Section CXLII - Karna's Destiny: Krishna's Prophecy of Pandava Victory
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXLII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Sanjaya relayed a conversation between Karna and Krishna, where Krishna urged Karna to reconsider his allegiance to Duryodhana and join the Pandavas in their quest for the kingdom. Krishna highlighted the inevitability of the Pandavas' victory, citing Arjuna's divine weapons, Yudhishthira's righteousness, Bhima's ferocity, and the prowess of the twins Nakula and Sahadeva. Krishna also instructed Karna to inform Drona, Bhishma, and Kripa that the upcoming new moon day would be ideal for the battle to commence, promising the fulfillment of their desires. He reassured Karna that all the kings siding with Duryodhana would meet their destined fate in the battle.
Krishna emphasized the superiority of the Pandavas' strength and divine support, warning Karna of the imminent defeat of Duryodhana's forces at the hands of Arjuna, Bhima, and Yudhishthira. He predicted the destruction of the Kaurava army under the leadership of Drona, Bhishma, and Kripa, and the unstoppable momentum of the Pandavas driven by righteousness and skill. Despite Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana, Krishna urged him to consider the opportunity to switch sides for the sake of a just and righteous cause, promising victory and fulfillment to those who choose wisely in the battle.
Krishna described the scenes of impending battle, with the Pandavas showcasing their unmatched skills and valor on the battlefield against the formidable Kaurava army. He painted a vivid picture of Arjuna's divine weapons and chariot driven by Krishna, Bhima's wrathful attacks, and the prowess of Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva, hinting at the imminent defeat of the Kauravas. Krishna's words resonated with confidence in the Pandavas' victory and the eventual downfall of the Kauravas, underlining the divine support and righteousness that guided the Pandavas in their pursuit of the kingdom.
Krishna's words echoed a sense of inevitability and divine intervention in the upcoming battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, painting a portrait of impending victory for the righteous cause. He emphasized the role of destiny and righteousness in determining the outcome of the battle, urging Karna to reconsider his allegiance and join the Pandavas in their quest for justice and rightful rule. Despite Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana, Krishna's words hinted at a turning point in the conflict, where the Pandavas' righteousness and divine support would ensure their triumph over the Kauravas.
Full English translation:
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Section CXLII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CXLII:
What does Krishna predict about the outcome of the battle?
Krishna predicts the victory of the Pandavas and describes the signs of their success in battle, including the prowess of Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, and the twins. He also sets a specific date for the commencement of the battle.
What message does Krishna instruct Karna to deliver to the opposing kings?
Krishna instructs Karna to inform the kings that the upcoming month is favorable for battle, with abundant resources and pleasant weather. He assures them that their desires will be fulfilled and promises a victorious outcome for those who fight alongside Duryodhana.
Daily life: Karna's Destiny: Krishna's Prophecy of Pandava Victory:
The story from the Mahabharata, where Krishna speaks to Karna, offers profound insights for daily life. It emphasizes the inevitability of change and the importance of readiness for different phases in life, much like the transition through the ages mentioned. This can be interpreted as an encouragement to embrace the present moment and prepare for future challenges with optimism and strength.
Krishna's assurance of victory to the Pandavas, symbolized by the unfurled banner, teaches the significance of self-belief and having a clear vision of one's goals. Just as the Pandavas were destined for triumph despite obstacles, individuals are reminded to stay focused on their ambitions and persistently work toward them, confident in their eventual success.
Moreover, Krishna’s message to Karna about the ideal conditions for battle highlights the importance of timing and preparedness in achieving objectives. It suggests that, in life, recognizing the right moment to act and being well-prepared can considerably influence the outcome.
In essence, the narrative inspires one to pursue their aspirations with determination, utilize moments of strength wisely, and understand the importance of timing, all while maintaining an unwavering faith in the journey towards achieving personal victories.