is our true relative. How you have fled away from battle field when Krishna is alwlays with you.
Arjuna! you better do one thing. You give away your Gandeevam to Krishna and be his charioteer. Krishna will fight and kill Karna with Gaandeevam and get back our kingdom. In my view, you would not have been born to Kunti. Had she been aborted, I would not have felt this distress today, on account of your defeat.” said Dharmaja.
Having swallowed all the rebukes, Arjuna could not digest the last words spoken to by Dharmaja. His eyes were burnt with great wrath. He drew his long sword and jumed on Dharmaja to cut his throat. Krishna caught hold of his hand and averted the blow.
“Arjuna! what is the use of a sword here and now. Here there are no enemies. We have come here to enquire about the welfare of Dharmaja. Dharmaja is safe. It is time to feel joy and not to get anger. Who are the enemies here to be killed?” asked Krishna.
“Krishna! if anybody asks me to give away my Gandeeva to anybody, I will kill him. It is my promise. Is it not just to cut his head who speaks these painful words. Not only me, you also heard those words. Whoever he may be, however high he may be, his head should be cut. I have to discharge my promise. Otherwise,I will be blamed by one and all, for not keeping my promise. You tell me what to do. I will follow.” said Arjuna.
“Arjuna! stop that nonsense. If anybody comes to know about this, they will think that you will never respect elders and you have no regard towards elders.
People who distinguish between Dharma and Adharma, will never act like this. First you you realise yourself what to do and what not to do and then act wisely. Arjuna! Truth and non-violence are great virtues. We have to protect nonviolence with truth. Truth will itself save non-violence from any disaster.
Each and every act done by us will have a suttle meaning.We have to understand it and then act accordingly. Without knowing that sutility, you are going to kill your own brother who is your well wisher and your king. Would it be called as Dharma?
While you were young, knowingly or unknowingly, you have taken an absurd promise. Now you have become elder and wiser. Is it not foolish on your part to dishcarge that promise, without realising what is Dharma and what is Adharma. Elders will never accept it. There is no wrong to tell a lie while ones wealth, life and modesty are at stake. I will tell you one story.
In the ancient past, there was a Brahmin called Kousika. He was quite arrogant and never heeds others words. He lived in his own way. One day, he was in deep meditation in his Ashram. Some thieves were chasing the passers by to rob them. Those passers by, along with their money and ornments, and hid in his Ashram. The thieves entered the Ashram and asked Kousika about the whereabouts of passers by. Kousika thought that if he tells a lie, it will be a sin. Hence he revealed the truth. The thieves killed the passers by and robbed them. After death, Kousika went to hell.
Therefore, Arjuna, truth, resulting in violence, is not Dharma. We have to distinguish between Dharma and Adharma by following elders. Hence, it is not desirable now to kill your brother, Dharmaja, to discharge your promise.” said Krishna.
Arjuna realised his mistake. “Krishna! Kindly excuse me and my ignorance. You advised me at right time and averted a great disaster. But People should not think that I am a useless fellow who makes falsle promises. At the same time, nothing should happen to my brother. Please find a way out.” asked Arjuna.
“Arjuna! Unable to bear the pain caused by the arrows of Karna, pierced into his body, your brother, Dharmaja, rebuked you. That does not mean that he has no love and affection towards you. Arjuna! Dharmaja is your eldler brother. He can chastise you and you have to bear it. Yourself, Bhimasena, Nakula and Sahadeva are always at his feet.
Why should he be angry against you. But you raised your sword upon him to kill him. Keep that intention in your mind, and rebuke your brother, pointing out all his loop holes and faults commited by him. Then pray him, with folded hands, not to keep those words in mind. With this act, you will not be afflicted with any sin, for not keeping your promise. Your mind will remain peaceful. Then we will proceed to kill Karna” said Krishna, suggesting a way out.
Arjuna rebuked Dharmaja thus: “O Dharmaja! I am answerable to Bhimasena, who is still fighting with great prowess but not to you who have fled away from the battle field, being afraid of Karna. You know much about my vigour and valour. Still you censured me. Is it just on your part to speak like this? Your tongue should have been cut into thousand pieces for censuring me like this. You have criticised my prowess. What do you know about war? Have you ever fought with any warrior and vanquished him? Atleast, Nakula and Sahadeva will fight to their might but never speak such waste words like you.
Are you not responsible for this great massacre? Had you not played dice game foolishly, we would not have suffered such a great distress. On account of you only we suffered 12 years in forests and one year in disguise. Still, you are censuring me shamelessly. You are covering your faults and cowardness under the guise of patience. It is better if you shut your mouth and keep quiet We will never tolerate your censuring words any more .” said Arjuna, with great anguish in mind.
Again, Arjuna drew his sword. Krishna worriedly asked Arjuna: “Why you are again drawing your sword?”.
“I have to cut my head and place it before the feet of Dharmaja for speaking such censuring words against him. That is the only punishment for me. ” said Arjuna.
Krishna smiled and said: “Dont worry Arjuna. For this also there is a way out. If you praise or boast yourself, it is equivalent to self immolation. Hence you begin to boast yourself.” said Krishna.
Arjuna withdrew his sword and told Dharmaja: “Dharmaja! Do you know about me and my prowess! I destroyed Samsaptakas. Look at the heaps of dead bodies killed by me and the chariots broken by me. I am not an ordinary warrior. Ther is no match to me in the entire world.”
Immediately, Arjuna fell on the feet of Dharmaja and said: “Brother Dharmaja! please pardon me for all my faults.Dont keep them in mind. Please show your affection towards me as usual. Brother Dharmaja! Listen. I am telling the truth. My body, my breath, my life, are all at your command. Bhimasens is fighting alone. Kindly give permission to proceed to battle field for his help. I will kill Karna today. It is my promise. Today, either Radha, mother of Karna, should lament for his son or Kunti, my mother, should lament for my sake. It is certain.” said Arjuna.
Dharmaja told Arjuna: “No Arjuna. You spoke the truth. Being an elder in the family, instead of safeguarding your interests, I caused all kinds of woes and hard ship to all of you. Even if you dont kill me, it is my duty to punish myself. I will go back to forests, leaving all these royal plealsures. Enthrone Bhimasena, as an emperor to this entire Kourava Kingdom, because, a coward, a weak-heart, war-fearing, like me, is not fit to rule.” so saying, Dharmaja rose to his feet and was about to leave that place.
Krishna fell on the feet of Dharmaja and said: “Dharmaja! I am not aware of the Arjuna’s promise. Arjuna took a promise that if anybody asks him to give away Gandeeva to others, he will kill him. Involuntarily, you spoke that word. If Arjuna does not kill you, he fails in discharing his promise. If he kills you, there will be a great disastour and calamity. Hence I suggested him to abuse you which is eqivalent to killing. You are now feeling mental agony. I am touching your feet and pray to excuse both of us. I am telling the truth. Today, Arjuna will kill Karna. Karna’s death is imminent” said Krishna.
Dharmaja hurriedly held the arms of Krishna and bowed before him. “Krishna! You have to excuse me. Without any tolerance, I indulged in an unnecessary foolish talk. Kindly excuse me for my intolerance. You are our well wisher. We cannot forget your help for ever.” said Dharmaja.
Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! Take the bleslsings of your Brother, Dharmaja. We will proceed to battle field. Today, show your prowess, kill Karna and fill your brother’s heart with full of joy. Dharmaja, without knowing the true facts, misunderstood us and indulgled in an unnecessary talk which finally culminated into this awkward situation. You also lost your temper and was about to kill your brother. Had you killed your brother , what would be our fate. By God’s grace, greatest disaster was averted.” said Krishna.
Arjuna’s eyes were showering tears. He fell on the feet of Dharmaja, washing his feet with tears. Dharmaja’s eyes also were filled with tears. He hugged Arjuna and said: “Arjuna! Karna broke my bow and chariot and shot numerous shafts piercing into my body. If you dont kill that wretch, there is no use of my remaining on this earth any longer.”
“O King Dharmaja! Today, I will Karna. Without killing Karna, I wont see your face. I will never fail in my word.” said Arjuna.
“Dharmaja! bless your brother, Arjuna, to return with victory.” asked Krishna.
Dharmaja hugged Arjuna and said: “Arjuna! forgive me for my unnecessary talk. I also wont feel for the words spoken by you with the permission of Krishna. Vijaya! be victorious. Triumph is yours.” Dharmaja blessed Arjuna.
Both Arjuna and Krishna, boarded their chariot and proceeded to the battle field. But Arjuna’s face was gloomy, filled with timidity. Krishna observed it and said thus:
“Arjuna! You are unconquerable even by divine forces. You got mighty physicial, mental and divine power. You made Bhishma fell on an arrowy bed and killed Drona and Jayadhradha. The remainder is Karna. With the fond hope that Karna will be his saviour, Suyodhana ventured this battle. Kill Karna and make Suyodhana’s hopes futile. It will enhance your name and fame. Not only Karna, Kripacharya, Asvathama, Kritavarma, Salya are destined to be killed by you. You may leave Kripacharya and Asvathama being Brahmins, but dont leave Kritavarma, being my relative. Salya is no other than your maternal uncle. But he is fighting for your enemy. Hence, he has to be killed.
Karna is the root cause for all your woes. Burning in Lac House, dice game, insult caused to Droupadi, are all the creations of Karna. Not only that, he is responsible for all the misdeeds of Suyodhana. Have you forgotten the words uttered by Karna, in open assembly, addressing Droupadi. “Your husbands lost you in dice game and remained as cowards. There are several heroes in this assembly. Choose one with manliness, unlike your husbands.” Are these not the words spoken to by Karna,addressing Droupadi.
When I visited Kuru Assembly to effect mediation between you and Suyodhana, this Karna unnecessarily interfered, fomented hatredness in Suyodhana and instigated him to bind me with rope.
While your son Abhimanyu was fighting with the enemies fiercely, this wretch, Karna, broke his bow from behind and provoked others to kill him. Are you hesitating to kill this Karna, inspite of all his mis deeds. If you kill Karna, the remaining sons of Dhritarashtra cannot even stand before you. The entire universe will be under your control.”said Krishna, encouraging Arjuna.
Arjuna came out of his distressed mood. “Krishna! if you are by my side, Karna’s death is imminent. He will remember today all his mis deeds, including the mischievous disce game. Beholding the death of Karna, Suyodhana should repent for not heeding the words of Vidura. Sons of Dhritarashtra should lose hopes on Kuru kingdom. My brother, Dharmaja’s heart should be filled with joy on hearing the death of Karna.” said Arjuna firmly.
Bythat time, they reached the battle field. At that time, both sides were fighting, without caring for their lives. One of the Karna’s son was killed by Uttamouja. Beholding the death of his son, Karna cut the flag of Uttamouja and killed his horses. Uttamouja took his sword, jumped down and killed the horses of the Kripacharya’s chariot. Then he jumped into the chariot of Sikhandi. Meanwhile, Asvathama arrived there and picked up Kripacharya and left that place.
Unable to bear the prowess of Bhimasena, Kourava army was fleeing away. Bhimasena told his charioteer Visoka: “Visoka! My brother, Dharmaja, left the battle field. Arjuna who went to enquire about his welfare, has not yet returned. I do not know what had happened. If any untoward thing happens, there is no use of continuing the war. Any how, nothing is left to me except massacring the enemy troops. Visoka! look at those flags. Can you identify the chariots of Arjuna and Dharmaja. What about our arms and arrows. Are they sufficiently available. Please find out.” asked Bhimasena.
“O Bhimasena! You need not worry about the arms and arrows. They are more than sufficient. The mighty mace in your hand is more than sufficient to massacre the enemy troops.” said Visoka.
Bhimasena’s heart was filled with joy with the words of Visoka. Suddenly Visoka cried aloud: “Bhimasena! look at that side. That is Kapidhwaja. Arjuna is there. He is chasing the elephant troops”
On hearing the words of Visoka, Bhimasena was over-joyous. “Visoka! Drive our chariot nearer to the chariot of Arjuna” asked Bhimasena. Immediately, Visoka drove the chariot nearer to Arjuna.
Arjuna was massacring the kourava troops. Unable to bear the vigour of Arjuna, Kourava army was fleeing away. From other side, Bhimasena was moving with wind speed and killing the enemy troops mercilessly.
Suyodhana observed this situation. He addressed his troops: “Proceed against Bhimasena. Surround him. Kill him.” shouted Suyodhana. Accordingly, Kourava troops surrounded Bhimasena.
The battle was fierce. Bhimasena was massacring the kourava troops indiscriminately. Sakuni shot one most powerful arrow aiming at the chest of Bhimasena. Bhimasena broke the bow of Sakuni. Sakuni picked up another bow and shot 16 arrows hitting the charioteer and horses of Bhimasena. Bhimasena launched Saktri against Sakuni. Sakuni caught hold of that Sakti with his hand and hurled it back against Bhimasena. Bhimasena’s hand was injured. Kourava troops acclaimed the act of Sakuni. Bhimasena took his bow and broke the bow of Sakuni and shot numerous arrows throughout the body of Sakuni. Sakuni fell down on his chariot and fainted. Suyodhana rushed to that spot and carried away Sakuni on his chariot.
With the help of Sikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna and Upa Pandavas, Bhima sena attacked karna. Later Nakula and Sahadeva joined Bhimasena. All of them surrounded Karna. Karna alone was fighting with all those Pandava heroes. Unable to bear the prowess of Karna, Pandava troops fled away.
Chedi, Matsya and Panchala troops surrounded Karna. Karna was massacring them. Suyodhana, Kripacharya, Dussaasana, Asvathama, Sakuni, Kritavarma joined Karna. All of them attacked Pandava troops and were destroying them.
At another front, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandi and others were killing the Kourava troops mercilessly. Heavy casualities were there on both both sides. Krishna was driving the chariot of Arjuna towards Karna with great speed. Observing this Salya told Karna:
“Karna! look at that side. Arjuna is rushing towards you. Attack Arjuna and kill him. Discharge the debt of Suyodhana.” Salya provoked Karna. Salya drove the chariot towards Arjuna.
Meanwhile, Bhimasena arrived there. Arjuna informed Bhimasena about the welfare of Dharmaja. Suddenly, Ten of your sons (sons of Dhritarashtra) surrounded Arjuna. Within a moment, Arjuna effortlessly consigned all of them to the abode of Yama. Then, 90 Kourava warriors surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna killed all of them, each with one arrow. Arjuna began to chase the rest of Kourava army.
Meanwhile, 1300 strong elephant troop attacked Arjuna. With the help of Bhimasena, Arjuna could destroy that might elephant force. Bhimasena got down from the chariot, with his mace on his shoulder, and began to break the heads of the elephants. The arrowy showers of Arjuna from one side, and the mighty blows of Bhimasena’s mace on the other side, are shattering the kourava forces.
Beholding this, Karna grew angry. Karna broke the bows of the sons of Bhima and Nakula. Karna killed the horses of Satyaki and killed the son of Kekaya King. In retaliation, King of Kekaya killed Prasena, son of Karna. With that grief, Karna killed the King of Kekaya. Satyaki boarded another chariot and attacked Sushena, grand son of Karna. Satyaki killed the horses of Sushena. Beholding this, Karna shouted “O Satyaki! you are dead”. So saying, Karna shot one powerful astra upon Satyaki. But Sikhandi broke that Astra in the middle.
Karna cut the flag of Sikhandi and killed Sudeva son of Drupada. Beholding this, Panchala warriors surrounded Karna. Arjuna and Bhimasena came nearer to the chariot of Karna. Meanwhile Uttamouja, Janamejaya, Yudhamanyu, Sikhandi and Dhrishtadyumna had overtaken Arjuna and attacked Karna. Karna also effectively attacked all of them. Karna broke their umbrellas, flags and bows into pieces and killed their charioteers and horses.
Meanwhile, Upa Pandavas surrounded Karna. Satyaki was protecting all of them by cutting each and every arrow shot by Karna. Satyaki also pierced number of arrows into the body of Suyodhana who came to the help of Karna. Arjuna also was chasing all the warriors who are coming there to help Karna.
Dussaasana came before Bhimasena. Beholding Dussaasana, Bhimasena said: “O brother, Dussaasana! I am here to discharge your debt for what all you have done in the open assembly. I will fulfull my promise by drinking your blood. By God’s grace, you are before me.” Bhimasena shouted aloud.
“O Bhimasena! You might have forgotten the past so quickly. Have you forgotten that we tried to burnt all of you alive in Varanavata. Have you forgotten about the wicked dice game played by us to grab all your wealth. Have you forgotten those years spent by you in forests like animals.Having suffered so many woes at our hands, you have come to fight with us. Even if you forgot, I will never forget.” heckled Dussaasana.
Without saying a single word, Bhimasena cut his flag, broke his bow and killed his charioteer. Bhimasena planted one sharp shaft on the forehead of Dussaasana. Dussaasana, while driving his chariot, picked up another bow and cut the bow of Bhimasena and hit the charioteer of Bhimasena. Bhimasena took another bow and planted 50 sharp edged arrows into the body of Dussaasana. Dussaasana, in return, killed the horses of Bhimasena. Bhimasena took his mighty mace, got down from the chariot, came near the chariot of Dussaasana.
First, Bhimasena killed the horses and broke the chariot. Dussaasana took his mace and jumped down the chariot. Dussaasana hurled a Tomara upon Bhimasena which was cut by Bhimasena into pieces. While looking into the eyes of Dussaasana in a close range, Bhimasena remembered the woes sufferedby them for 13 longs years on account of Dussaasana. He could not control himself. His heart was burning with great anger. He remembered his promise made by him in the open assembly.
Bhimasena raised his huge mace. Collected all his strength and power in his hands and delivered a huge mighty blow on the head of Dussaasana. With that blow, Dussaasana fell down. Bhimasena fell upon him. Bhimasena pressed his neck with his leg. “O Dussaasana! Inspite of insulting us in the open assembly, you have come here insearch of your death in my form. You are killed. You wicked wretch. you are killed.” Bhimasena shouted and was throttling the neck of Dussaasana with his leg.
Beholding Bhimasena in such a fiercest form, the troops on both sides taken aback and ran away. Bhimasena did not observe whether Dussaasana was alive or dead. Bhimasena lifted the body of Dussaasana with his hands into air, whirled it speedily in the air, and threw it down on the ground forcefully. Bhimasena sat on his knees before the body of Dussaasana. He was laughing wickedly and loudly.Looking into the face of Dussaasana:
“You Dussaasana! now I will break your chest and drink your blood like honey. Call your people for help. I will see who will save you.” so shouting Bhimasena, tore the chest of Dussaasana by piercing his long nails into his chest. The blood gushed out of his chest. Bhimasena drank that blood. He rubbed the rest of the blood to his body. With a mad look, Bhimasena laughed at Dussaasana. He was jumping on the body of Dussaasana.
“Oh Dussaasana! your blood is to tasty. It has extinguished my thrist. I discharged my vow.” Bhimasena was shouting, clapping, dancing wildly.
All are under the illusion whether he is a man or devil. All have stopped the war and remained motionless like statues..Bhimasena chased the Kourava troops. Again he came near the dead body of Dussaasana.
“Dussaasana! why are you lying like this. Cry. You beast --- Cry aloud. Call anybody to come to your rescue. Whoever will come, I will see.”.
Bhimasena sat near the dead body of Dussaasana.
“O Dussaasana! why you bore grudge against me. Had I done anyting either to you or your brother, Suyodhana. But you tried to kill me by administering poison, by throwing into water, by snake bites. You insulted me in the open assembly. Why? Why? What was the reason? So, you have to reap the consequences today for playing wicked dice game with us.”
Bhimasena rose to his feet. He was restless. He could not control his anger. Kourava warriors were staring at him with great fear.
Beholding them, Bhimasena shouted: “Look at the fate of this wretch, Dussaasana. Due to his misdeeds, his father, Dhritarashtra, lost his name and fame. Had his father reprimanded him, situation would not have been this worse. O Dussaasana! Remember what you told Droupadi in open assembly.
“O Droupadi, you have no husband. Choose some capable person.”. Is it not?
Dussaasana! Droupadi has a husband. I am the husband of Droupadi. I am here. Today, I will deprive all your wives of their respective husbands. They have to weep for their husbands. O Dussaasana! By killing you, I discharged one of my vows. Another vow remains. Breaking the thighs of Suyodhana and kicking his head with my left leg, remained. I am proceeding on that job.”
Bhimasena was shaking with great wrath. He has become uncontrollable. Bhimasena again was striking the dead body of Dussaasana with his mighty mace. Dussaasana is dead.
Beholding the ghastly incident, Karna and other warriors were frightened. Looking at the death of their brother, Dussaasana, his brothers, Kavachi, Nishangi, Pasi, Dandadhara, Dhanurdhraha, Alopa, Saha, Shanda, Vatavega, Suvarchasa rushed against Bhimasena. With ten Bhalla arrows, Bhimasena cut their heads.
Looking at Karna Salya said: “Karna! what happened. Are you afraid of Bhimasena. Have you become coward. Your friend, Suyodhana, is waiting for his turn to be killed by Bhimasena. You are commander of the entire forces. Kripacharya, Asvathama and others are waiting for your commands and future course of action. Rally your troops and be ready for war. Look at that side. Your son, Vrishasena, is rushing against Pandavas. You also attack Arjuna. Suyodhana put the entire burden of war upon your shoulders. You should not remain as a coward like this.” said Salya.
These words of Salya moved Karna. He rushed against Arjuna.
Meanwhile, Vrishasena, son of Karna, attacked Bhimasena. But Nakula intervened and cut the flag , umbrella and bow of Vrishasena.Vrishasena picked up another bow and broke the chariot of Nakula and killed the horses. Nakula took his sword , jumped down the chariot and rushed against Vrishasena.. Vrishasena shot numerous arrows throughout the body of Nakula.
Beholding this, Yudhamanyu, Uttamouja, Sikhandi, Janamejaya, Saltyaki, UpaPandavas also rushed against Vrishasena. Meanwhile, Kritavarma, Kripacharya, Asvathama, Suyodhana, Sakuni gathered there to help Vrishasena. Bhimasena drove them away. Son of Nakula was massacring the elephant forces. Vrishasena killed the charioteer of the son of Nakula. .
Beholding this, Arjuna rushed against Vrishasena. Vrishasena showered numerous arrows upon Arjuna, Sataaneeka and Bhimasena. Vrishasena planted 7 arrows in the body of Nakula and 12 arrows in the body of Krishna. Arjuna shot numerous arrows against Vrishasena which were cut by him in the middle. Vrishasena shot 10 arrows piercing into the body of Arjuna and 9 arrows against Krishna.
Arjuna, enraged with great wrath, cut the bow of Vrishasena and cut his arms. With another arrow, Arjuna cut the head of Vrishasena.
Karna was enraged with great wrath beholding the death of his own son, in his presence. Karna drove his chariot against Arjuna. Karna and Arjuna were standing one against the other.
Karna asked Salya: “O king of Madra, if Arjuna vanquishes me, what will you do?
“I will fight with Krishna and Arjuna” said Salya.
The same question was put by Arjuna to Krishna.
“Krishna! If I were to be vanquished by Karna, what will you do?”
“Arjuna! even if sun rises on west, you will never be conquered by Karna. Therefore, that question does not arise. I cannot bear that situation even forthe sake of fun. If it so happens, I will kill Karna and Salya with single hand. I will destroy the Kourava clan for ever and enthrone Dharmaja for this Kuru Dynasty. It is certain” said Krishna emotionally.
“Krishna! For fun sake I asked you that question. I will take revenge upon Karna for his mis-deeds in Kuru assembly. Even if all the three Gods come together, Karna’s death is imminent today. You will see me cutting the head of Karna, making his wife, widow.” said Arjuna.
The troops on both sides were standing one against the to her. Even the divine bodies gathered in the sky to witness the magnificent and splendid war between Karna and Arjuna.
At that juncture, Asvathama approached Suyodhana and said thus:
“Suyodhana! A great warrior, Bhishma, was defeated by Arjuna. Is Karna greater than Bhishma? Can he ever stand before Arjuna? I will convince Arjuna. You convince Karna. Let all of us go to Dharmaja and settle the matter amicably. We will have an amicable settlement. Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva will never say ‘no’ to the words of Dharmaja. If you accept my proposal, it will be in favour of you, your remaining brothers, all your friendly kings and also the common man. Think about it. You reposed confidence upon me and Kripacharya that we will vanquish Arjuna and we will never be killed by him. It is wrong. We are also mortals, destined to die. Ofcourse, Arjuna may leave me and Kripacharya because we are Brahmins.
You thought that Bhishma and Drona will never be defeated by anybody. But they were defeated and killed. We are in no way greater than those eminent warriors. Therefore, an amicable settlement with Dharmaja is the best solution at this juncture.
You need not apprehend that Krishna may not agree for settlement as we spoke bad against him when he tried to settle the matter. Krishna and Dharmaja will accept your father, Dhritarashtra, as the King and Emperor of this Kuru Kingdom. Under his rule, we will spend the rest of our life peacefully. Karna also will accept this proposal.
We are all your well wishers. We wish you long life and prosperity. If we are alive, we may enjoy the royal pleasures. What you derive after death. Hence, Shed animosity and hatredness. Agree for the amicable settlement. It will be favoured by one and all. If you dont agree for this proposal, you will be sliding down into greater depths.” said Asvathama.
Suyodhana heard those words of Asvathama carefully and with great attention.
“Asvathama! How mad you are! Bhimasena discharged his first promise made by him in the open assembly, by killing Dussaasana. Will he keep quiet without killing me and discharing his second promise? At this crucial time, how can I crave for settlement with my enemy. How Karna will give up war at this juncture. It is impossible. What should happen, let it happen. For the present, Arjuna is tired but Karna is shining with renewed vigour. Karna may kill Arjuna today.” said Suyodhana.
Suyodhana rallied his forces and drove them against Pandava forces. Karna and Arjuna began to fight. There was a fiercest battle between Karna and Arjuna.
Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! show your prowess. Plant numerous arrows in the body of Karna. He is no match to you in any respect. Kill Karna. That is only your aim.” encouraged Krishna.
The eminent warriors in Kourava Troops also encouraged Karna: “Karna! After wandering and spending wayward life in forests for 12 long years, Pandavas have come for fight. Kill Arjuna. Rest of the Pandavas will go back to forests. Suyodhana will be our King and Emperor. Gather your courage and vigour. Fight against Arjuna” said Salya.
Karna shot ten most powerful arrows against Arjuna. Arjuna, in return, shot 19 arrows against Karna. Karna shot 9 sharp edged arrows against Arjuna. Karna also shot numeros arrows against Krishna. Beholding this, Arjuna poured arrowy showers on Karna. Karna, in return, shot most powerful arrows against Arjuna and Krishna.
Arjuna hit the charioteer of Karna and his horses and launched Agneyastra against karna. Karna launched Varunastra, to nullify Agneyastra. Again, Arjuna launched Meghastra upon Karna. Under the influence of Meghastra, the entire sky was filled with dark clouds and darkness plunged in. To neutralize that, Arjuna launched Anilastra (Vavyastra). The terrible wind emanated by Vavaystra shattered the clouds and the Sun was visible. Arjuna launched Indra Sakti upon Karna which was nullified by Karna.
At this juncture Bhimasena told Arjuna: “Brother Arjuna! Karna decided to settle the matters today itself. Tell me, whether you will kill Karna or will you allow me to kill Karna. With one heavy blow of my mace, I will break the head of Karna into pieces.” said Bhimasena with great wrath.
Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! Karna is attacking effectively each and every Astra launched by you. Besides that, he is pouring arrowy showers upon you. Kourava troops are jubilant and our forces are in great distress. I do not know the reason. You take my Chakra and cut the head of Karna.” said Krishna.
“Krishna! there is no need to launch Chakrayudha. I am launching Brahma Astra upon Karna. He cannot escape it.” So saying, Arjuna launched Brahma Astra against Karna. Brahma astra was darting towards Karna with great speed. But Karna remained unshaken. With his divine power, Brahma Astra returned back.
Karna shot numerous arrows against Arjuna and Krishna. Arjuna also shot each 9 arrows against Karna and Salya. Karna cut the thread tied to Gandeeva. Arjuna tied the thread and cut the thread tied to the bow of Karna. In this manner, Karna and Arjuna were combatting with each other. Unable to bear the wrath of Arjuna, Chakra Rakshakas of Karna fled away.
Beholding this, Suyodhana instigated Kourava warriors to kill Arjuna. Suyodhana’s troops suddenly surrounded Arjuna. Arjuna scattered the Kourava forces. The forces on both sides stopped fighting and were viewing at the dual fight between Karna and Arjuna. Looking at this development, Suyodhana addressed his troops:
“O great warriors! while Karna is fighting with Arjuna with great prowess, how you are keeping quiet. Is it proper on your part to be silent with foldeld hands. Go and help karna and fight with Arjuna” Suyodhana instigated his troops.
Kourava troops proceeded towards Karna to help him. Beholding this, Arjuna with most sharp arrows cut their flags, broke their chariots, and cut their bows. Unable to bear the wrath of Arjuna, Kourava troops fled away.
Karna was having Sarpamukha Astra. Its main deity was Takshaka’s son Ashvasena. Karna preseved it only to kill Arjuna. Now Karna intended to launch Sarpa Mukha Astra against Arjuna. Karna worshipped that Astra and was about to launch it. Karna aimed that Astra directly to the neck of Arjuna.
Salya observed that the target is not correct. “Karna!your target is wrong. Aim it directly to the neck of Arjuna.” said Salya.
Karna grew angry. “Salya! I am a great warrior. How dare you say that my target is wrong. With this Astra, Arjuna’s head will roll on the ground” so saying Karna launched Sarpa Mukha Astra without correcting the target.
Sarpa Mukha Astra was darting towards Arjuna, like wild fire. Beholding this, Krishna, using his whole strength, kicked down the chariot with his leg, six inches down into the ground. The target of Karna failed. The sarpa mukha astra hit against the divine crown of Arjuna and the crown fell down and broke into pieces.

That divine crown was given by Brahma to Devendra. Devendra presented the same to his son, Arjuna, when he killed the Asuras. Now that crown was destroyed by Sarpa Mukha Astra. Arjuna took out a long cloth and tied to his head as turban. Even after destroying the crown of Arjuna, Sarpa Mukha Astra did not leave him. It was again darting against Arjuna with great speed.
Beholding this Arjuna asked Krishna: “Krishna! Why this serpant is chasing me like this.”
“Arjuna! At the time of burning Khandava forest, one naga lady, called Asvasena, tried to escape from the fire along with her mother. You chased that Naga Lady and killed her. Since then, that Naga Lady, Asvasena, bore grudge against you. She was born as the son of Takshaka.. That Asvasena is the main deity of this Sarpa Mukha Astra. Now Asvasena is chasing you to take revenge upon you. Hitherto, Karna was worshipping Naga Mukha Astra and preserved it only to kill you. Now you can destroy Naga Mukha Astra with another divine Astra.” said Krishna.
Arjuna, launched another Divine Astra, and broke SarpaMukha Astra into pieces. Arjunt planted 12 sharp arrows into the body of Karna. Karna shot 13 sharp arrows against Krishna and 100 arrows against Arjuna.
Arjuna with one arrow broke the natural ear rings of Karna.(The natural armour (sahaja kavacha) has alrleady been taken away as charity by Devendra). The unshaken Karna was pouring arrowy showers on Arjuna. But Arjuna was cutting those arrows in the middle.
The entire body of Karna was shedding blood. It was time for the Sun to set indicating that his son also was going to die in the battle field. Lord Yama arrived there invisibly to invite Karna. Yama’s voice is heard everywhere.
“Now the chariot wheels will sunk in earth indicating Karna’s departure.”
Karna heard this. He tried to remember Bhargava Astra, but failed. Karna realised that the curse of Parasurama has begun to work out. Still he did not loose his courage.
“I am virtuous. I follow Dharma. Dharma will save me. But those words have become futile now .” thought Karna.
Arjuna was showering arrows incessantly upon Karna. Karna lost hopes on divine powers. He took up his bow and shot most powerful sharp arrows upon Arjuna. Arjuna launched Brahma Astra upon Karna which was successfully neutrilized by Karna, by launching Indra Astra.
Krishna told Arjuna: “Arjuna! Do you know the reason for the failure of your Brahma Astra. You are tactless in killing Karna. Without much effort, try to kill Karna with tact.” suggested Krishna.
Meanwhile, Karna tried to launch Rudra Astra. With great devotion, Karna was chanting Rudra Astra. The chariot wheels are sinking down into earth.The chariot was leaning to one side. Hence, Karna could not concentrate on launching of Rudra Astra.
Karna got down the chariot. Looking at Arjuna, Karna said: “Arjuna! I am deprived of my chariot. My chariot wheels have sunk into earth. I have to lift my chariot wheels. You are on chariot I am on earth. It is against Dharma to shower arrows upon me. Kindly stop shooting arrows till I lift my chariot wheels.
Arjuna! I am only letting you know about War Principles, not that I am afraid of you and Krishna.” .
Krishna thought that it was proper time to teach a lesson to Karna.
“What Karna. Are you preaching sermons about Dharma. Are you speaking about What is Dharma and What is Adharma? When you have started preaching sermons about Dharma? Because you are in troubles, you remember Dharma now. While you were in highest peak of power and aggrandisement, you never remember about Dharma!
Karna! Pandavas are virtuous.They are following virtuous path always. They are always victorious. Have you forgotten the misdeeds done by you with the support of Suyodhana.
Are you not the wretch who suggested Suyodhana to kill Pandavas by burning them in lac house.
Are you not the brain behind back to arrange the wicked dice game.
Are you not the root cause for the nasty idea of dragging Droupadi to open assembly and remove her clothes.
Did you not foment the hatredness of Suyodhana by proceeding to Ghosha Yatra into forests without allowing Pandavas to spend their time peacefully, even in forests.
Are you not the wretch who commenced the nasty wretched operation to kill Abhimanyu by surrounding him on all sides.
Are you not responsible either directly or indirectly for all the above mis deeds.
At that time, did you not remember what is Dharma and what is Adharma?”
While Krishna was uttering word by word, Arjuna was moving with great wrath. Mercilessly, Arjuna showered numerous powerful arrows upon Karna. Karna was fighting with Arjuna, standing on the ground.
Arjuna cut the flag of Karna. Karna, infuriated with wrath, shot most sharp edged arrows against Arjuna. Now and then, Karna was trying to lift his chariot wheels.
“Why you are hesitating. Kill Karna.” said Krishna.
Arjuna took out a most powerful divine astra and intended in his mind:
“If I am successful in doing great penance, in serving my preceptors and brahmins, making charities to Brahmins, preceptors, this Divine Astra will cut the head of Karna.”
Intending strongly in mind to kill Karna, Arjuna launched that Divine Astra. Arjuna drew the thread of Gandeeva upto his ear and released that Divine Astra with great speed.
That Divine Astra darted with great speed, sparkling flames, towards Karna and cut his head. Karna’s body fell on the ground. The Sun was set. Then to the sight of one and all, a light came out of the body of Karna and moved towards Sun and joined the evening Sun. As if its power is over, the chariot wheels have raised to the normal position. Unable to look at the dead body of his own son, the Sun God disappeared in the western ghats, to have a holy bath.
Pursuant to the death of Karna, Pandava Army was jubilant. They were blowing trumpets, horns, conches etc. Salya, drove the empty chariot without Karna, towards Suyodhana. Kourava Armies fled away.
Having seen the fall of Karna, Bhiamsena was shouting, laughing aloud, and dancing.
Salya approached Suyodhana and said: “Suyodhana! I have witnessed many battles so far, but I have not seen such a fiercest battle between Karna and Arjuna. It is Amazing. Marvellous. Remarkable. Indescribable. At one point of time, Krishna and Arjuna lost hopes upon their lives. But fate decided the destiny. Such a mighty warrior, Karna, laid down his life. It is already sunset. Let us close the war for today.” said Salya.
On hearing that Karna is dead, Suyodhana remained silent. Suddenly, he became mad and was crying. He left that place lamenting for the death of Karna.
Krishna and Arjuna ordered their troops to stop war for the day. Both of them went to the abode of Dharmaja. Dharmaja praised Arjuna for killing Karna.
“Dharmaja! Today Karna became very furious. None was able to kill him. It appears he was not killed due to the prowess of Arjuna but he was destroyed in the great wrath suppressed by you all these days. With the death of Karna, you are relieved of all the woes. You remain worryless. You will be the King and Emperor for Kuru Kingdom” said Krishna.
With folded hands Dharmaja said: “Krishna! we are always victorious as long as your kind looks are spreading on us.” said Dharmaja.
“Dharmaja! I am only a silent spectator. Yours brothers, your brothers in law are endowed with great vigour and valour. With their combined efforts only, you achieved this victory.” said Krishna.
“Krishna! I desire to see the dead body of Karna once.” said Dharmaja.
Accompanied by his brothers, relatives, friends, troops, Dharmaja proceeded to the battle field. Dharmaja saw the dead bodies of Karna, his sons and grand sons. With the death of Karna, Dharmaja thought that he got a rebirth.” said Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra, about the death of Dussaasana and karna.
In the above manner, Sooti told Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints, the story of Mahabharata, as told by Saint Vaisampayana to Janamejaya.
MAHABHARAT
KARNA PARVA
THIRD CHAPTER COMPLETED.
WITH THIS KARNA PARVA COMPLETED.
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OMTATSAT.
Om Tat Sat

(Continued...)
(My humble salutations to Brahmasri M V Subrahmanyam     for the collection