Mahabharata (English)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 2,566,952 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

The English translation of the Mahabharata is a large text describing ancient India. It is authored by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa and contains the records of ancient humans. Also, it documents the fate of the Kauravas and the Pandavas family. Another part of the large contents, deal with many philosophical dialogues such as the goals of life. Book...

Section CXXIV

"Sanjaya said,—

'After Santanu’s son Bhishma, O monarch, had become silent, all those rulers of earth, there present, then returned to their respective quarters. Hearing of Bhishma’s slaughter that bull among men, viz., Radha’s son (Karna), partially inspired with fear quickly came there. He beheld that illustrious hero lying on his bed of reeds. Then Vrisha (Karna) endued with great glory, with voice choked in tears, approaching that hero lying with eyes closed, fell at his feet.

And he said,—

O chief of the Kurus, I am Radha’s son, who while before your eyes, was everywhere looked upon by you with hate!—

Hearing these words, the aged chief of the Kurus, the son of Ganga, whose eyes were covered with film slowly raising his eyelids, and causing the guards to be removed, and seeing the place deserted by all, embraced Karna with one arm, like a sire embracing his son, and said these words with great affection:—

Come, come! You are an opponent of mine who always challengest comparison with me! If you had not come to me, without doubt, it would not have been well with you! You are Kunti’s son, not Radha’s! Nor is Adhiratha your father! O you of mighty arms, I heard all this about you from Narada as also from Krishna-Dvaipayana! Without doubt, all this is true! I tell you truly, O son, that I bear you no malice! It was only for abating your energy that I used to say such harsh words to you! O you of excellent vows without any reason you speakest ill of all the Pandavas! Sinfully didst you come into the world. It is for this that your heart has been such.

Through pride, and owning also to your companionship with the low, your heart hates even persons of merit! It is for this that I spoke such harsh words about you in the Kuru camp! I know your prowess in battle, which can with difficulty be borne on earth by foes! I know also your regard for Brahmanas, your courage, and your great attachment to alms-giving! O you that resemblest a very god, amongst men there is none like you! For fear of intestine dissensions I always spoke harsh words about you.

In bowmanship, in aiming weapon, in lightness of hand and in strength of weapons, you are equal to Phalguni himself, or the high-souled Krishna! O Karna, proceeding to the city of Kasi, alone with your bow, you had crushed the kings in battle for procuring a bride for the Kuru king! The mighty and invincible king Jarasandha also, ever boastful of his prowess in battle, could not become your match in fight! You are devoted to Brahmanas; you always fightest fairly! In energy and strength, you are equal to a child of the celestials and certainly much superior to men. The wrath I cherished against you is gone. Destiny is incapable of being avoided by exertion. O slayer of foes, the heroic sons of Pandu are your uterine brothers! If you wishest to do what is agreeable to me, unite with them, O you of mighty arms! O son of Surya, let these hostilities end with me! Let all the kings of Earth be to-day freed from danger!—

"'Karna said:—

'I know this, O you of mighty arms! All this without doubt, is (as you sayest)! As you tellest me, O, Bhishma, I am Kunti’s son, and not the son of a Suta! I was, however, abandoned by Kunti, and I have been reared by a Suta. Having (so long) enjoyed the wealth of Duryodhana, I dare not falsify it now. Like Vasudeva’s son who is firmly resolved for the sake of the Pandavas, I also, O you that makest profuse presents to Brahmanas, am prepared to cast away my possessions, my body itself, my children, and my wife, for Duryodhana’s sake! Death from disease, O you of Kuru’s race, does not become a Kshatriya! Relying upon Suyodhana I have always offended the Pandavas! This affairs is destined to take its course. It is incapable of being prevented.

Who was there that would venture to overcome Destiny by exertion? Various omens indicating the destruction of the Earth. O grandsire, were noticed by you and declared in the assembly. It is well known to me that the son of Pandu, and Vasudeva, are incapable of being conquered by other men. Even with them we venture to fight! I will vanquish the son of Pandu in battle! Even this is my firm resolve! I am not capable, of casting off this fierce animosity (that I cherish against the Pandavas)! With a cheerful heart, and keeping the duties of my order before my eye, I will contend against Dhananjaya. Firmly resolved that I am on battle, grant me your permission, O hero! I will fight. Even this is my wish. It behoves you to forgive me also any harsh words that I may have at any time uttered against you or any act that I may have done against you from anger or inconsiderateness!—"

"'Bhishma said,—

'If, indeed, you are unable to cast off this fierce animosity, I permit you, O Karna! Fight, moved by the desire of heaven! Without anger and without vindictiveness, serve you the king according to your power and according to your courage and observant of the conduct of the righteous! Have then my permission, O Karna! Obtain you that which you seeks! Through Dhananjaya you will obtain all those regions (hereafter) which are capable of being had by fulfilling the duties of a Kshatriya! Freed from pride, and relying on your (own) might and energy, engage in battle, since a Kshatriya cannot have a (source of) greater happiness than a righteous battle. For a long while I made great efforts for bringing about peace! But I succeeded not, O Karna, in the task! Truly do I say this unto you!—"

"'Sanjaya continued,—

'After the son of Ganga had said this, Radha’s son (Karna) having saluted Bhishma and obtained his forgiveness, got up on his car and proceeded towards (the quarters of) your son.'

The End of Bhishma Parva

Conclusion:

This concludes Section CXXIV of Book 6 (Bhishma Parva) of the Mahabharata, of which an English translation is presented on this page. This book is famous as one of the Itihasa, similair in content to the eighteen Puranas. Book 6 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section CXXIV of Book 6 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Karna, Bhishma, Kuru, Radha, Pandavas, Brahmanas; since these occur the most in Book 6, Section CXXIV. There are a total of 29 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 69 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section CXXIV of Book 6?

Section CXXIV is part of the Bhagavat-Gita Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 6 (Bhishma Parva). The Bhagavat-Gita Parva contains a total of 112 sections while Book 6 contains a total of 3 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section CXXIV as contained in Book 6?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section CXXIV of Book 6 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section CXXIV) is from 2012.

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