A pivotal moment in the Mahabharata!
Karna, one of the most skilled warriors in the epic, left the war field on the 17th day of the Kurukshetra War. This decision was a result of a combination of factors:
Emotional Turmoil
Karna was deeply disturbed by the death of his friend and charioteer, Shalya, who was killed by Yudhishthira. This loss, coupled with the weight of his own destiny and the prophecies surrounding his life, took a toll on Karna’s mental state.
Conflict with Krishna
Karna had a long-standing animosity towards Krishna, who he perceived as having wronged him in the past. Krishna’s presence on the battlefield, supporting the Pandavas, further fueled Karna’s anger and sense of injustice.
Disillusionment with Duryodhana
Karna began to question Duryodhana’s leadership and the morality of the war. He felt that Duryodhana’s actions were driven by selfishness and a desire for power, rather than a genuine concern for justice or righteousness.
Personal Destiny
Karna was aware of the prophecy that he would be killed by Arjuna, his sworn enemy. Feeling a sense of inevitability and hopelessness, Karna may have momentarily lost the will to continue fighting.
Temporary Loss of Will
Karna’s decision to leave the battlefield was likely a result of a temporary loss of will and motivation. He may have felt overwhelmed by the circumstances and unsure of how to proceed.
It’s worth noting that Karna’s departure from the battlefield was short-lived. He soon returned to fight, ultimately facing Arjuna and meeting his demise.
Karna played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra War, fighting alongside the Kauravas until their defeat. Here’s a brief overview of his involvement:
Karna’s Involvement in the War
- Initial Success: Karna had some initial successes, including defeating Bhima and forcing him to flee.
- Duel with Arjuna: Karna’s most notable encounter was his duel with Arjuna, which ended in his defeat and death.
- Karna’s Death: Karna was killed by Arjuna’s arrow, which was guided by Krishna’s divine intervention.
- Kaurava Defeat: After Karna’s death, the Kauravas’ morale declined, and they eventually suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Pandavas.
Karna’s story is a tragic one, marked by his complicated relationships, personal struggles, and ultimate demise. Despite his flaws and mistakes, Karna remains one of the most beloved and respected characters in the Mahabharata.