In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the in-depth analysis as to why Karna didn’t switch sides even when Bhagawan Krishna Himself made a personal offer. Moving on further thus, Bhagawan Krishna now tells the truth about what is going to happen in the near future. Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Karna! I’ve told you whatever I should tell you! Rest is your decision! I leave it to you to decide what is best for you. However, oh Karna! Please understand one thing clearly – There is going to be a war that is about to commence very soon from now. In this war, there is definitely going to be mass destruction. Duryodhana, Sahuni, Ducchaasna, etc. are definitely going to be destroyed. “Dharma” will definitely win, which means, the Paandavas are going to win this war without a doubt. I shall ensure that it happens. This is my decision!”
As Bhagawan Krishna decisively says thus, Karna replies with tears in his eyes once again: “Oh Bhagawan! I’m totally aware of this fact. I know that all of us are just mere instruments in your divine hands! In fact, I’m very happy and proud to have such a close association with you in this birth. I consider this as one of my greatest fortunes! However, in this birth, my decision cannot be changed. I’m totally apologetic for this answer, but I’m helpless at the moment. I know that all of us are going to face destruction in this disastrous war. However, since it is your divine will, who can go against what you wish? Hence, I’m physically and mentally prepared to face whatever comes by my way!”
As Karna decisively conveys his decision thus, Bhagawan Krishna moves away from that place as Karna provides all the best possible hospitality to Bhagawan. After Bhagawan Krishna, Kunthi Devi comes to meet Karna in a bid to change his mindset. Kunthi Devi says thus, “Oh Karna! You are talking like this to Bhagawan only because you do not know your true background! You are my first son and I’m your mother. This means, you are one amongst the Paandava brothers only. You are Surya Bhagawan’s direct son and this is why you’re an epitome of “Dharma” of giving “Dhaanam” to others. So as your mother, it is my duty to provide you with some important advice. Please do not waste your precious life in fighting for Duryodhana. Why should an epitome of “Dharma” fight on the side of “Adharma”? Oh Karna! Please think of this and you’ve seen Bhagawan Krishna pitching for you by inviting you towards His side as well. Hence, as a mother, I’m advising you to switch sides and fight against “Adharma”. There is no space here for opportunism. Please change your mind and go towards the “Vishesha Dharma”, rather than sticking to the ordinary “Dharma”!”
As Kunthi Devi requests thus, Karna replies to her – “Oh mother! I know all that you’ve told me just now. Bhagawan Krishna just apprised me of all these. It is extremely unfortunate that I had to be deserted at a time when I didn’t even know the nuances of this world. I’m not blaming you for this, but it is merely my misfortune. If I was your real son, why didn’t you come to me earlier itself with this request? At a time when I was being ill-treated and insulted by everyone around me, where did you go? At a time when Guru Dhronachaarya rejected me because I was branded as a charioteer’s son, where were you? Now when you’re wanting your “real” sons Yudishtra and Co. to win against Duryodhana, you are coming to me requesting me to switch sides. You know very well that if I fight against Yudishtra, he is not going to win against me. It is only because of this, you want me to come to his side. Oh Mother Kunthi Devi! If you would have really had that affection towards me, you should have come to me with this request much earlier. Now after all whatever has happened, you’re coming to me as a “saviour”. I reject this offer totally! It is not because I support whatever mess that Duryodhana has created. It is only because all of you deserted me at a time when I needed it the most. At that crucial time, it was only Duryodhana who bailed me out of that insult. Hence, even though I know that Duryodhana is walking the path of “Adharma”, and even though I know that I would face destruction, I do not care about it. As a “Kshatrya” king, giving up my life in the battlefield is something that I’m not scared of. Just because I’ve to live a life, I do not want to be an opportunist by deserting Duryodhana at a crucial time when he needs me the most. Just like how he stood by me at my critical time, I should stand by him during his critical time. This is real gratitude! Hence, there is no use in convincing me beyond this point!”
Saying thus, Karna conveys his decision with tears in his eyes to his mother. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 