Section 79 - Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna vs Karna and Krishna
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 79 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 battlefield, Arjuna, with Krishna as his charioteer, caused a river of blood and carnage to flow as he fought fiercely against the enemy forces, particularly targeting the son of the Suta. Sanjaya narrates how Arjuna, with his unparalleled skill and divine weapons, decimated his opponents, creating a scene of devastation with human heads as rocks, elephants and steeds as banks, and weapons and armor as the current. Despite the fierce resistance, Arjuna remained determined to confront Karna and achieve victory in battle, seeking to avenge the Pandava army's losses at the hands of their enemies.
Karna, aware of Arjuna's prowess, expressed his determination to face him in battle, believing that he had the strength and skill to defeat the celebrated warrior, even with Krishna by his side. Shalya, advising caution, highlighted the formidable qualities of Arjuna and Krishna, warning Karna of the challenge he would face. Undeterred, Karna asserted his confidence in his abilities and readiness to confront Arjuna, prioritizing victory even at the cost of his own life. The stage was set for a monumental clash between the two legendary warriors, each determined to emerge victorious in the fierce combat that lay ahead.
As the battle unfolded, Karna urged his allies to surround and exhaust Arjuna, directing them to hinder his progress and wear him down. The Kaurava forces, under Karna's command, targeted Arjuna with a barrage of arrows, seeking to overpower him with sheer numbers. However, Arjuna, with his unmatched skill and agility, swiftly countered their attacks, striking down his adversaries with precision and efficiency, like the blazing sun scorching the earth. Despite the ferocity of the opposition, Arjuna remained steadfast, cutting through the enemy ranks with his deadly arrows and displaying his indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
The battle intensified as Kripa, Kritavarma, and Duryodhana joined forces to challenge Arjuna, attacking him with a relentless onslaught of weapons and ferocious determination. In response, Arjuna skillfully neutralized their attacks, targeting their weapons, mounts, and standards with deadly accuracy. With Krishna guiding his chariot, Arjuna displayed his prowess as the invincible warrior, repelling the enemy forces and striking fear into the hearts of his foes. The battlefield brimmed with chaos and carnage, as Arjuna's arrows found their mark, cutting down enemy warriors and elephants with unforgiving precision.
Amidst the chaos of battle, Shikhandi, Satyaki, and other Pandava warriors rallied to Arjuna's side, bolstering his defense and engaging the enemy in fierce combat. Together, they formed a formidable resistance against the Kaurava forces, pushing back the attackers and turning the tide of battle in their favor. As the clash of arms resounded across the battlefield, the Pandava and Kaurava warriors confronted each other with unyielding ferocity, each side determined to emerge victorious in the brutal conflict that raged on. In the midst of the bloodshed and turmoil, Arjuna and his allies stood resolute, challenging their enemies with unwavering resolve and unwavering courage, as the fate of the battlefield hung in the balance.
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 79 - Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna vs Karna and Krishna, have a look at the following articles:
Section 79, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section 79:
What was the river of blood described in the battle?
The river was tawny with flesh, marrow, and bones, with human heads as rocks and stones, and full of slain heroes' remains. It resounded with cries of ravens and vultures.
Who did Arjuna desire to fight in the battle?
Arjuna desired to face Karna in battle, vowing not to return unless he slays him. He was determined to avenge his fallen comrades and bring victory to his side.
How did Karna and Arjuna prepare for their battle?
Karna expressed confidence in his skills and prowess, while Arjuna remained focused on defeating his foes with his unparalleled archery and strategic maneuvers. Both warriors were ready for the impending duel.
Why did Karna seek to engage Arjuna in combat?
Karna believed that defeating Arjuna would allow him to achieve victory on the battlefield and prove his superiority as a warrior. He was determined to face the formidable warrior in battle.
What weapons and abilities did Arjuna possess?
Arjuna was skilled in using a variety of weapons and had received celestial gifts from powerful deities. He possessed the Gandiva bow, divine quivers, the Pasupata weapon, and the aid of Lord Krishna.
How did the battle unfold between Arjuna and his foes?
Arjuna showcased his unmatched archery skills, defeating his enemies and causing chaos on the battlefield. He strategically targeted his opponents, including Kripa, Kritavarma, and Drona's son, with precise arrow shots.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: Arjuna vs Karna and Krishna:
The tale from the epic Mahabharata, depicting the fierce and dramatic encounters between warriors on the battlefield, serves as a rich metaphorical source for lessons in resilience, determination, and the pursuit of goals despite daunting challenges. At its core, the story exemplifies the relentless pursuit of one's objectives, a quality that can be translated into daily life as the ability to stay focused and undeterred by the obstacles that invariably arise in the pursuit of our goals. The character of Arjuna, guided by the wise Krishna, symbolizes the importance of having clarity of purpose and the guidance of a mentor or inner wisdom to navigate through life's battles.
The vivid imagery of the battle, where warriors push through their limits to either achieve victory or face defeat with honor, teaches the value of courage and perseverance. It highlights that setbacks and failures are part of our journey towards achieving our aims, and that facing them with bravery can lead to growth and learning. The narrative also suggests that success in life, akin to victory in battle, often requires teamwork and the support of those around us, reminding us that sharing our struggles and seeking help can be a strength, not a weakness.
The conversation between warriors before the clash underscores the importance of preparing oneself mentally and physically for the challenges ahead, suggesting that success is not just about raw talent but also about preparation and strategy. The warriors' discussions reflect the necessity of understanding and respecting our opponents or challenges, as it can offer insights into overcoming them.
In essence, drawing from the story's themes, we can learn to approach our daily endeavors with focus, prepare adequately for the challenges we might face, seek guidance when needed, and embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. By cultivating resilience, determination, and a strategic approach towards our goals, we can navigate through life's battles effectively.