Section 81 - Arjuna vs Karna: Epic Battle of Kurukshetra
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 81 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 battle of Kurukshetra, ninety Kaurava warriors rushed towards Arjuna, but he easily defeated them with his skill and powerful weapons. Arjuna, accompanied by Krishna, then faced a large force of Kauravas who surrounded him, but he effortlessly cut down their soldiers, elephants, and chariots with his arrows. Meanwhile, Bhima, armed with a mace, joined the battle and single-handedly destroyed the remaining Kaurava forces, causing panic and chaos among the enemy ranks.
The Kauravas, with their elephant division decimated by Bhima, were overwhelmed by the relentless attacks of Arjuna and the Pandava forces. Arjuna's Gandiva bow unleashed a torrent of arrows, piercing through enemy soldiers, horses, and elephants, causing immense suffering and death among the Kaurava army. Despite the best efforts of Karna, who bravely fought against the Pandavas, the Kauravas were unable to withstand the onslaught and began to retreat, seeking refuge with Karna for protection.
Karna, determined to turn the tide of battle in favor of the Kauravas, urged his troops to stand firm and fight alongside him against the Pandavas. Despite his valiant efforts, Karna found himself facing a formidable enemy in Arjuna, whose skill and prowess on the battlefield were unmatched. The Kauravas, witnessing the devastation caused by Arjuna's arrows and the unwavering determination of the Pandavas, realized their defeat was inevitable and looked to Karna for guidance and protection.
As the battle raged on, Karna continued to fight fiercely against the Pandavas, unleashing his full might with his bow and arrows. The Pancalas, though valiant, were no match for Karna's skill and strength, suffering heavy losses at his hands. Despite the Kauravas taking shelter with Karna for safety, they soon realized that even the mighty Karna could not guarantee their victory against the relentless Pandava forces led by Arjuna.
In the midst of the chaos and destruction, Arjuna and his brothers, along with Krishna, stood resolute in their mission to uphold righteousness and defeat the Kauravas. With Bhima's mace wreaking havoc and Arjuna's arrows raining down death upon their enemies, the Pandavas emerged victorious on the battlefield, their unwavering resolve and superior warfare skills proving to be the key to their triumph in the epic battle of Kurukshetra.
Full English translation:
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Section 81, 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 81:
Arjuna's Victorious Battle
What was Arjuna's reaction to the Kaurava army attacking him? How did Bhima contribute to the battle? How did the Kaurava army react to Arjuna's fierce onslaught? Who came to the aid of the Kaurava army after being defeated by Arjuna?
Daily life: Arjuna vs Karna: Epic Battle of Kurukshetra:
The epic battle described highlights resilience, strategy, and support among companions facing overwhelming odds. In everyday life, this can be translated into facing challenges head-on with determination and courage. Just like Arjuna and Bhima demonstrated unwavering focus and strength in the face of adversity, individuals should approach their personal and professional hurdles with the same fortitude, using their unique skills and knowledge to navigate through difficult situations.
Strategy plays a key role in overcoming obstacles, as seen through Krishna's guidance and the Pandavas' teamwork. This teaches the importance of planning and seeking advice or mentorship when dealing with complex issues. By setting clear goals and breaking them down into manageable steps, one can effectively tackle challenges bit by bit, just as the Pandavas did on the battlefield.
Moreover, the story underscores the power of support from friends or colleagues. Just as Bhima rushed to aid Arjuna and Karna stood ready to protect his comrades, leaning on one's support network during tough times can provide the strength needed to persevere. Being there for others in their time of need fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, which can be immensely empowering.
In summary, facing life's battles requires courage, strategy, and the support of those around us. By embracing these principles, we can navigate challenges more effectively, drawing on our inner strength and the collective power of our community to emerge victorious, no matter the odds.