Section CXLIII - Portents of Kurukshetra War: Karna's Ominous Prophecy
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXLIII 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 narrates that after listening to Krishna's words, Karna worships Krishna and expresses his doubts about the impending battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Karna describes various ominous signs and portents indicating the defeat of Duryodhana and the victory of Yudhishthira. He recounts a vision where he sees Yudhishthira ascending a palace and devouring the earth, indicating his future rule. Karna foresees the defeat of the Kauravas and the ultimate victory of the Pandavas in the battle.
In response, Krishna rebukes Karna for not accepting his words and warns him of the impending destruction when wrong assumptions cloud the mind. Karna, still doubtful, expresses a desire to meet Krishna again either after the battle on earth or in heaven. Despite the differences in their beliefs, Karna embraces Krishna before leaving for his camp, feeling greatly dejected.
Sanjaya observes Karna's emotional turmoil and his realization of the grave consequences of the upcoming battle. Despite his loyalty to Duryodhana, Karna cannot shake off the doubt planted by Krishna's words about the eventual defeat of the Kauravas. His interactions with Krishna reveal the complexity of his loyalty and doubts about the righteousness of the cause he is fighting for.
The exchange between Krishna and Karna highlights the inner conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by Karna as he prepares for the impending battle. Despite his allegiance to the Kauravas, Karna's interactions with Krishna sow seeds of doubt in his mind about the righteousness of their cause. Karna's eventual acceptance of the possibility of defeat signifies his growing realization of the consequences of his actions and decisions in the battle ahead.
As Karna leaves the presence of Krishna, his demeanor reflects a mix of emotions including doubt, fear, and resignation. His closeness to Krishna and the embrace before departing indicate a deeper connection and respect for the divine guidance offered by Krishna. The scene sets the stage for the climactic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas, with Karna torn between loyalty and doubt as the fate of the kingdoms hangs in the balance.
Full English translation:
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Section CXLIII, 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 CXLIII:
What signs did Karna see that indicated defeat for Duryodhana's army?
Karna noticed omens like meteors, animals behaving oddly, and ominous visions. These signs hinted at the Kurus' impending defeat in the battle against the Pandavas.
Daily life: Portents of Kurukshetra War: Karna's Ominous Prophecy:
The story shared from the Mahabharata, where Karna and Krishna have a deep conversation about the impending doom of the Kurukshetra war and the signs of defeat and victory, serves as a rich metaphorical lesson for daily life. It underscores the inevitability of consequences that follow our actions, much like the fates of the characters in the story, determined by their past deeds and the choices they stand by, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the moral paths we choose in life. Through Karna's acknowledgment of the omens and his conversation with Krishna, we are reminded that despite knowing what is right, humans often stray towards wrongdoing, blinded by loyalty, ambition, or ignorance, eventually facing the repercussions of such choices.
This narrative teaches us the value of introspection and seeking righteousness, encouraging us to be aware of the impacts of our actions not only on ourselves but also on the broader world around us. It illustrates that while it's important to stand by our duties, we must also weigh them against the moral and ethical implications of our choices. The story exemplifies how, in the face of unavoidable consequences, maintaining integrity and adhering to virtuous principles can lead to a more fulfilling and honorable life, even if it means facing challenging truths or difficult outcomes. It invites us to consider how our actions align with our values and the larger cosmic order, urging us to live with awareness and responsibility towards the greater good.