Section 8 - King Dhritarashtra's heart-wrenching lament after Karna's fall
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 8 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:
King Dhritarashtra, upon hearing of Karna's fall and the slaughter of his sons, was overcome with grief and disbelief, comparing it to the unimaginable downfall of Meru or the defeat of Indra himself. He lamented the loss of Karna, praising his unmatched prowess and valor in battle, having subjugated many powerful foes and brought them tribute for Duryodhana's aggrandizement. He questioned how Karna, with his knowledge of celestial weapons and invincibility, could be defeated by the sons of Pandu, expressing his sorrow and despair over the loss.
Reflecting on Karna's defeat, Dhritarashtra remembered the loyalty and friendship Karna had shown, subjugating all enemies for Duryodhana's sake and even being challenged by the ruler of Magadha. Hearing of Karna's death at the hands of Arjuna in single combat, the king felt as though he was sinking in an ocean of grief, unable to bear the weight of his sorrow. He expressed a desire for death, whether by poison, fire, or a fall from a mountain, unable to cope with the loss of his beloved son.
Dhritarashtra's sorrow deepened as he dwelled on the defeat and humiliation of his kinsmen, relatives, and allies, contemplating the futility of life in the face of such tragedies. He struggled to find solace in his grief, feeling as though his heart was impenetrable and harder than a thunderbolt. The king's anguish and despair were evident in his words, as he struggled to come to terms with the loss of Karna and the devastation of his family and kingdom.
Grieving for Karna's death and the destruction of his army, Dhritarashtra questioned his ability to endure such immense sorrow and lamented his fate. He felt as though he faced insurmountable pain and loss, unable to find peace or solace in his grief. The king's despair was palpable as he grappled with the reality of Karna's defeat and the devastation it brought upon his kingdom, unable to find comfort in his grief-stricken state.
Full English translation:
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Section 8, 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 8:
What was King Dhritarashtra's reaction upon hearing about Karna's fall?
King Dhritarashtra was filled with immense grief and despair, lamenting the loss. He praised Karna’s prowess and questioned how such a mighty warrior could be defeated.
How did Karna's death impact those around him?
Karna’s death left King Dhritarashtra and his allies devastated, feeling immense sorrow and loss. They couldn't comprehend how such a powerful warrior could be defeated in battle.
What qualities and feats made Karna a formidable warrior?
Karna was known for his unmatched prowess in battle, subjugating numerous kingdoms and possessing celestial weapons. His loyalty to Duryodhana and his fearless nature made him a formidable opponent.
Daily life: King Dhritarashtra's heart-wrenching lament after Karna's fall:
The story vividly illustrates the profound sorrow and lamentation expressed by King Dhritarashtra upon hearing about the death of Karna, a mighty and valorous warrior, emphasizing the inevitability of facing loss and the importance of confronting grief. It teaches us that even the strongest individuals, akin to the unassailable Karna, have their moments of downfall, showcasing the universally shared nature of adversity and the impermanence of life's triumphs and tribulations. In daily life, this narrative can inspire us to recognize the strength found in vulnerability, the courage to confront our sorrows, and the importance of seeking solace and understanding in times of profound loss.
The expression of grief by the king, deep and poignant, serves as a reminder that mourning the loss of loved ones or facing defeats is a part of the human experience, urging us to embrace empathy and compassion towards ourselves and others during such times. It underscores the necessity of allowing ourselves to feel and process our emotions fully, rather than suppressing them, for healing truly begins with acknowledgment and acceptance of our pain. Furthermore, the story encourages us to find strength in our communities, leaning on those around us for support and comfort, whilst also offering the same to anyone who is navigating through their storms of sorrow, binding us together in our collective human experience.