Section CLXXXII - Dhritarashtra questions why Karna did not target Arjuna with fatal dart
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXXII 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 why Karna did not use the fatal dart against Arjuna in battle, as it would ensure victory for the Kauravas. Sanjaya explains that Krishna had instructed Ghatotkacha to engage Karna in single combat to render the deadly dart useless. The Suta's son had been advised by Duryodhana and others to target Arjuna or Krishna with the dart, but their plans were thwarted by Krishna's protection. Despite their desires, Karna was swayed by Krishna's tactics and did not use the dart on Arjuna, ultimately leading to his survival.
Karna had resolved to use the fatal dart against Arjuna, but Krishna's intervention and protection of Arjuna prevented this from happening. Despite discussions and resolutions to target Arjuna with the dart, Karna was influenced by Krishna's actions on the battlefield. The Kauravas, including Duryodhana and Sakuni, had strategized to use the dart on Arjuna or Krishna to secure victory, but Krishna's interference thwarted their plans. Ultimately, Krishna's clever tactics ensured that the deadly weapon was not aimed at Arjuna, leading to his survival in the battle against Karna.
Krishna admitted that he had been focused on protecting Arjuna from the fatal dart, as he considered Arjuna's life more valuable than anything else. He had always been intent on preventing Karna from using the deadly weapon against Arjuna and had used various means to ensure his safety. Krishna revealed that he had stupefied Karna to prevent him from targeting Arjuna with the dart, thereby saving his life on the battlefield. His dedication to Arjuna's safety surpassed all other priorities, including his own life and the desires of the Kauravas.
The Kauravas, including Duryodhana, Karna, and Sakuni, had deliberated on using the fatal dart against Arjuna or Krishna to secure victory in the battle. Despite their plans and resolutions, Karna was influenced by Krishna's tactics and did not use the dart against Arjuna. Krishna's continuous protection of Arjuna and his strategic interference ensured that the deadly weapon remained unused against Arjuna, leading to his survival in the battle. Ultimately, Krishna's dedication to Arjuna's safety overshadowed all other strategies and desires in the battlefield.
In conclusion, Krishna's unwavering protection of Arjuna and his clever tactics on the battlefield prevented Karna from using the fatal dart against Arjuna, ultimately ensuring Arjuna's survival. Despite the Kauravas' plans to target Arjuna with the deadly weapon, Krishna's intervention and influence swayed Karna from carrying out these actions. Krishna's commitment to Arjuna's well-being and his strategic brilliance played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the battle, ultimately leading to Arjuna's triumph over Karna.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXXXII, 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 CLXXXII:
Why did the Suta's son not use the dart on Partha in battle?
Dhritarashtra questions why Karna did not target Arjuna with the deadly dart instead of others, which could have led to the Pandavas' defeat.
Why did Krishna intervene to protect Arjuna from Karna's fatal dart?
Krishna ensured that Ghatotkacha engaged Karna in combat to render the dart useless in keeping with their strategy to protect Arjuna.
Why did Duryodhana and his advisors fail to execute their plan against Krishna?
Despite planning to target Krishna to weaken the Pandavas, they failed to act on it during battle, allowing Krishna to protect Arjuna successfully.
What was Krishna's strategy to defeat Karna and protect Arjuna?
Krishna thwarted Karna's plan by ensuring Ghatotkacha faced him in combat, ultimately safeguarding Arjuna from the fatal dart.
Daily life: Dhritarashtra questions why Karna did not target Arjuna with fatal dart:
In the epic tale from the Mahabharata, where the wise Krishna strategically sacrifices Ghatotkacha to render Karna's deadly dart useless to protect Arjuna, there's a profound lesson on foresight, sacrifice, and prioritizing the greater good over immediate gains. This story exemplifies how critical thinking and strategic planning can influence outcomes in complex situations. Implementing this in daily life involves understanding the bigger picture and making choices that might not bring instant gratification but ensure long-term benefits.
To apply this wisdom, one must first identify what's most valuable and protect it at all costs, just as Krishna prioritized Arjuna's life over everything else. This means sometimes sacrificing short-term desires or benefits to safeguard our long-term goals or the well-being of those we care about. It requires a deep understanding of the situation at hand and recognizing that our actions today will shape our future.
Moreover, this story highlights the importance of adaptability and the willingness to make tough decisions for the sake of a larger goal. It teaches us to be strategic in our decisions, always keeping the ultimate objective in sight. It’s about choosing battles wisely and knowing that some losses are acceptable if they lead to the ultimate victory.
In daily life, this could mean making personal sacrifices for the greater good of our family or community, or it could involve strategic career decisions that set us up for future success. It's a reminder that our choices should be guided by wisdom, foresight, and a clear understanding of what truly matters in the long run.