Section 21 - Battle of Karna and Arjuna: War Scenes and Carnage in Kurukshetra
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 21 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:
After Pandya's fall, Krishna informed Arjuna of the danger his brother Yudhishthira was facing in battle with Karna leading the charge. Arjuna, upon hearing this, urged Krishna to drive the chariot forward, and they reentered the fierce battle. Karna and the Pandavas engaged in a brutal battle, with warriors on both sides falling and the battlefield becoming covered in blood and destruction. Karna displayed his skill and strength by single-handedly taking on multiple opponents, causing great carnage among the enemy forces. The Pandava heroes, including Bhimasena and Yudhishthira, fought valiantly against Karna's onslaught, as the sound of battle echoed in the air.
The warriors on both sides fiercely attacked each other with various weapons, causing chaos and destruction on the battlefield. Karna, with his sharp arrows, decimated many brave warriors of the Pandava army, leaving a trail of fallen enemies. The combatants fought with desperation and courage, their cries and the clash of weapons filling the air. The violence of the battle intensified as the warriors engaged in close combat, aiming to defeat their opponents at any cost. The sheer brutality of the conflict left the battlefield strewn with the bodies of fallen soldiers, elephants, and horses.
Amidst the chaos and destruction, the warriors continued to battle fiercely, with Karna proving to be a formidable adversary for the Pandavas. The Pandava heroes, including the sons of Draupadi and Yuyudhana, joined forces to confront Karna, but the Suta's son remained undaunted and continued to wreak havoc on the battlefield. The warriors, driven by a fierce determination to emerge victorious, clashed in a brutal spectacle of death and destruction. The intensity of the battle only seemed to escalate as each side fought with unwavering resolve, their lives hanging in the balance amidst the carnage and chaos.
As the battle raged on, the field became a scene of utter devastation, with fallen warriors and shattered chariots littering the ground. The clash of arms, the cries of the wounded, and the sound of battle filled the air as the combatants fought with all their might. The casualties mounted on both sides, with the warriors showing no mercy in their relentless pursuit of victory. The bravery and skill of the warriors were put to the test as they engaged in a deadly dance of warfare, each one fighting for their cause with unyielding determination. The outcome of the battle remained uncertain, with the fate of the war hanging in the balance as the warriors fought on with relentless fury.
Full English translation:
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Section 21, 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 21:
What was Arjuna's response to the news of Karna's onslaught in battle?
Arjuna urged Krishna to speed up, leading to a fierce encounter with Karna's forces.
How did Karna overpower the Pandavas in battle?
Karna used a variety of weapons to crush and grind his enemies effortlessly.
What was the battlefield like during the intense battle between the Kurus and Pandavas?
The field was filled with the sound of weapons, falling warriors, and chaos.
Daily life: Battle of Karna and Arjuna: War Scenes and Carnage in Kurukshetra:
The story from the Mahabharata, involving fierce battle and strategy, emphasizes the significance of resilience, teamwork, strategy, and moral strength in facing life's challenges. In daily life, these themes can be implemented by approaching problems with a well-thought-out plan, much like a warrior strategizes in battle, considering all possible outcomes and preparing for them. It highlights the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity, leveraging one's inner strength and skills to navigate through hardships, akin to Arjuna drawing upon his mastery of archery and relying on Krishna’s guidance.
Teamwork surfaces as crucial, reflecting how the Pandavas and their allies united against Karna, underscoring the value of collaboration and mutual support with family, friends, or colleagues to overcome obstacles. Just as the warriors adapted to the chaos of battle, flexibility and adaptability are vital in responding to life's unpredictabilities, ready to modify strategies as situations evolve. The narrative also prompts one to recognize the role of a mentor or guide, like Krishna for Arjuna, highlighting the importance of seeking advice and wisdom from those more experienced.
Ultimately, the story serves as a metaphor for life's battles, inspiring one to face challenges head-on with courage, strategic thinking, collaboration, and moral integrity, thereby fostering personal growth and success.