In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna departing from the Hastinapura courtroom after a decisive visit. He is flanked on either sides by Saatyaki and Vidura as He walks out of the courtroom, leaving King Dhritarashtra and the others stunned! As Bhagawan Krishna walks out, He decides to meet three important people before he leaves Hastinapura – One is Kunthi Devi, second is Vidura and third is Karna. As per the plan, Bhagawan Krishna visits Kunthi Devi one more time and gives her an update on what has happened just now at the Hastinapura courtroom. Kunthi Devi has only one thing to say after listening to Bhagawan Krishna’s brief accord – “Ask Yudishtra to uphold his “Kshatrya Dharma” at any cost!” The message is loud and clear from the mother here – If there’s a necessity of a war (which in all cases, there is), go for the kill! Kunthi Devi doesn’t mince her words while conveying this message to Bhagawan Krishna and through this message, she also requests Bhagawan to be by the side of her sons at all times.
Assuring Kunthi Devi of all the help and guidance towards Yudishtra and Co., Bhagawan Krishna consoles her and moves on. Instead of meeting Vidura next, Bhagawan Krishna goes to Karna. As Bhagawan Krishna arrives at Karna’s chamber, Karna welcomes Him with all due respects and provides an “Aasana” for Him to sit down. As Bhagawan Krishna settles down, He talks to Karna thus, “Oh Karna! You are a great warrior and a “Kshatrya” prince! You have infinite strength in you! You’re a scholar in all the Vedas, especially the “Dhanur Veda”. You are an epitome of helping others. You are the direct disciple of Bhagawan Parasurama. Not many in this world have the opportunity to directly learn from him, and you’ve obtained it. With all this significance behind your name, why are you fighting on the side of “Adharma”? Don’t you know the nature of Duryodhana? Don’t you know how cruel and wicked he is? Don’t you know how he walks the path of “Adharma” in every action that he performs? In spite of knowing all this, why are you fighting for him? Oh Karna! I hereby send you a direct and a formal invite – Please come to Yudishtra’s side. Yudishtra has “Dharma” in him! He might not be as powerful and invincible like you are. However, please remember one thing clearly – The side which has “Dharma” by it, will win this war if it takes place. Hence, please consider my invite!”
As Bhagawan Krishna invites Karna daringly and openly, He continues further thus, “Oh Karna! You are not aware of your past background. You do not know what happened when you were a newly born baby. If you know of it, you wouldn’t be talking like the way you are doing right now! Hence, Karna! I’m saying this for your own good and benefit. Please take this as an opportunity to switch sides and come towards the path of “Dharma”! Even now it is not too late. You are a powerful warrior and we need such people to protect the cause of “Dharma”! People who are scholarly in all the Vedas and the Shaastras should be an example and a role model for others. You are one such person who is extremely scholarly, however, you are not living up to that expectation. Hence, Karna! Please come to our side and show yourself to this world as a role model of how a “Kshatrya” prince should lead a life!”
This might be a tempting offer from Bhagawan Krishna, but is Karna ready to accept this offer? Is Karna going to pay heed to Bhagawan’s golden words of wisdom and switch sides? What’s Karna’s decision going to be? Let us eagerly wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 