Karna Parva



Chapter One



The Sixteenth Day of Hostilities



Dhritarastra said: O Sanjaya, hearing of Drona's death, my heart trembles. 
One by one all the renowned maharathis are being drowned in the Pandava 
ocean. Due to the deceitful nature of my son, I don't think any of the great 
kings will survive. Please tell me, O Suta, who took charge of the Kaurava 
divisions after the fall of the mighty preceptor.

Sanjaya said: O King, after the fall of the preceptor Drona and after the 
forces were withdrawn on the fifteenth day of the battle, Duryodhana held 
consultation with his generals concerning the next commander of the army. 
They all gave their opinions on what should be done, and finally Ashvatthama 
spoke, "We should not be discouraged at the loss of so many of our men. 
After all, destiny shall decide who will be the victor in this war. As for 
our commander, I think Karna should lead our army to victory over the 
Pandavas. He is the most competent among us in the use of weapons and cannot 
be slain. As powerful as Yamaraja himself, he will certainly vanquish our 
enemy." Agreeing with Ashvatthama's proposal, Duryodhana chose Karna as 
commander in chief of the Kaurava army.

When the dawn of the sixteenth day arrived, both armies arrayed their 
troops in battle formation. Both were eager for combat and both blew on 
their conches, beat drums and sounded trumpets. The Kaurava army was headed 
by Karna, and the Pandava army was headed by Arjuna and King Yudhisthira. 
When the two armies met, there was a tremendous clash of weapons. Bhima was 
riding on a beautiful elephant and began to afflict the enemy forces with 
iron lances. He came upon the King of the Kulutas, who was also riding on an 
elephant. They began to afflict each other with their weapons, and Bhima was 
soon seen with six lances piercing his body. Not minding those weapons, he 
jumped down from his elephant and smashed the head of his opponent's 
elephant. The king of the Kulutas, jumping down from the dead beast, rushed 
at Bhima with an upraised sword. Bhima, however, with one blow from his mace 
sent that King to the other world.

Arjuna encountered the angry son of Drona, and after a fierce battle, he 
killed his charioteer and sent him running from the battlefield. When 
Ashvatthama finally stopped his horses, he no longer desired to fight with 
Partha, having been stung by his forceful arrows. Arjuna then engaged in 
battle with the remnants of the Samsaptakas headed by King Susharman.

After his defeat by Arjuna, Ashvatthama came upon King Pandya, who was 
raining arrows from his chariot and killing the Kaurava host in great 
numbers. King Pandya had brought to the Pandava's cause a full akshauhini 
division of troops. He was regarded by both sides to be a great fighter. 
Ashvatthama challenged him to battle and covered him with hundreds of 
arrows. King Pandya was conversant with many celestial weapons, and invoking 
the Vayavya weapon, he blew away the mass of arrows released from the bow of 
Drona's son. Greatly angered, Ashvatthama killed his four horses and 
charioteer and then shattered his chariot to pieces. To escape death, King 
Pandya jumped to the ground. At that time there happened to be a wild 
elephant running amongst the warriors with no rider. King Pandya quickly 
ascended that elephant and continued his fight with Ashvatthama. He took up 
a golden lance and with all his strength threw it at Ashvatthama, shouting, 
"You are slain! You are slain!" That forceful lance shattered Ashvatthama's 
radiant crown which was bedecked with all kinds of precious jewels. Seeing 
his valuable crown shattered, Ashvatthama could not tolerate the King's 
success. With three crescent shaped arrows, he cut off the two arms and the 
head of that great warrior. Falling from the elephant, King Pandya lay on 
the ground, having been severed into four pieces.

On the sixteenth day of the battle, Sahadeva encountered Duhshasana and 
defeated him soundly. He then began to crush the innumerable troops that 
were assisting the sinful brother of Duryodhana.

While Nakula was engaged in destroying the Kaurava divisions, Karna came up 
to challenge him. Smiling all the while, Nakula taunted him, "O sinful 
person, by good luck I am able to see you standing before me today. You are 
the root cause of this terrible war. Slaying you today, I will regard myself 
as one who has achieved his objective."

"Strike me, O hero and prove your prowess," Karna replied. "Having achieved 
some meager feats in battle, you think yourself powerful. Today I will 
vanquish your pride with my powerful shafts."

Having said this much, Karna released seventy arrows, but the son of Madri, 
Nakula, baffled those arrows and released eighty at the Suta's son. Karna 
shattered Nakula's bow and also killed his charioteer with a broad-headed 
shaft. With four more arrows, he killed his four horses, and Nakula then 
jumped down to the ground with a spiked bludgeon in hand. He released that 
weapon with all his might, but it was diverted by Karna's arrows. Nakula 
then ran away to another part of the battlefield. Karna pursued him, and 
when he came upon him, he touched him with the horn of his bow and said, 
"Your boastful words have now proved futile. Can you repeat them once more? 
Do not, O son of Pandu, fight with those who are superior to you. Only fight 
with those who are your equals. Go and take shelter of Krishna and Arjuna." 
Karna did not kill Nakula remembering his promise to Kunti before the battle 
had begun. After having been freed from the jaws of death, Nakula went in 
the direction of King Yudhisthira's chariot, his head lowered in shame.

King Yudhisthira encountered King Duryodhana and a fierce duel took place 
between those two great heroes. In the end Yudhisthira deprived Duryodhana 
of his chariot and all his weapons. Standing on the battlefield under the 
fear of death, King Duryodhana did not know what to do. Coming up to save 
him were Kripa, Karna and Ashvatthama. They surrounded the King and fully 
protected him.

Duryodhana then ascended another chariot and again challenged Yudhisthira. 
Another battle then ensued in which both combatants exhibited extreme 
animosity. Duryodhana threw a golden dart at Yudhisthira that sped through 
the air like a meteor. However, Yudhisthira shattered that weapon, and then 
pierced Duryodhana with many arrows. Duryodhana countered and covered 
Yudhisthira with hundreds of arrows sending up a loud roar. Yudhisthira 
could not tolerate his victory and released a golden shafted arrow that 
pierced Gandhari's son and entered into the earth. Falling unconscious for a 
few moments, Duryodhana sat down in his chariot. When he regained his 
senses, he picked up his mace and ran at Yudhisthira to end his life. Seeing 
him coming Yudhisthira hurled a mighty dart blazing like a meteor. That dart 
hit Duryodhana in the chest, causing him to fall into a swoon. Then Bhima, 
recollecting his vow he had taken at the gambling match, reminded 
Yudhisthira, "This one should not be slain by you, O King." With these 
words, Yudhisthira refrained from killing that sinful person who was the 
cause of destroying the entire kshatriya race.

Then Arjuna began to annihilate the entire Kaurava army. With his mighty 
weapons, he caused a great carnage of men on the Kurukshetra plain. In all 
directions there were thousands of slain warriors, elephants, and horses. 
Broken axes, scimitars, maces, javelins and darts were scattered all over 
the battlefield. Severed heads, arms and legs were seen everywhere and the 
whole battlefield appeared like Yamaraja's abode where the sinful are 
punished. For those who were weak hearted, the battlefield appeared like a 
ghastly scene, and for those who were heroes and took delight in battle, the 
battlefield appeared like an entrance into the spiritual world. Thus those 
two armies fought on until the sun set on the horizon. With this, the 
sixteenth day of the great war ended and thus the two armies withdrew to 
their camps.



Thus Ends the First Chapter of the Karna Parva, Entitled, The Fifteenth Day 
of Hostilities.





Karna Parva



Chapter Two



Salya Becomes Karna's Charioteer



King Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, at the dawn of the seventeenth day 
of battle what did Duryodhana do, relying on the strength of Karna? How, 
also, did Arjuna encounter Karna now that he had lost his Shakti weapon? 
Without doubt destiny is supreme, for now my sons are reaping the terrible 
fruit of their activities in the form of annihilation of their nearest of 
kinsmen and friends. Please relate to me in detail all that happened on that 
eventful day.

Sanjaya said: When the sun appeared on the horizon dissipating the darkness 
of night, Karna went to King Duryodhana and spoke the following words, 
"Today, O King, I shall engage in battle with Arjuna. Either I will slay 
him, or he will slay me. Without killing him, I will not come back from the 
field of battle. Partha will definitely seek battle with me especially since 
I am deprived of the Shakti weapon. Please listen to my request that will 
assist me in victory. My celestial weapons are equal to the effectiveness of 
Arjuna's. As far as countering the feats of powerful enemies, I am superior 
to Arjuna. In lightness of hand and range of arrows, in hitting the mark and 
in skill, I am superior to Arjuna. In physical strength, in courage, in 
knowledge of weapons, and in prowess, I am superior to Arjuna. My bow called 
Vijaya, which was made for Indra by Vishvakarma, is superior to the Gandiva. 
That foremost bow was given to my preceptor, Parashurama. He has previously 
used this bow to kill all the kshatriyas twenty one times. With this bow 
given by Parashurama I will fight with Arjuna. Today, I will achieve my 
objective. Arjuna will never be able to stand in front of me as I release my 
selected weapons.

"Listen, however, to the points in which Arjuna is superior to me. The 
chariot driver of Arjuna is the divine son of Devaki, Krishna. He is 
worshiped in all the three worlds. His celestial chariot given by Agni 
cannot be penetrated by any weapon. His horses can travel at the speed of 
mind and cannot be slain. Arjuna also possesses an inexhaustible quiver of 
arrows and the string on his bow is also celestial. The ape on Arjuna's 
banner is, indeed, wonderful. Although I am inferior to Arjuna in these 
respects, I will still fight with him. If it were possible for me to obtain 
a chariot driver that was equal to Krishna then I would certainly obtain 
victory. I think that Salya, the King of Madras, is equal to Krishna as a 
chariot driver. As Krishna is acquainted with horse lore, so also is Salya. 
Salya is superior to Krishna, and I am superior to Arjuna. I request that 
many carts filled with weapons be close to me, ready for use at my disposal. 
In this way I will become superior to Arjuna. If you can promise all that I 
have asked for, then I will give you victory."

"I will certainly supply you with the necessary weapons," Duryodhana 
replied. "I will personally accompany you and protect you on all sides as 
you fight with Arjuna. Now, I will go to Salya and request that he take the 
reins of your chariot and guide you to victory."

Sanjaya continued: Your son, O Monarch, went to the ruler of the Madras and 
spoke as follows, "O foremost of rulers, I have come to solicit your help. 
To assist Karna in slaying Arjuna, I request you to become the chariot 
driver of Karna and guide him to victory. O great warrior, you are equal to 
Vasudeva as a warrior. Just as the Divine Krishna protects Arjuna, so you 
must protect Karna. The Pandavas have slain my soldiers in great numbers, 
and my army is at the point of annihilation. Karna desires to challenge 
Arjuna to combat, but he needs someone who is equal to Krishna as a 
charioteer. If you, who are greater than Krishna, take the reins of Karna's 
chariot, then victory will go to Karna. With the death of Arjuna, the whole 
Pandava army will be destroyed easily. O invincible monarch, if you combine 
with the son of Radha, I am sure that the demigods united will not be able 
to harm you. I am now taking shelter of you as the demigods take shelter of 
Lord Vishnu. Please assist the Suta's son, and help me gain complete 
sovereignty of this earth."

"O son of Gandhari," Salya replied, "you are insulting me by asking me to 
drive the chariot of someone who you think is superior to me. I do not 
consider the son of Radha to be my equal. Just behold these two massive arms 
which are a strong as thunderbolts. Also, behold my bow by which I can 
conquer all men on the field of battle. Behold my chariot and horses which 
can travel at the speed of wind. Do you not see my mace covered in gold? 
With this weapon I can split the earth or shatter mountains to pieces. The 
Supreme Being created the kshatriyas from His arms, and the sutas have been 
created from the castes that are servants of the shudras. Karna comes from 
such a caste, and therefore, why should he not drive my chariot? I have 
undergone the ceremonies befitting a king. I deserve the praises and worship 
that is due to a king. I will, therefore, never fight in such humiliating 
circumstances. I ask your permission to return to my kingdom."

Sanjaya continued: Having spoken his heart, Salya, a lion among men, 
endeavored to leave the assembly of kings. However, Duryodhana caught him 
and affectionately spoke to him again, "Without doubt, Salya, what you have 
said is true. Karna is not superior to you, nor am I trying to humiliate you 
in an assembly of warriors. I have a certain purpose in mind. Karna is 
superior to Arjuna in the use of weapons, and you are superior to Krishna in 
caring for horses. It is known that Vasudeva is the foremost of warriors, 
yet still He is driving the chariot of Arjuna. You are twice superior to 
Krishna and a mighty adhiratha. There is no doubt about this. There is not 
the slightest humiliation in driving Karna's chariot. There is only glory 
for you and victory."

"Since you have described me as being superior to Krishna," Salya replied, 
"I am pleased with you. I will take the reigns of Karna's chariot under the 
condition that he must tolerate whatever I say."

Agreeing with Salya's conditions, Karna then set his heart on battle. He 
ascended his chariot along with Salya, and all present praised those two 
bulls among men. To the beating of drums and cymbals and to the blowing of 
conchshells, Karna and Salya arrived at the front line of the battle. While 
the Kaurava soldiers were joyous over the mighty combination, they failed to 
notice the evil omens that surrounded them. A shower of meteors fell from 
the sky. Thunder and lightning were seen and heard in a cloudless sky. Bones 
fell from the firmament and fierce winds began to blow. Overcome by the 
influence of time, they did not know that those evil portents spelled death.

Feeling that victory was in his grasp, Karna began to boast, "While 
stationed on my chariot, I can challenge even Indra, the king of heaven. 
Beholding Bhishma and Drona lying on the field of battle, I do not feel the 
least fear. I know that it is I who must face Arjuna and slay him in battle. 
Bhishma and Drona were too affectionate to Arjuna, and therefore, they did 
not feel it in their hearts to kill him. However, I do not feel such 
affection towards Partha. Therefore, destiny has left it up to me to slay 
Arjuna in battle. Behold, Salya, this chariot covered in tiger skins and 
ornamented in gold. It is guided by the finest horses which were personally 
given to me by my preceptor Parashurama. It is filled with the foremost 
weapons for slaying the enemy in combat. Even if the demigods unite with 
Partha, they will not stop me from fulfilling my oath to kill Arjuna."

Sanjaya continued: Hearing the boastful words of Karna, Salya gave the 
following reply, "O Karna, do not pierce my ears with these conceited words 
of vanity. Arjuna is the foremost warrior, and you are the lowest of 
kshatriyas. Who else but Arjuna could have kidnapped Subhadra in the 
presence of all the Yadu princes and kings? Who, save Arjuna, could have 
satisfied the great Lord Shiva in battle? To protect the Khandava forest and 
assist Agni, who, save Arjuna, could have fought with all the heavenly gods, 
headed by Indra, and defeated them in battle? Was it not Phalguna who 
released Duryodhana from the hands of the Gandharvas after you had run away 
from the battlefield? When the cows were stolen away from the kingdom of 
Virata, wasn't it Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Duryodhana and 
yourself who were defeated by Arjuna? Why did you not endeavor to defeat him 
then? Now on this occasion, you will get another chance to fight with the 
son of Kunti, and I think that if you do not flee from battle, you will be 
slain by Arjuna."

"You are certainly an enemy wearing the guise of a friend," Karna said. 
"Why are you trying to discourage me before facing Arjuna in battle? No one, 
not even Indra what to speak of a mere mortal, will deter me from my 
determination to kill Arjuna in battle."

"When you come face to face with Arjuna," Salya replied, "and feel the 
force of his arrows, you will retract your boastful statements. You are like 
a croaking frog inviting the black snake of Krishna to devour you. You are 
like a dog in the forest barking at the forest roaming tiger. You are like a 
jackal and Dhananjaya is like a mighty lion. You can boast these words as 
long as Arjuna has not cut off your head with his golden shafted arrows."

Becoming agitated by Salya's words, Karna replied, "You are ignorant of my 
merits because you have not seen my prowess in battle. You, obviously, 
cannot judge between the powerful and the weak. In my quiver I have a 
special arrow in the form of a snake. I worship it with sandalwood and 
garlands. That arrow has the power to kill large numbers of soldiers and 
elephants. It has the power to penetrate Mount Meru. I will not use that 
weapon against anyone except Arjuna and Krishna. O Salya, you will behold 
today both Krishna and Arjuna slain by this arrow as two pearls are pierced 
by a needle and thread. You are a fool because you have allowed fear of 
battle to enter your heart. After killing Krishna and Arjuna, I will kill 
you along with all your kinsmen. I do not harbor any fear of Krishna and 
Arjuna. I am prepared to fight with a hundred Krishna and Arjunas and slay 
them in battle. You are born in a sinful country, and therefore, I do not 
take your words seriously. It is known that the inhabitants of Madras are 
the lowest of men, and whatever they speak is like dirt. It is well known 
that women in Madras are like camels and asses, and will have intercourse 
with anyone. Because you rule over such a low class of people, if I kill 
you, I will cast your carcass to the carnivorous animals who will devour it. 
To save yourself from such a fate, do not speak such words again. If you 
speak to me again like this, I will crush your head with my mace which is 
hard as thunder."

While taunting each other, Duryodhana suddenly appeared and pacified them 
both. He urged them to fight the enemy and not each other. Salya then 
guided the horses to the front part of the formation.

Dhritarastra inquired: How, O Suta, did Karna arrange the vast forces of my 
son's army? How also did Dhristadyumna arrange the forces of the Pandavas 
for battle? Please tell me everything in detail for I am eager to hear of 
it.

Sanjaya replied: Hear from me how, on this seventeenth day, the armies of 
both sides arrayed their troops. In your son's divisions, Kripa and 
Kritavarman took up the right wing of that formation. Beyond them were the 
divisions of the Gandharas headed by Shakuni and Uluka. On the left wing of 
the formation were the Samsaptakas led by King Susharman. Also your sons 
took up their positions amongst that formidable host. At the rear of the 
army was your son Duhshasana, riding on a huge elephant supported by 
thousands of troops. Behind him was Duryodhana surrounded by the foremost 
warriors of the Kaurava army. Behind the King and taking up the tail of that 
division was Ashvatthama. The body of the formation was led by Karna, 
supported by tens of thousands of warriors. Behind Karna was his son 
Vrishasena and his other sons Banasena and Shusena. They were all prepared 
to lay down their lives for their father.

Dhristadyumna, in consultation with Arjuna, then arrayed their troops in a 
counter formation to assure their safety. Beholding the Samsaptakas 
standing before him, Arjuna challenged them, desiring to finish the remnants 
of those unretreating heroes. When the two armies met their was a loud sound 
of warriors desiring victory. The two armies had diminished considerably 
since the first day of the battle.

When Karna came upon the Panchalas he killed five of their foremost 
warriors whose names were Banadeva, Chitrasena, Senavindhu, Tapan and 
Surasena. The two protectors of Karna's chariot wheels were two of his sons, 
named Satyasena and Sushena. The oldest son of Karna, Vrishasena, was 
protecting him from behind.

Coming up to challenge the Suta's son was Dhristadyumna, Satyaki, the five 
sons of Draupadi, Bhima and Shikhandi. There was also Nakula and Sahadeva 
surrounded by the Panchalas, the Chedis and the Matsyas. Shusena quickly 
cut Bhima's bow as Bhima came rushing toward Karna. Vrikodara picked up 
another bow and quickly pierced Shusena with ten arrows and Karna with 
seventy. Bhima then cut off Banusena's head with a razor sharp arrow even in 
the presence of his father. Having slain one of Karna's sons, Bhima began to 
afflict Karna's supporting troops.

Penetrating the Pandava host, Karna came upon Yudhisthira and pierced him 
with ten arrows. Yudhisthira then set on his bow a golden shafted arrow 
capable of taking the life of the Suta's son. Releasing the arrow with full 
force, it pierced Karna's side forcing him to fall to the floor of the 
chariot. Seeing the precarious situation, Karna's division thought that he 
was slain. Salya was about to take him from the battlefield when he regained 
consciousness. Karna then set his heart on killing Yudhisthira. With a 
couple of razor headed arrows, Karna killed the two warriors that were 
protecting Yudhisthira's chariot. He then cut Yudhisthira's bow in two and 
with his arrows stripped his armor from his body. Yudhisthira picked up a 
golden dart and released it at Karna with full force. Karna, however, 
shattered it with his own weapons. King Yudhisthira then pierced Karna with 
four lances. Two lances pierced his arms, one his chest and one his head. 
Blood poured from his wounds, and Karna became furious. He destroyed 
Yudhisthira's chariot forcing him to ascend another. King Yudhisthira, not 
feeling capable of further fighting, fled the battlefield. However, Karna 
would not allow him to escape. He came near Yudhisthira and seized him by 
force. Karna then remembered his promise to Kunti and did not harm him.

Laughing and making fun of him, Karna said, "How is it that you are born of 
such a noble race, and you are running from the battlefield desiring to 
save your life. You are inclined toward the life of a brahmana, and 
therefore not inclined to the life of a kshatriya. Do not, O son of Kunti, 
fight with brave warriors and use harsh language. Go to your tent or take 
shelter of Krishna and Arjuna. I will grant you life and not slay you." 
Karna then left Yudhisthira and returned to the thick of the fighting.

King Yudhisthira was angered by Karna's words, but as he looked around he 
saw that he had no weapons to challenge him. Bhima then came upon Karna, and 
a fierce battle ensued. Karna managed to shatter Bhimasena's bow, but Bhima 
strung another bow and pierced Karna with many arrows. Karna countered with 
twenty arrows, but Bhima pierced Karna in the chest with a broad headed 
shaft released with the force of lightning. The arrow hit Karna with the 
sound of thunder, and Karna fell to the floor of the chariot in a deadly 
swoon. Salya then took Karna from the battlefield to save his life.

Witnessing Karna's defeat, Duryodhana sent twenty of his brothers to fight 
with Bhima. They were like flies about to enter fire. Bhima was red hot 
like fire and could not be stopped. Duryodhana's brothers surrounded him, 
and began to afflict him with deadly arrows. Furious, Bhima struck off the 
head of Vivitsu, whose head resembled the full moon. With his forceful 
arrows Bhima then killed Vikata and Saha, who fell to the ground like a 
couple of trees uprooted by the wind. Bhima then killed Krata, Nanda and 
Upananda. Seeing their brothers killed, the others fled from the sight of 
Bhima.

Descending from his chariot, Bhima then began to annihilate the enemy 
troops as the wind destroys clouds. Seven hundred elephants then assaulted 
Bhima intending to trample him to death. However, Bhima prostrated all seven 
hundred with his unrelenting mace. Scorching the Kaurava army, Bhima then 
crushed one hundred chariots and two hundred infantry. Then five hundred 
chariot warriors inspired by Duryodhana rushed against Bhima to kill him. 
They roared fiercely and came upon him with great speed. None the less, 
Bhima made a mountain out of those five hundred warriors, and licking his 
lips, prepared to receive three thousand attacking horsemen sent by Shakuni. 
With his mace covered in flesh and blood, Bhima made a separate mountain of 
those oncoming horsemen. Not satiated with battle, Bhima entered the ranks 
of the Kauravas completely devoid of any kind of fear. His mace, which 
whirled about him constantly, was like a discus which was meant for the 
destruction of the whole world. No one could stop Bhima as he toured the 
battlefield mace in hand. The whole battlefield became a ghastly scene as 
Bhima pummeled chariots, horses and elephants into shapeless masses. Rivers 
of blood flowed in all directions. Infantrymen were slipping in pools of 
blood as they tried to make their way toward the angry Bhima. With one swing 
of his mace, Bhima was killing thirty soldiers at a time. Soldiers crushed 
by Bhima's mace were forcibly smashed into the soldiers behind them, forcing 
a merge in the bodies of men. The heads of elephants were either struck off 
or torn open, causing the brain of the beast to fall on the ground. 
Chariots, along with their warrior and horses, were reduced to 
unrecognizable shapes laying here and there on the battlefield. The 
Kurukshetra plain was ghastly, and the whole Kaurava army fled from the 
presence of the mighty armed Bhima, seeking Karna as their refuge. Bhima 
stood on the battlefield like Yamaraja himself. His mace and body were 
covered in flesh and blood. His anger was so intense that no one could 
recognize him. Thus Bhima released his wrath on the sinners for having 
touched the sanctified hair of his wife Draupadi.



Thus ends the Second Chapter of the Karna Parva, entitled, Salya becomes 
Karna's Charioteer.





Karna Parva



Chapter Three



Lord Krishna Saves Yudhisthira from Death



Dhritarastra said: O Sanjaya, the feats that Bhima accomplished were 
exceedingly wonderful. The field of battle could not tolerate the forceful 
play of his powerful mace. Now, O Suta, please tell me what happened between 
the two foremost chariot fighters, the son of Kunti, Arjuna and the son of 
Radha, Karna. Their encounter must have been wonderful for they are both 
considered the best among adhirathas. Please relate to me all that happened 
on that seventeenth day of battle.

Sanjaya said: O King, during the progress of the Kurukshetra war, the sound 
of the Gandiva bow was heard above all else. Arjuna was engaged in 
slaughtering the Samsaptaka headed by King Susharman. Greatly angered, the 
Samsaptakas surrounded Arjuna's chariot and began to cover it with a deluge 
of weapons. King Susharman pierced Arjuna with ten arrows and Krishna with 
three. He then pierced the monkey Hanuman who was emitting earth trembling 
screams from Arjuna's banner. Not tolerating that shaft, Hanuman began to 
roar with a thunderous voice, and the Samsaptaka warriors stood petrified 
out of intense fear. Indeed, they all stood like trees in a forest. However, 
inspiring his troops, King Susharman rushed at the chariot of Krishna and 
Arjuna releasing his mighty weapons. The Samsaptakas overcome with intense 
anger began to strike Arjuna's divine chariot. They hacked at the wheels, 
the shaft, the horses and every other part. Some of the soldiers tried to 
seize Lord Krishna as He was driving the chariot through the mass of 
soldiers. Others were trying to grab Arjuna or hit him with their weapons. 
The lotus eyed Lord Krishna pushed away the warriors who were trying 
desperately to kill Him, and Arjuna began to mangle the soldiers around the 
chariot with short arrows meant for close encounters. Cutting off their 
arms, legs and heads, he drove away the large force from the chariot.

Addressing Lord Krishna, Arjuna said, "Behold the mighty Samsaptakas 
fighting fiercely in battle. Without doubt, there is none on earth that 
could bear such an attack on his chariot except myself." Arjuna then blew 
his conchshell the Devadatta, and Lord Krishna blew His the Panchajanya. 
Then that subduer of hostile armies invoked the Naga (snake) weapon which 
paralyzed the legs of the Samsaptaka army. While in that helpless condition, 
Arjuna cut them down like a great wind storm cuts down trees. When the 
chariot had been freed from the mass of soldiers, Arjuna began slaying the 
Samsaptakas in thousands. Seeing all his troops tied up in with the snake 
weapon, King Susharman invoked the Sauparna astra which created countless 
birds to devour those snakes. Freed from their bonds, the Samsaptakas 
released their arrows and hurled their weapons at Lord Krishna and Arjuna. 
King Susharman released a deadly arrow that pierced Arjuna's chest, causing 
him to fall to the floor of his chariot. All the Samsaptakas loudly cried, 
"Arjuna is slain!, Arjuna is slain!" To the beating of drums and the blowing 
of conchshells, they rushed against the chariot of Lord Krishna and Arjuna. 
Recovering his senses and seeing the Samsaptakas nearing, Arjuna invoked the 
Aindra weapon, and from that single arrow thousands upon thousands of arrows 
issued from the Gandiva bow. Striking down the troops like lightning bolts 
strike down trees, that deadly weapon created a slaughter of men, horses, 
and elephants. Within a short period of time seventeen thousands warriors, 
and three thousands elephants littered the battlefield. Those Samsaptaka 
warriors who were unretreating in battle continued their attack on Arjuna 
making death or victory their goal.

Sanjaya continued: While Arjuna was engaged in battle with the Samsaptakas, 
Yudhisthira was fighting with Duryodhana. Sahadeva and Nakula were 
protecting Yudhisthira's chariot wheels, and also aiding Yudhisthira in his 
battle with the Kaurava King. Sahadeva invoked a celestial weapon and 
pierced Duryodhana with many arrows. The King was deeply lacerated and in 
great danger released many arrows which afflicted the sons of Pandu. Not 
tolerating the situation, Karna appeared on the scene. He began to destroy 
the troops supporting Yudhisthira and then pierced him with many arrows. 
Yudhisthira countered and pierced Karna with fifty arrows. Yudhisthira then 
began to afflict the Kaurava army with his mighty weapons and cause it to 
retreat from the field of battle. Wherever Yudhisthira cast his eyes, the 
Kaurava army broke and fled. Inflamed with rage, Karna assaulted Yudhisthira 
and lacerated him with many weapons. Karna released three broad headed 
shafts that caused the King to sit down on the chariot. The Kaurava army, 
seeing Yudhisthira weakened, called out, "Seize him! Seize him!" To protect 
the King, seventeen hundred Kekaya soldiers came forward and pushed back the 
enemy front line.

Karna would not allow Yudhisthira to escape. Yudhisthira had been mangled 
by Karna's arrows and was returning to his tent to receive attention to his 
wounds and rest for a while. He was being protected by Nakula and Sahadeva. 
Karna followed closely behind and pierced Yudhisthira with three arrows. 
Sahadeva and Nakula turned on Karna and attacked him. They covered him with 
many arrows, but the son of Radha managed to kill the horses that were 
drawing Yudhisthira's chariot. Smiling all the while, Karna, with a single 
arrow, knocked the crown from Yudhisthira's head. He then killed Nakula's 
horses and shattered his bow. Nakula then ascended Sahadeva's chariot and 
continued fighting with the cruel Karna.

Wanting to save Yudhisthira's life, Salya said to Karna, "Why are we 
engaged in this useless battle with Yudhisthira? It is Phalguna that you are 
to fight with. What will you gain by killing Yudhisthira. Just now you can 
hear the sound of the Gandiva bow. Certainly, Arjuna is killing the foremost 
Kaurava warriors. Bhima is also fighting with Duryodhana, and we must act in 
such a way that the King may not be harmed."

Upon hearing Salya's advice and seeing Duryodhana faring badly in battle 
with Bhima, Karna ordered the chariot to be taken to the front line. After 
Karna had left, Yudhisthira ascended Sahadeva's chariot and returned to his 
camp completely humiliated. He entered his tent, and Nakula and Sahadeva 
pulled out Karna's arrows. He then laid down on his bed to rest for some 
time. He ordered Nakula and Sahadeva to go and assist Bhima.

Meanwhile, on the front lines Arjuna engaged in a fierce duel with 
Ashvatthama and drove him from the battlefield. The mighty armed son of 
Kunti then looked in all directions, but nowhere could he see Yudhisthira's 
royal banner. He went to Bhima and inquired about the King's whereabouts. 
Bhima said, "King Yudhisthira has left the battlefield. His limbs were 
scorched by Karna's arrows. I am doubtful whether he still lives." Hearing 
this news, Arjuna ordered Lord Krishna to drive his chariot to the camp.

Upon entering Yudhisthira's tent and seeing that he was still alive, both 
Krishna and Arjuna were joyful. They worshiped the feet of the King and 
inquired of his welfare. Yudhisthira thought that Arjuna had slain Karna 
and had, therefore, brought the good news. He greeted them in the following 
words, "Welcome, O Lord of the Universe, who has Devaki for a mother, and 
welcome, O Dhananjaya. I am pleased by your presence. I see that without 
being wounded, you have slain the evil minded Karna. Karna had engaged me in 
battle and lacerated me with many arrows. He humiliated me and left without 
a chariot, horses or weapons. That I am still alive is due only to 
Bhimasena's prowess. Never before, even while fighting with Bhishma or 
Drona, did I experience such humiliation. Please tell me in detail how the 
death of that mighty hero took place."

In reply to the illustrious King's inquiry, Jishnu (Arjuna) said, "O King, 
after defeating Drona's son in battle and defeating the Samsaptakas, I have 
come here to see you, not knowing whether you were dead or alive. Bhima 
doubted that after your duel with Karna, you were still living. Karna is 
presently slaying our troops in great numbers. With the powerful Bhargava 
weapon, he has slain seventeen hundred of our foremost princes. Come with me 
now and witness as I kill Karna with all his kinsmen and followers."

Hearing that Karna was still alive, Yudhisthira was agitated and spoke 
harshly with Arjuna saying, "The army is being devoured by Karna, and you 
have come here deserting the brave Bhima on the front line of battle. You 
have promised to kill Karna. Therefore, why have you come here, except out 
of fear of the enemy? If, in the Dvaitavana forest, you had said to me that 
you would not fight with Karna, then I would have made other arrangements. 
You possess all abilities to slay the Suta's son, yet, out of fear you do 
not use them. If you had given the Gandiva bow to Keshava, and you had 
driven the chariot, then certainly He would have slain Karna by now. If you 
are unable to defeat Karna, then you should give the Gandiva bow to a 
superior king, and allow him to slay Karna. Because of this cowardly act, it 
would have been better if you were never been born in Kunti's womb."

When scorched by Yudhisthira's words, Arjuna drew his sword and was 
prepared to kill his brother. Quickly Lord Krishna pacified his friend and 
appeased his anger. The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, "Why, O Partha, 
are you drawing your sword? I do not see, O Dhananjaya, anyone here whom you 
should fight with. We should now go to the front line of the battle and 
fight with Dhritarastra's sons or the mighty Karna, whom you have vowed to 
slay."

Replying to Krishna and casting an enraged glance at Yudhisthira, Arjuna 
said, "I have taken a secret vow, O Govinda, that anyone who suggests that I 
give my Gandiva bow to another king should be slain. To keep my vow, I will 
now kill this brother who faults me for falling from virtue."

The lotus eyed Lord then spoke to Arjuna these words, "O tiger among men, 
you have yielded to anger at a time when you should not have done so. No 
one, who is conversant with truth, would act in this way. You desire to 
commit a deed that is condemned by the holy scriptures. Everything has to be 
seen through the eyes of scripture and great saintly persons. To kill one's 
older brother can never sanctioned by learned personalities. The killing of 
a person not engaged in battle, or one who has turned his face from battle, 
or one who seeks protection, or one who is carless, is never authorized by 
scripture. Why then do you wish to kill this revered superior? Morality is 
very difficult to understand. Listen to a story illustrating this point. 
Once there was an ascetic named Kausika, who did not have much scriptural 
knowledge. He lived a small distance from a village where several rivers 
met. He made a vow saying, 'I will always speak the truth.' He then became 
famous as one who never told a lie. One day some innocent persons, who were 
seeking refuge from some robbers, entered the forest near the sage's 
dwelling. Soon, the dacoits appeared there searching for these men to rob 
them. Approaching Kausika, they inquired, 'O holy one, by which path have 
those men gone who recently came here. Asking in the name of truth, reply to 
us.' When questioned in this way, Kausika said, 'Those men have entered the 
woods just near here.' The cruel thieves then slaughtered those innocent 
persons and took their wealth. For this sin, Kausika fell into hellish life 
and suffered greatly. There must be some process of distinguishing virtue 
from sin. Therefore, great sages have indicated that seeing through 
scriptural eye is the only distinct path to follow. However, the scriptures 
do not provide for every case. Hearing this from me, you should now decide 
whether your brother should be slain or not."

"O Krishna," Arjuna said, "Your wisdom always saves us from dangerous 
situations. You are like a father and are a refuge in all circumstances. 
You know my vow regarding anyone who says that I should give away my Gandiva 
bow. Now the King has repeatedly used these words. If I kill him, I will not 
be able to live in this world for a moment. Having vowed my elder brother's 
death, I am covered by sin. I now ask You to give me good counsel by which I 
will not break my vow and at the same time Yudhisthira will still live."

"O hero," the lotus eyed Vasudeva replied, "when the King spoke to you, he 
had just been humiliated by Karna. He was badly wounded and fatigued. It was 
for this reason that he spoke such unkind words. He, therefore, does not 
deserve death. Listen now to My instructions by which Yudhisthira will be 
thought as dead, but his body not slain. As long as one receives respect, he 
is considered living within this world. When, however, he is disrespected, 
he is considered dead although still living in this body. The King has 
always been respected by all your brothers including yourself. If at this 
time of argument, you speak to him disrespectfully, it will be thought that 
he is dead although still alive. In the past you have addressed him as 'Your 
Majesty'. If you chastise him disrespectfully, he can thus be thought of as 
dead. This kind of death King Yudhisthira will never regard as offensive. 
Having verbally slain him in this way, you may then worship his feet and 
soothe his wounded honor. You will be freed from breaking your vow, and the 
sinful act of killing your brother. You will then be able to slay Karna."

Following Lord Krishna's instruction, Arjuna spoke harshly with his older 
brother, accusing him of casting the whole kshatriya race into hell because 
of his desire to gamble. He spoke to him in many unkind words, and after 
speaking in this manner, he fell at his elder brother's feet and begged 
forgiveness.

At this time Lord Krishna informed Yudhisthira, "O King, I will now explain 
to you the vow Arjuna has taken. Arjuna has vowed to kill any person who 
says, 'Give your Gandiva bow to another.' You have uttered these very words 
to him in chastisement. To make good the vow and at the same time not see 
you slain, he has spoken apparent words of disrespect."

Hearing the truth of the matter, King Yudhisthira immediately rose from his 
resting place, raised his brother and embraced him. Yudhisthira then spoke 
to Hrishikesha, "O Govinda, I have been guilty of a great sin, and now I 
have been awakened to the real truth. O husband of the goddess of fortune, 
by Your mercy we have been saved from a great calamity. We have been rescued 
from a distressful ocean by taking the boat of Your lotus feet. We, along 
with are relatives and friends, have now passed over the great mountains of 
sorrow and grief, having obtained You as our master and Lord." King 
Yudhisthira then embraced Lord Krishna and then again Arjuna. He requested 
Arjuna to now kill the Suta's son. Assuring the King of success, Arjuna and 
Lord Krishna mounted their chariot, and Lord Krishna urged the horses toward 
the front line of the battle.



Thus Ends the Third Chapter of the Karna Parva, Entitled, Lord Krishna 
Saves Yudhisthira from Death.



Chapter Commentary



Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, has made a point in this 
chapter that is instructive to all persons trying to make advancement in 
spiritual life. One must be able to see through the eye of scripture in 
order to understand certain situations in their proper light. Lord Krishna 
told Arjuna before the battle, tasmac chastram pramanam te, 
karyakarya-vyavasthitau, jnatva sastra-vidhanoktam, karma kartum iharhasi, 
"One should understand what is duty and what is not duty by the regulations 
of the scriptures. Knowing such rules and regulations, one should act so 
that he may be gradually elevated." ( B.g. 16.24) We must learn to see 
through the eye of the scripture. The holy books have been left for us by 
the previous acharyas to help see how to get out of this material world. 
Sufficient hearing of the these holy books, especially, Bhagavad-gita, 
Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita will provide the eyesight to 
find our way out of this material entanglement. One who rejects the holy 
scriptures and acts whimsically is putting himself in a very dangerous 
situation. Lord Krishna told Arjuna, yah sastra-vidham utsrjya, vartate 
kama-karatah, na sa siddhim avapnoti, na sukham na param gatim, "But he who 
discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whims attains 
neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination." (B.g. 
16.23) There is a three way check and balance in spiritual life: guru, sadhu 
and scripture. Of the three, scripture is the central point. The guru and 
sadhu must be able to quote scripture to support their points. If one 
doesn't support himself or his ideas using scriptural authority, he may 
cause a disturbance to people in general. This is confirmed by Rupa Goswami, 
sruti smrti-puranadi, pancaratra-vidhim vina, aikantiki harer bhaktir, 
utpatayaiva kalpate, "Devotional service to the Lord that ignores the 
authorized Vedic literatures like the Upanishads, Puranas, 
Narada-Pancharatra, etc., is simply an unnecessary disturbance in society." 
(Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.2.101)

In this age of Kali the Srimad-Bhagavatam will light the pathway to the 
kingdom of God. krsne sva-dhamopagate, dharma-jnanadibhih saha, kalau 
nasta-drsam esa, puranarko 'dhunoditah, "This Bhagavata Purana is as 
brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord 
Krishna to His own abode, accompanied by religion, knowledge, etc. Persons 
who have lost their vision due the dense darkness of ignorance in the age of 
Kali shall get light from this Purana. (S.B. 1.3.43) Srimad-Bhagavatam is 
the transcendental sound vibration which cleanses our dirty hearts, and help 
us to fix our minds at the lotus feet of Krishna. This is also confirmed in 
Srimad-Bhagavatam, anarthopasamam saksad, bhakti-yogam adhoksaje, 
lokasyajanato vidvams, cakre satvata-samhitam, "The material miseries of the 
living entity, which are superfluous to him, can be directly mitigated by 
the linking process of devotional service. But the mass of people do not 
know this, and therefore the learned Vyasadeva compiled this Vedic 
literature, which is in relation to the Supreme Truth." (S.B. 1.7.6)

If we neglect or doubt the revealed scriptures, then our future is very 
dim. Lord Krishna told Arjuna, ajnas casraddadhanas ca, samsayatma 
vinasyati, nayam loko 'sti na paro, na sukham samsayatmanah, "But ignorant 
and faithless persons who doubt the revealed scriptures do not attain God 
consciousness. For the doubting should there is happiness neither in this 
world nor in the next." (B.g. 4.40) The conclusion is we must take the time 
to learn the holy books and see through their eyes. The spiritual master 
gives us these books to cure the cataract of material vision. om ajnana 
timaran dasya jnana jnana salakaya chaksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri guruve 
namah, In this verse the word salakaya means a medical instrument which 
applies medical ointment to the eye which is afflicted with cataract. Our 
spiritual eye is afflicted, and therefore the spiritual master applies the 
ointment of Vedic knowledge to open this eye by which we can see the kingdom 
of God. For this reason we offer our most humble obeisances unto the lotus 
feet of such a spiritual master.



Karna Parva



Chapter Four



The Death of Karna



Dhritarastra inquired: O Sanjaya, the prowess of Kunti's son, Arjuna, is 
well known. What happened after Krishna and Arjuna left the tent of the the 
great King Yudhisthira? Tell me in detail what happened in the encounter 
between the son of Indra, Arjuna, and the son of Surya, Karna.

Sanjaya continued: O Monarch, when Arjuna reached the front line of battle, 
he saw Bhima ripping open the Kaurava ranks. Following him were six bullock 
carts filled with his weapons. Duryodhana had sent Shakuni to challenge 
Bhima, but Shakuni could do nothing against Bhima's anger and was ultimately 
forced to retreat. Arjuna made his way toward Bhimasena and informed him 
that the King was resting after being mangled by Karna's arrows. Hearing of 
the King's welfare, Bhima became joyful, and descending from his chariot, he 
attacked the Kaurava army with mace in hand. He began to whirl his mace 
about his head causing mass destruction of the enemy soldiers. He soon 
killed ten thousand warriors and hundreds of elephants. His mace was covered 
in blood and flesh as he scorched the ranks of Duryodhana's army. He then 
ascended his chariot and proceeded behind Arjuna toward the place where 
Karna was engaged in combat.

Karna was exhibiting the full qualities of an adhiratha. He was 
singlehandedly fighting the great warriors of the Pandava army. 
Dhristadyumna, Satyaki, the five sons of Draupadi, Shikhandi, Uttamaujas, 
Yudhamanyu, Nakula and Sahadeva were all fighting against Karna. Karna 
killed Satyaki's four horses, but Satyaki then killed the son of Karna, 
Prasena. Greatly enraged, Karna released an arrow to encompass Satyaki's 
death. As the arrow came blazing toward Satyaki, Shikhandi shattered it with 
his own weapons. Karna then killed the son of Dhristadyumna, even as 
Dhristadyumna looked on. As Karna was defeating the great Pandava generals 
one by one, he was also causing a great slaughter of the army. He pushed 
back the enemy ranks causing a massacre of men. Four thousand chariot 
fighters lay to his right and four thousand to his left. Hundreds of 
elephants were prostrated to the ground along with their riders by the 
arrows of Surya's son. The Pandava army was sinking in the ocean of Karna, 
and to save it the boat of Arjuna came forward granting life to those who 
were sinking.

Meanwhile, Duhshasana came forward to fight with Bhima. He shattered 
Bhima's bow and pierced him with nine arrows sending up a loud roar on the 
battlefield. Not tolerating his enemy's victory, Bhima released a dart with 
all his strength. However, Duhshasana cut it off with his powerful arrows 
and pierced Bhima once more. Enraged at the sight of Duhshasana, Bhima 
exclaimed, "O hero, I have been pierced by one who is about to die. Now see 
if you can bear the force of my mace as I send you to the other world. 
Today, I shall fulfill my vow and drink your blood on the field of battle!" 
Duhshasana quickly threw a dart at Bhima, but the second son of Pandu 
released his club that shattered the dart and struck the son of Gandhari on 
the head. The mace was thrown with such speed that Duhshasana was knocked 
ninety feet from his chariot. Duhshasana lay on the ground rolling in pain. 
His armor, crown, hair and ornaments were displaced, and blood was flowing 
from his head. Bhima then remembered the offenses this person had committed 
in the past. He remembered how Duhshasana had grabbed the sanctified hair of 
his queen, Draupadi, and how he had uttered so many unkind words. His face 
became red hot, and he descended from his chariot. He then addressed Karna, 
Duryodhana, Kripa and Drona's son, "Today, I will kill this wretched 
Duhshasana. Let all of the warriors protect him if you can." Bhima then 
rushed at Duhshasana and drew his razor sharp sword. He placed his foot on 
his neck and cut off the arm that had touched Draupadi's beautiful hair. He 
then opened Duhshasana's chest with his sword, and in the presence of all 
warriors, he drank the blood of that sinful person. He then severed 
Duhshasana's head and displayed it for all to see. With blood dripping from 
his mouth, he announced to the Kaurava warriors, "The taste of this blood I 
regard as superior to the taste of milk, honey, butter and ghee." Laughing 
with his mouth wide open, Bhima presented an appearance like Yamaraja 
himself. Some of the Kaurava warriors fell down in fear, and others dropped 
their weapons and stood feebly, overcome with disbelief. Some warriors fled 
away exclaiming, "This one in no human being!" Others said, "This Bhima must 
be a Rakshasa!"

Bhima then spoke to all present, "All heroes, listen to my words! The vow 
that I have taken has now been accomplished. I will now fulfill my other vow 
by killing the sinful Duryodhana." Having said these words, Bhima began to 
roar with his mouth covered in blood. This sight struck fear into the hearts 
of all warriors.

Chitrasena, a brother of Karna, fled from the scene speaking harshly of 
Bhima. Yudhamanyu chased after him and challenged him to battle. With a 
single arrow, Yudhamanyu cut off the head of the powerful Chitrasena. 
Witnessing his brother's death, Karna was filled with rage and began to 
exterminate the Pandava troops. He was filled with simultaneous anger and 
grief over the death of Duhshasana and his brother. Stretching his bow to 
full length, he began a massacre of men, horses and elephants.

Sanjaya continued: Overcome with lamentation at the death of their brother, 
ten of your sons, O King, rushed at Bhima. They were Nishangin, Kavachin, 
Pasin, Dundahara, Dhanurgraha, Alolupa, Saha, Shanda, Vatavega, and 
Suvardhasas. These ten assailed Bhima from their chariots, releasing their 
deadly arrows. The second son of Pandu, however, cut off their heads with 
ten broad headed shafts. Upon the fall of those ten sons, all the Kaurava 
soldiers fled away. Witnessing Bhima's prowess, Karna was also overcome with 
intense fear. Seeing this, Salya spoke to him, "At this time in the battle, 
do not grieve, O son of Radha. Afflicted by fear of Bhima, all the great 
generals are flying away from the fight. Duryodhana is completely senseless 
over his brother's death, and Kripa and others are trying to pacify him. 
Just now Arjuna is coming to challenge you. Collect all your strength and 
prowess, for the entire burden of this battle is now placed upon your 
shoulders."

While this conversation was going on, Vrishasena, angered at the death of 
Duhshasana and Chitrasena, rushed against Nakula, desiring to fight with 
his father's enemy. A fierce battle then ensued between those two heroes. 
Vrishasena managed to kill Nakula's horses and pierce him with many arrows. 
Descending from his chariot, Nakula took up his sword and shield, and 
making his way toward Vrishasena, he severed the heads of two thousand 
horsemen. Vrishasena, seeing Nakula coming towards him whirling that sword 
like a discus, shattered the sword and shield with four crescent shaped 
arrows. Nakula then quickly ascended Bhima's chariot. As Arjuna came near, 
Nakula requested him, "Please slay this sinful person."

Arjuna then ordered Lord Krishna, "Proceed toward the son of Karna. I will 
kill him within his father's sight." Unsupported by anyone, Vrishasena 
challenged Arjuna releasing many different kinds of arrows. He pierced 
Arjuna's arm with ten arrows and Krishna also with ten. Arjuna became 
enraged, and exclaimed loudly to the Kaurava kings including Karna, "Today, 
O Karna, I will kill your son as you unfairly killed my son, Abhimanyu! Let 
all the warriors protect him if they can. I will kill him, and then, O fool, 
I will slay you; and Bhima will slay the wretched Duryodhana, whose evil 
policies have brought about the great battle."

Having threatened Karna, Arjuna struck Vrishasena with ten arrows that 
weakened him. With four razor headed arrows, Arjuna cut off his bow, his 
two arms and his head that was adorned with beautiful earrings. Seeing his 
son slain by Arjuna's arrows, Karna challenged Arjuna to battle.

Upon seeing Karna rushing with great speed toward the chariot, Lord Krishna 
encouraged Arjuna, "Behold, O son of Pandu, the furious Karna rushing 
toward you for combat. The sound of his bow can be heard at all points of 
the battlefield. You are the only one who can withstand the arrows of this 
great adhiratha. You have satisfied even the great Shiva by your prowess. 
Let prosperity, therefore, be with you and obtain victory in battle."

"My victory, O Krishna, is certain" replied Arjuna. "There is no doubt of 
this, since, You, who are the master of the three worlds, are pleased with 
me. Urge the horses forward for I will not return from battle without 
killing Karna. O Govinda, either I will slay him, or he will slay me. As 
long as the earth will exist, people will speak of this great encounter."

Beholding Vrishasena killed, Karna wept bitter tears, and his eyes were red 
in rage. He then proceeded toward Arjuna challenging him to fight. To the 
sounds of drums, trumpets and conchshells, Karna's chariot proceeded toward 
Arjuna. The Kaurava soldiers were joyous and sent up loud roars. Similarly, 
the Pandava soldiers beat their drums and blew their conchshells, 
encouraging the mighty armed son of Kunti. All the warriors stopped their 
fighting as the two faced each other in combat. The heavens became filled 
with demigods, rishis, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Nagas, Pitris, Apsaras and 
Vidyadharas. They all came to witness this greatest of battles. Surya, the 
sun god shone brightly and wished his son victory. Similarly, Indra, 
appearing in the heavens, prayed for his son's success. All those who 
appeared in the heavens took one side or the other. The Lord of the universe 
was driving Arjuna's chariot, and Salya, the ruler of Madras, was driving 
Karna's chariot. Those two great heroes then began to afflict each other 
with their weapons. The combatants on both sides then picked up their 
weapons and supported either Arjuna or Karna. Supporting Karna were 
Duryodhana, Kritavarman, Kripa, Shakuni and Ashvatthama. They all rushed at 
Arjuna releasing their selected weapons. Behind them were tens of thousands 
of Kaurava soldiers. The heavenly denizens began to sing the praises of 
Krishna and Arjuna. They caused gentle breezes to blow and flowers to fall 
from the sky.

When the fierce duel began, both warriors set their hearts on victory. 
Arjuna invoked the Agneya weapon which sped toward Karna, scorching his 
supporting troops with fire. Karna countered that weapon with the Varuna 
weapon. That water weapon caused dense dark clouds to appear in the sky and 
pour torrents of rain. Arjuna then invoked the Vayavya weapon and blew away 
the clouds with fierce winds. Partha then invoked a weapon given to him by 
Indra, and when he did, thousands of arrows shot forth from the Gandiva bow 
piercing Karna in all parts of his body. Karna was furious and invoked the 
Bhargava weapon which began to kill the Pandava warriors in thousands. That 
weapon, given to him by Parashurama, began to exterminate the Panchala and 
the Somaka armies. Encouraged by Krishna and Bhima, Arjuna invoked the 
Brahmastra weapon which countered the weapon released by the son of Radha. 
With that weapon Arjuna killed four hundred elephants, eight hundred chariot 
fighters, one thousand horsemen and eight thousand foot soldiers.

Enraged, Karna took five snakes from his quiver, turned them into arrows 
and released them at Krishna. Scorching through the air, they pierced the 
transcendental body of the Lord and entered into the earth. As they came 
out of the earth and were returning to Karna's quiver, Arjuna cut them into 
three fragments. Lord Krishna was not hurt in the least by Karna's arrows, 
and He appeared unaffected. Greatly angered, Arjuna then killed two thousand 
chariot fighters that were supporting Karna and drove the other great 
generals to other parts of the battlefield. Karna was then left alone to 
fight with Arjuna. The fighting continued and was indeed wonderful. All were 
filled with joy upon seeing the two warriors duel using diverse kinds of 
weapons.

While the fighting was going on, the snake, Ashvasena, who managed to 
escape the devouring of the Khandava forest by Agni, was living in the lower 
regions. He was very envious of Arjuna, and hearing about the battle between 
Karna and Arjuna, he rose up to watch the wonderful fight. He remembered how 
Arjuna had killed his mother as she was trying to escaped the forest fire 
set by Agni. Desiring to gain revenge against Arjuna, he entered Karna's 
quiver. He entered the arrow that was being kept by Karna for Arjuna's 
death. When Karna saw that he could not defeat Arjuna with all his weapons, 
he set that arrow on his bow and drew back his bow string to full length. He 
then said to Arjuna, "Now you are slain!" When the arrow was released, 
meteors fell from the sky, and the demigods, headed by Indra thought that 
Arjuna would be killed. Seeing the blazing snake mouthed arrow come toward 
Arjuna, Lord Krishna pressed down on the terrace of the chariot and caused 
it to sink into the ground about a foot and a half. When this happened the 
horses were forced down to the ground. Karna's deadly arrow then swept off 
Arjuna's crown and smashed it to pieces. Indeed, the beautiful celestial 
crown, a gift of Indra, was knocked off Arjuna's head and shattered.

Upon witnessing the feat of Lord Krishna, which saved Arjuna's life, the 
demigods showered flowers and beat on their drums. That snake, having 
smashed Arjuna's crown, came back to Karna and informed him, "It is I that 
you have released from you bow. Having failed the mark, you may release me 
again. This sinful son of Pandu has killed my mother without reason, and I 
seek his death. Even if Indra protects him, I will cause his death, today." 
Karna replied, "I will not gain victory by someone else's power. Even if I 
have to kill a hundred Arjunas, I will not release the same arrow twice."

The snake Ashvasena was not satisfied with Karna's sense of warfare. He 
proceeded himself for slaying Arjuna. When Krishna saw what was taking 
place, he ordered Arjuna, "Slay that snake for he has become your enemy!"

"Who is this snake that seeks to kill me?" Arjuna inquired.

"While you were engaged in killing animals in the Khandava forest," Krishna 
replied, "this Ashvasena was in his mother's body. The mother rose up into 
the sky, but you killed her with your arrows. However, the son escaped. He 
has now appeared on the battlefield seeking revenge." Arjuna quickly cut up 
the snake into six pieces as it came scorching through the sky.

After this, Lord Krishna, the protector of His devotee, personally pulled 
Arjuna's chariot out of the earth, and again Arjuna proceeded against 
Karna. Those two great heroes began to pierce each other with their blood 
sucking arrows and sent up loud roars on the field of battle. Arjuna then 
shattered the crown, earrings and armor that Karna was wearing. Having 
deprived Karna of his protection, he then pierced him with many arrows 
causing him great pain. Karna dropped his bow and sat down on the seat of 
his chariot. Arjuna, who was conversant with the codes of fighting, did not 
wish to kill Karna in that condition. However, Krishna said to the mighty 
armed son of Kunti, "Why, O son of Pandu, have you become so forgetful of 
the sins this man has committed. Do not spare him. Kill him immediately!"

Desiring to please the Lord of the universe, Arjuna set to his bow an iron 
arrow and inspired with the force of Indra's thunderbolt. At that time when 
the hour of Karna's death had come, Kala (time) appeared there and informed 
Karna that his death was near. Kala told him, "The earth is devouring your 
chariot wheel!" Suddenly, Karna could not remember the mantras to call his 
celestial weapons. He suddenly forgot how to call the Brahmastra weapon with 
which he desired to kill Arjuna. Karna's chariot wheel then sunk into the 
earth and would not move. When this happened, he thought that destiny was 
supreme. He became unhappy at the turn of events. Suddenly he remembered the 
incantation for the Brahma weapon and released it at Arjuna. However, Arjuna 
countered with the Aindra weapon, and the two powerful weapons were 
neutralized. Karna then cut Arjuna's bow string, then another, then another 
until ten strings were severed. Karna did not know that Arjuna had one 
hundred strings in reserve for fighting on the battlefield. Karna then began 
to pierce Arjuna in every part of his body. Seeing this, Lord Krishna said, 
"Release your superior weapons at Karna without fail!" Arjuna then invoked 
the Raudra weapon and set it to his bow. At this time Karna got down from 
his chariot and tried to free it from the earth. However, it would not move. 
Karna was shedding tears, and seeing Arjuna about to release his weapon, he 
requested him, "O Partha, wait for a moment till I free this chariot from 
the earth. Do not kill me like a coward, but observe the practices of great 
warriors. You are the bravest man in the world, and you should know that now 
is not the time to kill me. Excuse me for a moment till I can free my 
chariot which is stuck in the earth."

Hearing Karna's plea, Lord Krishna said, "It is by good luck, O son of 
Radha, that you are now remembering virtue. It was yourself, Duhshasana, 
Duryodhana, and Shakuni who ordered Draupadi to be brought into the King's 
assembly with the idea of seeing her naked. Where was virtue then, O sinful 
person? When Yudhisthira was defeated unfairly at dice by the deceitful 
Shakuni, why didn't virtue enter your mind then? When Bhimasena was given a 
poisoned cake by the sinful Duryodhana, why didn't your virtue come out? 
When the Pandavas were exiled for thirteen years in the forest, where was 
your virtue? When Draupadi was dragged into the King's assembly, it was you 
who said, 'The Pandavas, O Draupadi, are lost. They have sunk into hell. Why 
don't you chose another husband?' You looked on that scene with delight. 
Where was your virtue at that time? When Abhimanyu was being unfairly 
defeated by six great warriors, where were your moral word? If at these 
times, virtue never came to your mouth, why then suddenly are you demanding 
righteousness? Today, you shall not escape with your life, O sinful person. 
The Pandavas will defeat Duryodhana's army, and will win lasting fame. The 
Pandavas are protected by virtue."

Sanjaya continued: O King, thus addressed by the lotus eyed Vasudeva, Karna 
said nothing and hung his head in shame. With his lips quivering in rage, 
he took up his bow and continued to fight with Arjuna. He released a deadly 
weapon with the force of a thunderbolt and hit Partha in the chest, causing 
him to fall to the floor of the chariot. Karna then took the opportunity and 
tried to free his chariot. Although he struggled, he could not free the 
wheel from the ground. Then Lord Krishna said to Arjuna, "Cut off your 
enemy's head before he ascends his chariot." Agreeing with the words of the 
lotus eyed Lord, Arjuna quickly cut the standard from Karna's chariot. That 
banner which caused great inspiration the Kaurava army then fell to the 
ground signifying the death of the great hero. Arjuna then took from his 
quiver an Anjalika weapon that resembled Indra's thunderbolt. This arrow was 
six feet long and looked like a blazing rod of death. Upon setting the arrow 
to his bow, the earth began to tremble and the sky filled with wonderful 
sounds. Stretching his bow to full length, Arjuna released that arrow with 
the sound of a thunderbolt. Piercing through the sky, it severed the 
beautiful head of Surya's son. The mighty Anjalika weapon succeeded in 
slaying that foremost warrior of the earth. When Karna's head fell to the 
ground, a stream of blood shot out of Karna's trunk and with it came his 
life force. That spiritual spark then entered the sun planet to be united 
with his father.

Overjoyed at Karna's death, Lord Krishna and Arjuna blew on their conches 
and the Pandava warriors did the same. The demigods showered flowers on 
Arjuna and played on their drums and sounded their trumpets. The Apsaras 
began to dance and Gandharavas played their instruments. The warriors waved 
their upper cloths, and jumped up and down in great joy. The time of Karna's 
death was the late afternoon. Karna was like the sun, and the rays of that 
sun were his blazing arrows. Now that the Karna sun had set, the army was 
relieved of those burning rays. After Karna's death, his chariot was freed 
from the earth, and Salya drove it from the battlefield.

Witnessing Karna's demise, Bhima uttered loud roars and slap his armpits. 
He danced in different ways and jumped up and down frightening the Kaurava 
army. Duryodhana was grief stricken and shed tears that covered his body. 
Furious at the death of so many friends and relatives, he rallied twenty 
five thousand troops and rushed at Bhima to kill him. Bhima took up his mace 
and attacked the oncoming enemy. With in a short period of time all those 
soldiers were smashed into the earth by the forceful mace of Bhimasena. 
Seeing his troops slaughtered, Duryodhana, outraged, tried to rally the 
fleeing troops, but Salya pacified him, and thus the army was withdrawn on 
the seventeenth day of the battle.

Lord Krishna and Arjuna then went and informed King Yudhisthira of Karna's 
death. Yudhisthira was joyous and requested to be taken to the place where 
Karna's body lay. His fears for thirteen years were now gone, and he 
embraced both Lord Krishna and Arjuna in great happiness. Thus the Pandavas 
celebrated the death of the great hero, ignorant of the fact that he was 
actually their elder brother. Karna had granted life to four of the 
Pandavas, knowing well that they were his younger brothers. Not being able 
to give up his affectionate relationship with Duryodhana, he perished with 
his brothers and kinsmen.



Thus Ends the Fourth Chapter of the Karna Parva, entitled, The Death of 
Karna.



Thus Ends the Karna Parva.



Chapter Commentary



In this chapter there is another point concerning morality. One may 
criticize Arjuna for killing Karna while he was pulling his chariot from the 
mud. However, if we remember from the Adi Parva, Karna was cursed by a 
brahmana to be killed while his chariot wheel was stuck in the earth. Arjuna 
was the instrument to fulfill that curse. According to the code of warfare, 
an enemy should not be killed when he is not properly armed, and Karna 
requested that Arjuna not kill him till his chariot was out of the earth. 
However, Lord Krishna reminded Karna of his lack of virtue and morality, and 
asked him why he was now requesting mercy, when he previously gave none. If 
Lord Krishna requested Arjuna not to show mercy to Karna, then that is the 
highest morality. Karna surely attained an exalted destination for seeing 
Lord Krishna and Arjuna at the last moment of his life. Lord Krishna 
informed Arjuna before the battle, anta-kale ca mam eva, smaran muktva 
kalevaram, yah prayati sa mad-bhavam, yati nasty atra samsayah, "And 
whoever, at the time of death, quits his body, remembering Me alone, at once 
attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt." (B.g. 8.5) Karna was 
fortunate to be killed while looking at Lord Krishna, the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead.

One may also criticize Bhima for drinking the blood from Duhshasana's 
chest. It will be learned later that Bhima never actually drank the blood, 
but put his mouth on Duhshasana's chest, giving the apparent scene of 
drinking Duhshasana's blood. Bhima certainly looked ghastly as he rose from 
Duhshasana's body, but that is the vow he took at the gambling match, since 
Duhshasana forcibly grabbed his wife, Draupadi, and tried to strip her 
naked. The sinful are always punished, eventually, in one way or another.