Section 87 - Epic Battle: Arjuna vs Karna - Clash of the Titans
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 87 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:
The fierce battle between Karna and Arjuna began with both warriors filled with rage and grief over the death of Vrishasena. The two fighters, possessing great energy and armed with powerful weapons, faced each other on the battlefield, resembling the sun and the moon. The entire world was filled with wonder as they prepared for battle, with the Kauravas and Pandavas cheering on their respective champions. The mighty clash between Karna and Arjuna was a sight to behold, with both warriors displaying their immense strength and skill in combat.
As the two warriors charged at each other, the entire assembly erupted with cheers and applause, with spectators from all realms taking sides in the epic confrontation. The gods and demons, celestial beings, and creatures of all kinds gathered to witness the momentous battle between Karna and Arjuna. Even the elements and natural forces aligned themselves with either warrior, demonstrating the significance of the impending clash. The stakes were high as the fate of the universe seemed to hang in the balance of the duel between these two legendary fighters.
The celestial beings, including Brahman and Isana, discussed the outcome of the battle and declared that victory would belong to Arjuna. Indra and Surya supported their respective champions, but ultimately, it was decided that Arjuna would emerge victorious. The gods and creatures in attendance accepted this decision and awaited the outcome of the battle with bated breath. The stage was set for a battle of epic proportions, with the fate of the universe at stake.
Amidst the preparations for battle, the standards of Karna and Arjuna clashed fiercely, with their respective symbols of the elephant's rope and ape engaging in a symbolic struggle. The tension between the two warriors and their allies heightened as they exchanged challenging glances and taunts. Shalya and Krishna also joined in the verbal sparring, expressing their unwavering loyalty to their champions. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the warriors prepared to engage in a battle that would echo through the ages.
As the battle commenced, with both warriors unleashing their full might and skill against each other, the entire world held its breath. Arjuna vowed to defeat Karna and avenge past insults, while Karna stood firm in his resolve to emerge victorious. The clash of weapons and the thunder of chariot wheels echoed across the battlefield, as the fate of the combatants and the universe itself hung in the balance. The epic battle between Karna and Arjuna would go down in history as a legendary confrontation between two titans of the battlefield.
Full English translation:
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Section 87, 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 87:
Who were the two warriors engaged in battle?
Arjuna and Karna were the two warriors engaged in a fierce battle.
What celestial beings took sides in the battle?
The gods, asuras, gandharvas, and nagas took sides in the battle.
What did Shalya promise to do if Karna was slain?
Shalya promised to slay both Krishna and Arjuna if Karna was slain.
What did Krishna promise to do if Karna or Shalya were slain?
Krishna promised to use his bare arms to slay both Karna and Shalya.
What did Arjuna vow to accomplish in the battle?
Arjuna vowed to crush Karna in battle and make his wives widows.
What did Arjuna plan to do after defeating Karna?
Arjuna planned to comfort his family members and allies after defeating Karna.
Daily life: Epic Battle: Arjuna vs Karna - Clash of the Titans:
The epic confrontation between Karna and Arjuna in the Mahabharata, filled with divine interventions, powerful warriors, and a backdrop of a cosmic struggle between good and evil, offers profound lessons for daily life. At the heart of this tale are themes of duty, resilience, and the importance of intentions and moral actions in the face of life’s battles. In daily life, one can draw from Arjuna and Karna’s duel a reminder to face challenges with courage and steadfastness, always keeping in mind the bigger picture and our responsibilities to others and our own principles.
In personal and professional endeavors, setbacks and trials are inevitable, much like the intense battle between the two warriors. However, the narrative teaches us that with determination and the right allies—symbolized by Krishna’s unwavering support for Arjuna—we can navigate through hardships. The importance of choosing the path of righteousness, akin to Arjuna’s adherence to dharma with Krishna’s guidance, underscores the power of ethical choices and actions in shaping outcomes and character.
Furthermore, the epic encourages reflection on the impacts of our actions on those around us, urging a consideration of not just personal success but the welfare and feelings of others. It suggests the value of empathy, understanding, and, when needed, forgiveness, as tools for reconciliation and building stronger relationships.
Adopting resilience in the face of adversity, acting with integrity despite the temptation to take the easier path, and maintaining hope and faith in a righteous cause are pivotal. It calls for a balance between ambition and ethical conduct, highlighting the vital role of inner strength and wisdom in overcoming challenges.
In essence, the story of Karna and Arjuna serves as a metaphorical guide for dealing with life's battles, emphasizing the importance of keeping faith, upholding one’s duties, and walking a path aligned with virtue and wisdom. By embodying these ideals, one can aspire not only to succeed in their endeavors but also to lead a life of purpose and significance.