Section CXXXII - Battle between Bhima and Karna: Epic Clash of Warriors

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXXII 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:
Dhritarashtra questions Sanjaya about the battle between Bhima and Karna, expressing his astonishment at Bhima's ability to hold his ground against the mighty warrior Karna. Sanjaya narrates how Karna initially attacked Bhima with thirty arrows, but Bhima deftly cut off Karna's bow and charioteer. Despite Karna's fierce onslaught with a golden-adorned dart, Bhima skillfully countered his attacks and roared in defiance, showing his determination to defeat his opponent. The two warriors clashed like raging bulls, exchanging powerful arrow strikes as they sought to exploit each other's weaknesses.

As the battle raged on, Bhima continued to dominate Karna, cutting his bow repeatedly, killing his steeds and charioteer, and leaving him in a state of distress. King Duryodhana urged his brother Durjaya to assist Karna, leading to Durjaya attacking Bhima and momentarily gaining the upper hand before being swiftly defeated. Despite being wounded and surrounded by enemies, Karna remained steadfast in his determination to confront Bhima and did not retreat from the battlefield. Bhima, fueled by rage and determination, continued to rain down arrows on Karna, leaving him defenseless and resembling a spiked weapon. Despite the intense battle, Karna did not back down and faced Bhima with unwavering resolve.

Full English translation:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CXXXII - Battle between Bhima and Karna: Epic Clash of Warriors, have a look at the following articles:

Section CXXXII, 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 CXXXII:

What was the outcome of the battle between Karna and Bhima?

Bhima cut off Karna's bow, steeds, and charioteer, leaving Karna in distress.

How did Durjaya contribute to the battle between Karna and Bhima?

Durjaya attacked Bhima with arrows but was swiftly defeated by Bhima.

What was Duryodhana's reaction to Karna's struggle against Bhima?

Duryodhana instructed Durjaya to assist Karna in battle against Bhima.

Daily life: Battle between Bhima and Karna: Epic Clash of Warriors:

The epic tale of the battle between Bhima and Karna teaches us about the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt under pressure. In daily life, like Bhima and Karna, we often find ourselves facing challenging situations that test our limits. It's essential to remain resilient, keeping our goals in focus, despite the setbacks we might encounter. This story illustrates how both warriors, despite various obstacles, continued to fight without yielding, demonstrating the value of perseverance and determination.

Strategic thinking plays a crucial role, as seen in how Bhima managed to overpower Karna by cutting off his bow and chariot, showcasing the importance of planning and strategy in overcoming difficulties. This reminds us to approach our problems with a strategic mindset, looking for effective solutions rather than reacting impulsively. The ability to adapt is another critical takeaway, as both combatants continuously shifted their tactics to gain the upper hand. Adaptability in our lives means being open to change and ready to modify our approach when faced with unexpected challenges.

The story also highlights the consequence of underestimating opponents and the importance of humility. Karna's continuous defeats, despite his prowess, serve as a reminder not to underestimate the challenges we face and to approach them with humility and respect. Integrating these lessons into our daily lives can help us navigate through our battles, ensuring we emerge stronger and wiser.

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