In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna meeting Karna separately one-to-one and requesting him to switch sides into Yudishtra’s. Bhagawan Krishna proposes this idea to Karna because Karna is basically a good person by heart, and he is also one person who has undergone enormous amounts of trials and tribulations in his life. Karna is someone who has been cleated all through his life by several people at several stages. Thus, unknowingly, Karna has been caught into the web spun by Duryodhana and Co. and Bhagawan Krishna has a lot of compassion towards him. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna wants Karna to understand this reality that he has been stuck up with Duryodhana unwantedly and to make him aware that here’s an opportunity to come under His fold and to walk the path of “Dharma”. Now as Bhagawan Krishna gives this offer to switch sides, it is now up to Karna to respond, isn’t it? What is Karna’s response? Let us witness today.
Moving on, Karna responds thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Whatever you’re saying is right. I totally understand where you’re coming from. However, I cannot accede to your request. I’m indebted to Duryodhana in many ways. He may be walking the path of “Adharma” today, but just because of this reason, I cannot desert him. If I do so, I’ll be branded as an opportunist who ditched Duryodhana at a time when he needed me the most. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna – Please think of this – At a time when I was publicly insulted by everyone on that fateful day because of my birth background, nobody came to my rescue. Even though I had the best-in-class talent as a warrior, I was not recognized, even by Guru Dhronachaarya and he ended up insulting me in front of the whole crowd. At that time when I felt disastrous and frustrated, it was none other than Duryodhana who came forward to make me the king of “Anga Desha” and protect me! The Paandavas were also there amidst the crowd on that occasion, weren’t they? Why didn’t the same Yudishtra or Arjuna come forward atleast on a humanitarian basis to stop people from insulting me? Hence, even though you might say that Yudishtra’s side has “Dharma”, I will not be able to switch over to his side! I’m heavily indebted to Duryodhana, and if Duryodhana wouldn’t have come forward to save me on that fateful day, I would have been nowhere today!”
Listening to Karna’s accord thus, Bhagawan Krishna once again advises him thus, “Oh Karna! You may be right in whatever you said. But please listen to me. You’re talking without even knowing your birth background. Do you know to whom you were born? You are none other than Kunthi Devi’s first son. You were born to Surya Bhagawan and Kunthi Devi. You are a divine incarnation of Surya Bhagawan. You’re not realizing this fact as you’re talking all this to me. You are the big brother to Yudishtra. If you’re switching sides at this point now, Yudishtra will straightaway accept you as his brother, because he too doesn’t know this story. Oh Karna! Please understand this fact. You are not someone to be in this disastrous camp and fighting for nothing! You are different! You are someone who should stand by “Dharma”. So please reconsider your decision! You may be right by serving Duryodhana. But please think of one thing – You’ve advised Duryodhana on many occasions. You’ve protected Duryodhana on many occasions. You’ve done your duty towards him. It is not that you’ve done anything for him all these years. Now it is time for you to move on, because Duryodhana isn’t going to pay heed to your words of “Dharma” and wisdom. Hence, please change your decision and come along with me. I’m ready to take you to Yudishtra!”
What an offer Bhagawan Krishna is making here to Karna! If we would have been in Karna’s position, what we would’ve done? We would have shut our mouths and followed Bhagawan wouldn’t we? But did Karna do this? What impact is this offer from Bhagawan going to make on Karna? Let’s wait till the next episode to witness! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 