Section CLXXIII - Battle between Karna and Ghatotkacha - Epic Clash of Warriors
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXIII 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:
In the fierce battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas, Karna faced off against Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, who was a formidable warrior. Karna managed to strike Dhrishtadyumna with ten powerful arrows, leading to a fierce exchange of blows between the two warriors. Despite being hit by Karna's arrows, Dhrishtadyumna retaliated and even managed to damage Karna's chariot and kill his horses. Ultimately, Dhrishtadyumna decided to abandon his chariot and face Karna on foot, wielding a mace.
As the battle raged on, Karna continued to display his supreme skill and prowess on the battlefield by relentlessly attacking the enemy warriors, causing havoc and confusion among the Pandava forces. The Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, realized the dire situation they were in and urged Arjuna to take action against Karna. Despite the urgency of the situation, Krishna advised against Arjuna confronting Karna directly, as the Suta's son still possessed a powerful weapon given to him by Indra.
Ghatotkacha, the mighty Rakshasa warrior and son of Bhima, stepped forward to challenge Karna and vowed to defeat him in battle. Krishna and Arjuna entrusted Ghatotkacha with the task of taking on Karna, believing in his strength and supernatural abilities. Ghatotkacha, with his formidable weapons and Rakshasa illusions, eagerly accepted the challenge and prepared to face Karna in a decisive battle.
Commencing the battle, Ghatotkacha charged at Karna with ferocious determination, unleashing his full might and causing chaos on the battlefield. Karna, recognizing the formidable opponent before him, met Ghatotkacha's aggression with a calm and composed demeanor, ready to face the Rakshasa warrior head-on. The intense combat between Karna and Ghatotkacha escalated, resembling a legendary clash between two powerful forces vying for supremacy on the battlefield.
As the battle between Karna and Ghatotkacha unfolded, both warriors displayed unmatched skill and bravery, each determined to emerge victorious. The clash between the Suta's son and the Rakshasa warrior became the focal point of the battlefield, capturing the attention of all who witnessed the epic confrontation. The outcome of this fierce battle would not only determine the fate of the warring factions but also leave a lasting legacy in the annals of war for generations to come.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXXIII, 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 CLXXIII:
Who did Dhrishtadyumna fight against in the battle?
Dhrishtadyumna fought against Karna and was eventually defeated in the battle.
What advice did Yudhishthira give to Arjuna?
Yudhishthira advised Arjuna to either kill Karna or let Karna kill him.
Why was Ghatotkacha chosen to fight against Karna?
Ghatotkacha was chosen due to his fierce prowess and ability to combat Karna.
How did the battle between Karna and Ghatotkacha unfold?
The battle between Karna and Ghatotkacha was intense, resembling Indra vs. Prahlada.
Daily life: Battle between Karna and Ghatotkacha - Epic Clash of Warriors:
The tale of the battle between Karna and Ghatotkacha from the Mahabharata, a grand Indian epic, offers profound insights that can be applied in our daily lives. The narrative highlights the essence of facing challenges, the importance of teamwork, and the necessity of strategic retreats under certain circumstances. Through the characters' experiences, we learn that tackling obstacles, no matter how daunting they may seem, is an integral part of life's journey. This story encourages us to confront our fears and adversaries with courage and determination, drawing on our inner strength and resources.
In the story, the Pandavas find themselves in a dire situation, with their forces being decimated by Karna's prowess. This moment teaches us the value of seeking help when needed and leveraging the strengths of those around us. Ghatotkacha stepping up to fight Karna signifies the power of collaboration and the importance of playing to each individual's strengths to overcome collective challenges. Similarly, in our lives, working together with others, acknowledging their capabilities, and supporting each other can lead us to surmount barriers that seem insurmountable.
Moreover, the tactical retreat by the Pandavas, as advised by Krishna, underscores the significance of wisdom and discernment in choosing our battles. Sometimes, stepping back, reassessing the situation, and planning a better approach is more beneficial than continuing a futile struggle. This strategic withdrawal is not a sign of cowardice but of intelligence, allowing for regrouping and coming back stronger. Through this narrative, we are taught that life requires a balance of courage, teamwork, and strategic thinking to navigate the challenges we face, ensuring we emerge victorious in our endeavors.