WHEN
he learnt that Bhishma lay wounded and dying, Karna hurried to the place and
fell at his feet and said: "Eldest of the race. Radha's son, who, through
no fault of his, incurred your great displeasure, humbly prostrates himself
before you." When after humble salutation Karna stood up, the grandsire,
greatly moved, tenderly placed his hand on Karna's head and blessed him.
"You are not Radha's son, young man," he said in loving tones:
"You are Kuntidevi's own first born. Narada, who knows all the secrets of
the world, himself revealed this to me. Son of Surya, truly I entertained no
dislike for you. But I was grieved to see your increasing hatred of the
Pandavas although they gave you no cause for it. I know and admire your valor
and your open handedness. And I know also that you belong to the class of
Phalguna and Krishna in prowess. It is proper
that you befriend the Pandavas. Therein lies the right path for you who are
their brother. With the closing of my part in this war, may the chapter of your
enmity also close. This is my wish, Karna." Karna listened respectfully
and replied: "Grandsire I know I am Kunti's son, and not charioteer born.
But I have eaten Duryodhana's salt and must be true to him, to be true to my
own lineage. It is impossible for me to go over to the Pandavas now. You must
permit me to repay with my life, if it so be the debt I owe to Duryodhana for
his love and trust. I have erred greatly in word and deed. You must forgive me
for it all and give me your blessings."
The
great acharya, who knew all the laws of right conduct and what Karna said,
replied: "Do reflect for a while and then do as you wish, for that is the
right way." Even when Bhishma was mortally wounded and lay dying, the
battle did not cease. Discarding the grandsire's words of wisdom, the Kauravas
resumed the battle. Deprived of Bhishma's leadership, the Kaurava forces felt
like sheep without a shepherd when Bhishma no longer led them. Indeed, even as
Bhishma fell wounded, the men shouted: "O Karna, you are the one left to
lead and protect us." The Kaurava warriors felt that, if but Karna would
agree to take up the command, victory was certain. During the first ten days
when Bhishma led the forces, the son of Surya kept away from the battle.
As
already narrated, deeply hurt at the
grandsire's contempt, Karna had said: "So long as you are up
fighting, I shall keep aloof. If you slay the Pandavas and bring victory to
Duryodhana, I shall be glad. And I shall then, taking the king's leave, go to
the forest. But, if you be defeated and go to the abode of the brave, I who am
not deemed by you as an adhiratha (master of chariot warfare) will ride my
chariot and oppose those whom you deem to be of greater prowess than myself.
And defeating them, bring victory to Duryodhana." Thus had Karna sworn
and, with Duryodhana's consent, kept aloof from the battle during the first ten
days. Now he went on foot to Bhishma who lay on his bed of arrows waiting for
his end and, saluting him, addressed him thus: "Veteran grandsire,
vanquisher of Parasurama, you lie on the field of battle, struck down by
Sikhandin. If you, who had reached the summit of right living and were an
embodiment of purity itself, must lie wounded in this manner, it is clear that
no one can attain in this world what he deserves by his merit. You were the one
boat on which the Kaurava princes depended for crossing the flood of their
troubles. Heavy indeed will be the blows that the Pandavas will now deal at the
Kauravas and great will be their consequent distress. Like fire and wind
burning down the forest, Arjuna and Krishna
will destroy the army of Kauravas. This is certain. Turn your gracious eyes on
me and bless me, who have accepted the command of the forces."
Bhishma
gave his blessings to Karna."You are like the good earth to the seeds,
like rain clouds to living beings, ever dependable, firm in your loyalty. Serve
Duryodhana and save him. You vanquished the Kambojas for him. You put down the
Kiratas of the Himalayan fastnesses for him. You fought the Girivrajas on his
behalf and defeated them. Many more things you have accomplished for him. Take
charge of the Kaurava army now as your own rich possession and guard it well.
May you lead Duryodhana's forces to success! May you have every good fortune!
Fight your enemies, go." Karna, having received the benediction of the
grandsire, mounted his chariot and rode to the battlefield. When the valorous
Karna entered the field on his war chariot, Duryodhana's joys knew no bounds. His sorrow, at
having lost Bhishma, was in some degree alleviated.
No comments:
Post a Comment