In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna’s extraordinary strategy to protect Arjuna from Karna’s “Shakti-Aayudham”. Ever since the eleventh day when Karna entered the battlefield after Bhishmachaarya’s unavailability, Bhagawan Krishna has been driving Arjuna away from Karna everytime. On one hand, Karna was determined to employ the “Shakti Aayudham” upon Arjuna to kill him and on the other hand, Arjuna was also raring to have a go at Karna, not knowing the fact that Karna’s “Shakti-Aayudham” can cost his life. However, “Anugraha” for Arjuna comes in the form of Bhagawan Krishna Himself directly, who somehow avoids this marquee battle from taking place between the duo. Now that Ghatodgaja has taken the “Shakti-Aayudham” upon himself and sacrificed his life for his fathers, Bhagawan Krishna heaves a sigh of relief that Arjuna’s life is safe and secure. All the threats that Arjuna had till now are almost neutralized and now Arjuna’s victory is in sight! We’ve also witnessed an in-depth explanation in the previous episode as to why Bhagawan Krishna strategized it this way.
Moving on further, Bhagawan Krishna continues His accord to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! You should also realize one thing – There were two purposes that had to be served in this Ghatodgaja demise event – One is to neutralize the “Shakti-Aayudham” of Karna, and now the other one is very important for you to know – Ghatodgaja by nature was a Raakshasa. As you know, Raakshasas are habitual offenders and Ghatodgaja was not an exception to this. Just like other Raakshasas, Ghatodgaja has also killed several Brahmana Rishis in the forest and prevented several “Yagnyas” from taking place. For this offence, I’ve to destroy Ghatodgaja anyway. However, since Ghatodgaja was Bheemasena’s son, I wanted him to contribute to our cause of “Dharma” in some way before he meets his end. This is the reason I combined both these things here on the battlefield. So please do not worry about Ghatodgaja’s demise much. The two purposes have been fulfilled and Ghatodgaja has contributed his bit to restoring “Dharma” in this world! Now it is time for us to move on from this!”
Bhagawan Krishna continues further thus, “Oh Arjuna! Oh Bheemasena! There is a definitive reason as to why I destroy all the Raakshasas then and there. You are mourning Ghatodgaja’s demise today because he was your son. But always remember – Ghatodgaja was a Raakshasa and he was bound to be destroyed. Now I shall reveal a secret to both of you – If I do not kill the Raakshasas then and there, what do you think will happen? The entire world will come to a standstill and all the good activities that are taking place in this world will come to an end! These Raakshasas will ensure that they rule the roost with all their “Paapa Karma”. I cannot allow this to happen at any cost. My sole purpose behind this incarnation is to protect the “Saadhus” and the “Maharishis” and allow them to continue their “Dharma” in this world. If someone creates a stumbling block for their “Dharma”, I ensure that I destroy them. Ghatodgaja was no exception to this. Of course, he has also performed many “Punya Karma” alongside his other “Paapa Karma” and this is why he obtained an opportunity to contribute to the cause of our “Dharma” here at Kurukshetra. Moreover when I destroy Raakshasas, it doesn’t mean that I’m totally against their well-being. In fact, I care for them more than the “Saadhus” and “Maharishis”. This is because, in the case of “Saadhus”, they are already on the path of “Dharma” and they do not need much of my intervention all the time. However, Raakshasas perform “Paapa Karma” everytime, and the only way to transform them is by killing this “Deham” (Physical body) of theirs and providing them with a fresh birth, with a hope that atleast in the new birth, these people will follow the course of “Dharma”! Even now if they don’t, I again have to kill them and give them yet another fresh birth! This cycle keeps continuing till they also walk the path of “Dharma”. Hence, Oh Arjuna! Oh Bheemasena! Ghatodgaja’s case is similar too – In this birth, knowingly or unknowingly he had committed a lot of “Paapa Karma”, for which he had to meet this ghastly end. However, Ghatodgaja is a “Punya-Atman” by nature. He will definitely get his due share of care from me at some point in time and you do not need to worry about him anymore! What is important now here is that, Karna’s “Shakti-Aayudham” is neutralized and he cannot use this anymore. Now he is slowly getting devoid of all his powers one by one and it will be a cake-walk for you to kill him in the coming days!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna calms Arjuna and Bheemasena and assures them of all protection! So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 