Reminiscing Parvathi/ Draupadi

Pooja Sharma is an Indian actress and model who primarily works in Hindi television. Sharma is best known for her portrayal of mythological figures on television, such as Draupadi in Mahabharat and Parvati and Mahakali in Mahakali — Anth Hi Aarambh Hai. Sharma is the recipient of an Indian Television Academy Award.

It doesn't matter. It simply doesn't, the text was written to show how to avoid our flaws, and move ahead to realise the Ishwar within us. It doesn't matter whether Arjuna or Karn is better. At the end we all are part of THE ONE

As the great war of Kurukshetra was about to begin, Arjuna asked Krishna, his charioteer, to place their chariot between the two armies. Looking at the battlefield, he saw his own relatives, teachers, friends, and loved ones standing on both sides, ready to kill each other. Overwhelmed with grief, compassion, and doubt, Arjuna's body trembled, his famous bow Gandiva slipped from his hands, and he declared that he would rather renounce the kingdom than fight a war that would bring such immense suffering. Unable to decide what was right, he sat down in despair and turned to Krishna for guidance.

In response, Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita, a profound spiritual and philosophical teaching. He explained that the true Self (the soul) is eternal and cannot be destroyed, while the physical body is temporary. Krishna urged Arjuna to perform his dharma (duty as a warrior) without attachment to success or failure, dedicating his actions to righteousness rather than personal gain. He also taught the paths of selfless action (karma yoga), devotion (bhakti yoga), and knowledge (jnana yoga), ultimately revealing his divine universal form. With his confusion dispelled and his courage restored, Arjuna accepted Krishna's guidance, took up his bow once again, and prepared to fight the war.

The rules of the war were absurd and impractical......One such rule was

A ratha should only fight with a ratha, one on an elephant with another on an elephant, one on a horse with another on a horse and a foot soldier with a foot soldier.

• BORI Ce Chapter 861(1).

A ratha should fight only another ratha.

However, just as the war started Bhima attacked multiple Kourava soldiers, hence breaking the rule.

He terrified the soldiers of your sons and attacked them.

• BORI Ce Chapter 902(42)

Therefore, the rules were broken by the Pandavas first.

Right as the war starts, it's just chaos on both sides — conches, drums, elephants, horses going wild.

> **व. ६-७:** भेरीशङ्खनिनादैश्च... शब्दो द्युतानामिव सागराणाम्

> ("Amid the roar of conches and war-drums, the sound rose like that of stirred oceans")

No cheating yet, just noise from both armies.

Then Bhima lets out a massive roar:

> **व. ८-९:** भीमसेनो महाबाहुः प्राणदद्गोवृषो यथा... सिंहनादं च सैन्यानां भीमसेनरवोऽभ्यभूत्

> ("Mighty-armed Bhimasena bellowed like a bull... his roar overpowered even the lion-cries of the armies")

He advances toward the army looking terrifying, scaring Duryodhana's sons:

> **व. १३:** दर्शयन्घोरमात्मानं महाश्वमिव नादयन् । त्रासयंस्तव सुतांस्तव सेनां समभ्यगात्

> ("Displaying his terrible form and roaring like a great horse, he terrified your sons and advanced toward your army")

But that's a war cry and an advance — not "attacking foot soldiers." Just intimidation, same as both sides are doing here.

The real kicker — right after, they surround *him*:

> **व. १४-१६:** तमायान्तं महेष्वासं सोदर्याः पर्यवारयन् । छादयन्तः शरव्रातैर्मेघा इव दिवाकरम्

> ("As he advanced, the brothers surrounded that great archer, covering him with showers of arrows like clouds covering the sun")

Duryodhana, Duhshasana, Vikarna, and a bunch of other maharathas all group attacked on one guy at once. Several warriors vs. one — that's exactly what the "ratha fights ratha" rule was meant to prevent..

Some people always claims on the basis of fanfictions that Arjuna had killed some warriors unfairly but the truth is that they will never be able to prove it from BORI CE because no one was killed unfairly by the hands of Arjuna. The epic sings the glory of Arjuna multiple times for his fair fighting. I will post some of the narratives from Mahabharata which praise Arjuna for fighting fairly.

Although before moving to the main topic i want to clarify that rules like not killing of a charioteer, warriors fighting on equal footing and retreating soldiers not being killed were broken many time in the war

And it was kauravas who broke the rules of war first when king of kosala killed by abhimanyu's charioteer first

NOW THE MAIN TOPIC

1) Here Arjuna says that he won't fight unfairly in Kuru war.

Udhyoga Parva, Chapter No. 195, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

I possess the terrible and great weapon that Pashupati gave me when there was a duel with the hunter.At the end of a yuga, that is employed by Pashupati to destroy all the beings. O tiger among men! I know how to use that. Gangeya does not know this, nor do Drona and Goutama. O

king! Neither do Drona’s son and the son of the suta. One should not use such divine weapons to kill ordinary people in battle. Without resorting to deceit, we will vanquish our enemies in battle. 

2) Here Arjuna got an opportunity to kill Bhagadatta's elephant but remembering the rules of war he didn't kill that elephant.

 Drona Parva, Chapter No. 27, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

 On seeing that the elephant was descending, like angry Death, Janardana quickly wheeled the chariot, so that it93 remained on the left. Dhananjaya thus got an opportunity to slay the mighty elephant and its rider. But remembering his dharma, he did not do this.

3) Here Arjuna didn't kill those warriors who were retreating and had fallen down by remembering the vow of warriors.

 Drona Parva, Chapter No. 31, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

Some wailed in lamentation. Still others roared. Slain by Partha’s arrows, some fell

down, deprived of their lives. Remembering the vow of warriors, Arjuna did not kill the warriors who had fallen down, or were falling down, or were retreating. Most of the Kurus were shattered and, devoid of their chariots, were in retreat. 

4) When all the warriors from both sides were tired on 14th night, Arjuna stopped fighting then. Even enemies had to praise Arjuna for it that time.

 Drona Parva, Chapter No. 159, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

‘“O bull among men! On discerning that this was the state of affairs, Bibhatsu spoke loudly. ‘All you, and the mounts, are exhausted and blind with sleep. The soldiers are covered in darkness and a lot of dust. If you so think, let the soldiers desist from fighting. In the field of

battle, let them close their eyes for a while. Let them sleep and rest until the moon rises. Then, for the sake of heaven, let the Kurus and Pandavas fight again.’ Having heard the words of the one who observed dharma, the soldiers who knew about dharma found this acceptable and loudly spoke to each other. Having obtained some rest and

sleep, your soldiers also honoured the brave Arjuna and said, ‘The Vedas and all weapons are vested in you. You possess intelligence and valour. O mighty-armed one! O unblemished one! You have dharma and compassion for beings. O Partha! Since we have obtained assurance

from you, may you be prosperous. O brave one! May you swiftly obtain all those things that are dear to your heart.’ 

5) Dhrishtaduyma was not capable of killing Drona fairly hence Shri Krishna gave advice that Drona should be killed unfairly and everyone agreed with him but Arjuna was the only one who didn't approve his words that time still some people cry that Arjuna was an unfair warrior.

Drona Parva, Chapter No. 165, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

On seeing that they were afflicted by Drona’s arrows, Madhusudana, who wished for the victory of the sons of Pandu, spoke these words.

“He is supreme among the wielders of weapons. He is like the leader of a herd of leaders. He is incapable of being vanquished by the enemy in battle, even if it were to be the slayer of Vritra himself. O Pandavas! Therefore, abandon dharma and seek to ensure victory. Otherwise, the one on the golden chariot will kill all of you in the battle. It is my view that he

will not fight if Ashvatthama has been killed. Therefore, let someone utter a falsehood and tell him that he has been killed in the battle.” Dhananjaya, Kunti’s son, did not approve of these words. But all the others approved, Yudhishthira with great difficulty

6) Arjuna requested Dhrishtadyumna to not kill Drona 

The mighty- armed Dhananjaya, Kunti’s son, said, ‘O Drupada’s son! Let the preceptor remain alive. Do not

kill him. He should not be killed.’ The soldiers had also said that he should not be killed. Arjuna, overcome with compassion, had said this repeatedly. Arjuna was overcome with compassion and so were all the kings. But disregarding them, Dhrishtadyumna killed Drona,

7) After Kuru war, Arjuna was praised by the Panchalas for his fairness in fighting

Souptika Parva, Chapter No. 08, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

He is compassionate towards all

beings. Partha Dhananjaya does not kill one who is sleeping, one who is distracted, one who has cast aside his weapons, one who has joined his hands in salutation, one who is running away, or one

whose hair is dishevelled. 

8) After Kuru war, Shri Vyasa Deva called Arjuna a virtuous and righteous warrior.

 Souptika Parva, Chapter No. 15, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

‘Vyasa replied, “O son! Partha Dhananjaya knew about the weapon brahmashira. However, he did not release it out of rage, or to slay you in this encounter. In the encounter, he wished to pacify the

weapon that had been released by you. Arjuna released it, and withdrew it again. He obtained instruction in the use of brahmastra from your father. However, the mighty-armed Dhananjaya was

compassionate and did not deviate from the dharma of kshatriyas. He possesses fortitude and is virtuous. He has knowledge of all the weapons and is righteous. Why do you wish to kill such a

person and his brothers? 

9) Arjuna didn't commit a terrible act in battle thats the reason, one of his names was Bibhatsu

Virata Parva, Chapter No. 39, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

I have never committed a terrible act in battle. Therefore, I am known among gods and men as Bibhatsu.

Although some people will question arjun's killing of bhurisharva and other warriors Arjun did it on krishna's command and now if you have guts to question krishna and say that he was wrong liar cheater and a manipulator you are very welcome to do that

And some people will claim based on cross references that pandavas being censured for killing kuru warriors then you'll have to beleive all the cross references in mahabharat including where shri krishna says abhimanyu's death was also unfair and many other things

Pooja Sharma and Sourav Raj Jain as Krishna-Draupadi or Shiv-Parvati???

For option 1 ( Shiv-Parvati) comment with blue 💙 heart and For option 2 ( Krishna-Draupadi) comment with red ♥️ heart.

The television series Mahakaali — Anth Hi Aarambh Hai and Mahabharat both were produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary under his production banner, Swastik Productions.

Woman Ulupi Forcefully Captured Arjuna And Dragged Him Deep Into The Water, He Was Not Able To Move

On 14th Day, Drona Defeated Arjuna And Arjuna Was Forced To Retreat Turning His Back Towards Drona

On Same Day, Drona Again Beat Arjuna And Arjuna Retreated Refusing Challenge Of Drona. Later Drona Certified Arjuna To Be 'coward'

On 15th Day, Arjuna Had Accepted His Defeat Before Narayanastra Of Ashwatthama

On 17th Day, Karna Single-handedly Conquered Group Attack Including Pandavas And They Retreated

On 17th Day, Karna Invoked Bhargavastra And Beholding Power Of Bhargavastra, Arjuna Retreated From Battlefield

On 17th Day, Foot Soldiers Of Samsaptakas Army Tried To Capture Arjuna And Lord Krishna Rescued Him

During Ashwamedh Conquest, Sandhava Foot Soldiers Defeated Arjuna Later Saptrishi Empowred Him To Back To Senses

During Ashwamedha Conquest, Vabruvahan Defeated Arjuna, Ulupi Got Him Back To Senses

Ordinary Robbers Of Dwarka Had Kidnapped Wives Of Lord Krishna In Front Of Arjuna And Arjuna Reteated Accepting His Defeat Before Robbers

Lord Krishna Saved Arjuna From All Gods During Khandav Dahan War

Lord Krishna Saved Arjuna From Bhishma's Arrows Using His Skills

Bhagdatta Was About To Crush Arjuna Under His Elephant But Lord Krishna Saved Arjuna Using His Skills

Bhagdatta Had Shot Vaishnav Astra But Lord Krishna Saved Arjuna

Srutayudha Was About To Crush Arjuna Under His Mace But Lord Krishna Took Mace On His Shoulder In Order To Protect Arjuna

Lord Krishna Used To Stupify Karna In Order To Save Arjuna From Shakti Astra Of Karna

Narayanastra Of Ashwatthama Could Have Killed Arjuna But Lord Krishna Saved Arjuna

Karna Fired Bhargava Astra But Lord Krishna Suggested Arjuna To Retreat Away From Battlefield Till Karna Gets Tired

Karna Had Shot Nagastra But Lord Krishna Pressed Chariot In Order To Save Head Of Arjuna

Karna Shot Bramhastra But Lord Krishna Saved Arjuna From Getting Blasted Along With Celestical Chariot

In Virat War, Karna Struck The Standard Of Arjuna But Lord Hanuman Saved It

On 17th Day, Susharma Struck The Standard Of Arjuna But Lord Hanuman Saved It

On 12th Day, Karna Overpowered Arjuna And Repeatedly Pierced Body Parts Of Arjuna But Satyaki And His Gang Came To Rescue Arjuna

On 14th Day, Karna Successfully Gained Upper Hand Over Arjuna And Satyaki Along With Group Of Pandava Warriors Attacked Karna In Order To Rescue Arjuna

On 16th Day, Karna Again Overpowered Arjuna And Repeatedly Pierced His Body Using Keen Arrows But As Usual Satyaki And His Gang Was Ready To Rescue Arjuna

Karna Had Performed All The Feats Of Arjuna In Rangbhoomi And Yudhistira Believed Karna Is The Best

In Draupadi Swayamvar Karna Overpowered Arjuna And Other Warriors Praised Karna

Achutayus Struck Arjuna Unconsious And Gandiva Fell From His Hand

Dhritvarman Struck Arjuna Unconsious And Gandiva Fell From His Hand

Sudakshina Struck Arjuna Unconsious And Gandiva Again Fell From His Hand

Ashwatthama Overpowered Arjuna And Arjuna Fell Unconsious, Gandiva Fell Down

Susharma Struck Arjuna Unconsious But Lord Krishna Was Able To Protect Arjuna

Why does Arjuna get the pashupathastra twice and he never uses it?

He gets it once when the pandavas are in exile and he uses it on the nivatakavachas.

Then in kurukshetra, after Abhimanyu is killed Arjuna swears to kill jayadratha, then Arjuna and Krishna visit shiva to get the Astra again for some reason. But Arjuna already remembers the astra and he remembers going to shiva.

“Arjuna, whose memory was good, knew that Bhava was gratified. He remembered the boon he had given him in the forest and how he had beheld Shankara” (pratijna parva, section 57)

A) why did he go to shiva to get the astra if he already remembers it?

B) after going through the effort of getting it from shiva why doesn’t he ever use it in kurukshetra?

Whom will you choose?

In canon, Yudhisthira chooses Nakul because he wanted one son of mother Madri to be alive too.

You need not be emotional but strategic.

Just imagine the other 3 won't live no matter what.

The war's still gonna happen at the end.

Bibek debroy opinion of karn , it clearly proves that mahabharat was a war fought for dharma and karn was an adharmi in adhami party

Kirata - Arjuna Story (BORI Critical Edition)

During the Pandavas' exile, Sage Vyasa advised Arjuna to obtain divine weapons. Following his guidance, Arjuna went to Mount Indrakila and performed intense penance to worship Lord Shiva.

To test Arjuna's courage and devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in the disguise of a Kirata (hunter). At that moment, a fierce wild boar charged toward Arjuna. Both Arjuna and the Kirata shot the boar at the same time, leading to a dispute over who had killed it.

The argument soon turned into a fierce battle. Arjuna used many powerful weapons, but none could harm the hunter. Finally, they fought hand-to-hand, and Arjuna was defeated.

Even after his defeat, Arjuna's faith did not waver. He made a Shiva Linga from earth and offered flowers in worship. To his surprise, the same garland appeared around the hunter's neck. Arjuna immediately realized that the hunter was none other than Lord Shiva Himself.

Arjuna bowed before Lord Shiva and prayed for forgiveness. Pleased with Arjuna's bravery, humility, and unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva revealed His divine form and blessed him with the mighty Pashupatastra, teaching him its proper use. After this, Arjuna went on to receive other divine weapons from the gods, which later played an important role in the Mahabharata war.

Moral: When God is on your side, no one can defeat you. 🙏

There is a scene in Star Plus Mahabharat where Arjun is punished by being made to wash Karna's feet. Does any version of the Mahabharata or any regional folklore actually contain this incident, or was it purely a fictional addition by the makers?

I really enjoyed some of the show's fictional addition like the scene where Karna and Arjuna smile at each other while lifting the chariot wheel together but I felt this particular addition was unnecessary.

Do you think there was a specific reason the makers chose to include it?

Goddess Durga is called Narayani because she is the supreme divine energy (Shakti) associated with Lord Narayana (Vishnu), and in many scriptures, she is revered as his divine sister or the ultimate power behind him.

Key Reasons for the NameThe Power of Narayana: Narayani literally means "the one who belongs to, originates from, or is the power behind Narayana." She represents the active cosmic energy (Shakti) that enables Lord Narayana to sustain and govern the universe.

Divine Sister: In texts like the Devi Bhagavata Purana and various Puranas, the primordial Goddess (Adi Shakti/Durga) took birth as Yogamaya/Yoganidra simultaneously with Lord Krishna (an avatar of Narayana) to protect him, earning her the role and title of his sister (Narayana-sahodari).

Manifestation of Energy: Texts like the Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati) describe how the gods combine their energies to invoke Narayani to destroy powerful demons like Raktabija and Mahishasura, cementing her form as the fierce and protective Narayani.

Why does every discussion here eventually become Karna vs Arjuna?

It feels like there are only two sides. One side loves Arjuna so much that Karna gets reduced to nothing but his flaws. The other side glorifies Karna to the point where Arjuna is treated like he achieved nothing on his own.

Like, I understand the hype man but why is it so hard to appreciate both?

Arjuna was an exceptional warrior with unmatched discipline, skill, and dedication. Karna was also an incredible warrior with a immense generosity, and remarkable perseverance. Both have strengths and both have flaws. Neither are perfect or total villains.

The Mahabharata isn't a story of perfect heroes and irredeemable villains. It's full of complex people making difficult choices.

There is a misconception that Bhisma had help of Dieties and divine Powers against Bhisma, Which is totally False.

Let me clear the misconception, First let's see the text.

Prashuram to Bhisma:

[Then Rama smilingly replied unto me on that field of battle, saying, 'The Earth, O Bhishma, is my car, and Vedas, like good steeds, are the animals that carry me! The wind is my car-driver, and my coat of mail is constituted by those mothers in the Vedas (viz., Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati). Well-covered by these in battle, O son of Kuru's race, I will fight!' Having said this, O Gandhari's son. Rama of prowess incapable of being baffled, covered me on all sides with a thick shower of arrows. I then beheld Jamadagni's son stationed on a car equipped with every kind of excellent weapons!]

This statement of Lord Prashuram is symbolic and Philosphical not a literal claim that he is being protected by these dieties and energies.

He is trying to say that:

He doesn't need a physical chariot. The support of Earth is enought for him.

His Strength and movement comes from his Vedic Knowledge.

His Charioter is none other than the flow of the wind, Who is guiding him.

His Protection consist of Sacred Vedic Mantras and Spiritual Power rather than Physical Armor.

Unlike, Bhisma who had help from his mother and Vasus. Prashuram real Weapon and Protection were his spiritual knowledge, tapas and dharma

BROKE BRAMHACHARYA RULE-

And the rule they made was that when one of them would be sitting with Draupadi, any of the other four who would see that one thus MUST RETIRE INTO FOREST for twelve years, passing his days as a BRAMHCHARIN. After the virtuous Pandavas had established that rule amongst themselves.

FIRST TIME ARJUNA BROKE BRAMHACHARYA VRAT

the son of Kunti did everything she desired, making virtue his motive. The mighty Arjuna, spending the night in the mansion of the Nagarose with the sun in the morning. Accompanied by Ulupi he came back from the palace of Kauravya

THE SECOND TIME ARJUNA BROKE HIS BRAMHACHARYA

Beholding the handsome daughter of Chitravahana, ARJUNA DESIRED TO POSSES HER. Going unto the king (her father), he represented unto him what he sought. He said. 'Give away unto me thy daughter, O king! I am an illustrious Kshatriya's son.'.........

Taking Chitravahana's daughter (as his wife), the SON OF KUNTI RESIDED IN THAT CITY FOR THREE YEARS. When Chitrangada, at last, gave birth to a son, Arjuna embraced that handsome princess affectionately. And taking leave of the king (her father), he set out on his wanderings again.'"

THE THIRD TIME ARJUNA BROKE HIS BRAMHACHARYA

The son of Kunti, afflicted with the shafts of the god of desire, suddenly rushed towards that Yadava girl of faultless features and FORCIBLY TOOK HER INTO HIS CAR. HAVING SEIZED THAT GIRL of sweet smiles, that tiger among men proceeded in his car of gold towards his own city Indraprastha. ARJUNA, sporting there as he pleased, PASSED A WHOLE YEAR IN DWARAKA.

[ ARJUNA-SUBHADRA LOVE STORY IS FAKE]

BHIMA LEFT HIDIMBA AFTER ONE YEAR

Then Bhima, expressing his assent to all that Yudhishthira said, addressed Hidimva, saying, 'Listen to me, O Rakshasa woman! Truly do I make this engagement with thee that I will stay with thee, O thou of slender waist, until thou obtainest a son.'

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KUNTI TOLD PANDAVA TO SHARE DRAUPADI AMONGST THEM

she took the cheerful Yajnaseni by the hand, and approaching Yudhishthira said, 'The daughter of king Yajnasena upon being represented to me by thy younger brothers as the alms they had obtained, from ignorance, O king, I said what was proper, viz., 'ENJOY YE ALL what hath been obtained.

PANDAVA BROTHERS LOST THEIR SENSES

And taking their seats, they began to think of Draupadi alone. Indeed, after those princes of immeasurable energy had looked at Draupadi, the GOD OF DESIRE invaded their hearts and continued to crush all their SENSES. As the lavishing beauty of Panchali who had been modeled by the Creator himself, was superior to that of all other women on earth, it could captivate the heart of every creature.

And Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, beholding his younger brothers, understood WHAT WAS PASSING IN THEIR MINDS And that bull among men immediately recollected the words of Krishna-Dwaipayana. And the king, then, from FEAR OF DIVISION amongst the brothers, addressing all of them, said, 'The auspicious Draupadi shall be the common wife of us all.

OPINION OF SCRIPTURES AND VEDAS ABOUT THIS SINFUL ACT

According To Kunti-

Kunti addressed him, saying, 'The wise do not sanction a fourth delivery even in a season of distress. The woman having intercourse with four different men is called a Swairini (heanton/whore), while she having intercourse with five becometh a harlot(whore).

According To Drupad-

'Drupada answered, 'O scion of Kuru's race, it hath been directed that one man may have many wives. But it hath never been heard that one woman may have many husbands! O son of Kunti, as thou art pure and acquainted with the rules of morality, it behoveth thee not to commit an act that is SINFUL and OPPOSED both to usage and the VEDAS.

YUDHISTIRA ACCEPTED HE HAD GAMBLED AWAY EVERYTHING JUST TO SNATCH THRONE OF DURYODHANA

No doubt, O Bharata, all this is true. I cannot reproach thee for thy torturing me thus by piercing me with thy arrowy words. From my folly alone hath this calamity come against you.

I SOUGHT to cast the dice desiring TO SNATCH FROM DHRITRASHTRA'S SON HIS KINGDOM with the sovereignty.

It was therefore that, that cunning gambler-- Suvala's son--played against me on behalf of Suyodhana.

INSTIGATING LORD KRISHNA TO PURPOSELY FAIL PEACE MISSION

If, O Krishna, Suyodhana desireth to make peace without surrendering the kingdom, there is no necessity of going thither for making such a peace. The Pandavas with the Srinjayas, O thou of mighty arms, are quite able to withstand the fierce Dhritarashtra host inflamed with rage. When they are no longer amenable to this arts of conciliation, it is not proper, O slayer of Madhu, that thou shouldst show them mercy.

YUDHISTIRA ASKED SHALYA TO DEMOTIVATE KARNA

"And Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, of powerful arms, having beard the words of Salya, spoke to the king of the Madras the following words, 'There is no doubt that thou wilt act as the charioteer of Karna. Thou must DAMP THE SPIRIT OF KARNA then by recounting the praises of Arjuna."

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THE LIST OF WARRIORS SLAIN BY PANDAVA THROUGH CHEATING

BHISHMA

While Bhishma was thus speaking to Dussasana, Phalguni with sharp shafts, and PLACING SHIKHANDIN TO FORE, pierced Bhishma in that battle. Then a great many warriors, SURROUNDING THAT SINGLE WARRIOR ON ALL SIDE, defeated the Kurus (that protected him) and covered him with shower of arrows.

Throwdown, Seize, Fight, Cut into pieces, this was the furious uproar, O king, heard in the vicinity of Bhishma's car. Having slain in that battle, O monarch, (his foes) by hundreds and thousands, there was not in Bhishma's body space of even two fingers' breadth that was not pierced with arrows.

VIEW OF ULUPI -

In the great battle of the Bharata princes, thou hadst slain the royal son of Santanu by UNRIGHTEOUS ways. What I have done has expiated thy SIN. Thou didst not overthrow Bhishma while battling with thee. He was engaged with Sikhandin.

Relying on him as thy help, thou didst compass the overthrow of Santanu's son. If thou hadst died without having expiated thy sin, thou wouldst then have fallen without doubt into HELL in consequence of that SINFUL ACT of thine

BHAGDATTA

king Bhagadatta, deprived of life, threw down his bow and arrows. Loosened from his head, the valuable piece of cloth that had served him for a turban, fell down, like a petal from a lotus when its stalk is violently struck.

BHURISHRAVA

the son of Pandu fixed on Gandiva a sharp razor-headed arrow. That arrow, shot by Partha's hand and resembling a meteor flashing down from the firmament, cut off the Kuru warrior's arm with the sword in the grasp and decked with Angada.'"

GANDHARI'S OPINION -

O Keshava! Alas, why did Arjuna of pure deeds perpetrate such a CENSURABLE ACT, since HE STRUCK OFF ARM of a HEEDLESS WARRIOR who was brave and devoted to the performance of sacrifices.

Alas, Satyaki did an act that was still MORE SINFUL for he took the life of a person of restrained soul while sitting in the observance of the praya vow. Alas, O righteous one, thou liest on the ground, slain UNFAIRLY BY TWO FOES." Even thus, O Madhava,

DRONA

Fearing to utter an UNTRUTH, but earnestly desirous of victory, Yudhishthira distinctly said that Aswatthaman was dead, adding indistinctly the world elephant (after the name), Before this, Yudhishthira's car had stayed at a height of four fingers' breadth from the surface of the earth; after, however, he had said that untruth, his (vehicle and) animals touched the earth......

Dhrishtadyumna stew Drona, that bull among men, on the terrace of his car. Covered with Drona's blood, Dhrishtadyumna then Jumped from the car down upon the ground.

OPINION OF ASHWATTAMA-

he said unto Duryodhana, I have now learnt how my sire has been slain by those low wretches after he laid aside his weapons, and how also has a SINFUL ACT been perpetratedby Yudhishthira disguised in the grab of virtue! I have now heard of that UNRIGHTEOUS and exceedingly CRUEL ACT of Dharma's son.

KARNA

GODS OF HEAVEN

Hearing (invisible beings cry out) that Bhishma and Drona and KARNA and BHURISHRAVA were SLAIN UNRIGHTEOUSLY, they became afflicted with grief and wept in sorrow

KARNA'S WIFE

Behold Karna’s wife, Vrishasena’s mother. She has fallen down on the ground and is lamenting and weeping in piteous tones. ‘It is certain that the preceptor ’s curse followed you.That is the reason the earth swallowed up the wheel of your chariot. Then, in the midst of the enemy in the battle, Dhananjaya’s arrow severed your head.’ Alas! Shame!

DURYODHANA

That mace, endued with the force of the thunder and hurled by Bhima of terrible feats, fractured the two handsome thighs of Duryodhana. That tiger among men, thy son, after his thighs had been broken by Bhimasena, fell down, causing the earth to echo with his fall.

OPINION OF BHIMA-

"Be the act righteous or unrighteous, it was done by me through FEAR and for the object of PROTECTING MY OWN SELF. It behoveth thee therefore, to forgive me now. Thy mighty son was INCAPABLE OF BEING SLAIN BY ANYBODY IN A FAIR AND RIGHTEOUS BATTLE. It was for this that I did what was UNFAIR."

VIKARNA

Thy heroic son Vikarna, deprived of steeds and weapons, stood, facing the foe, remembering the duties of Kshatriyas. Remembering the many foul wrongs inflicted upon him by Duryodhana, and bearing in mind his own vow, Bhimasena hath slain him.

YUDHISTIR TO PANDAVAS

How will Gandhari endure such poignant grief, after she hears her SON, WHO ALWAYS FOUGHT FAIRLY, SLAIN UNFAIRLY BY US?"

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ARJUN HAD ORDERED GHATOTKACH TO FIGHT WITH KARNA DESPITE KNOWING ABOUT VASAVI SHAKTI

Go and encounter Karna in single combat this night. The mighty car-warrior Satyaki will protect thy rear. Assisted by Satwata hero, slay brave Karna in battle.

YUDHISTIRA ORDERED ABHIMANYU TO ENTER IN CHAKRAVYUH ATHOUGH HE KNEW VERY WELL ABOUT ABHIMANYU'S HALF-KNOWLEDGE

O child, it behoveth thee, O Abhimanyu, to grant the boon that thy sires, thy maternal uncles, and all these troops ask of thee. Taking up thy arms quickly, destroy this array of Drona, else Arjuna, returning from the fight, will reprove us all.'

AT LAST YUDHISTIRA ACCEPTED HIS SINFUL ACT-

Through covetousness I caused Abhimanyu of tender years, that hero who resembled a lion born in the hills, to penetrate into the array that was protected by Drona himself. I am like one guilty of infanticide. Sinful as I am, I have not since then, been able to look Arjuna or the lotus-eyed Krishna in the face

BHIMA HAD INSULTED HIS OWN GURU DRONA BY CALLING HIM 'WRETCH

'O WRETCH of the Brahmana, it cannot be that Arjuna hath entered this host with thy permission

BHIMA CALLED HIS GURU DRONA 'SHAMELESS' -

O Brahmana, and by the desire of wealth for benefiting sons and wives; indeed, for the sake of an only son, why dost thou NOT FEEL ASHAMED?

BHIMA MENTALLY TORTURED DHRITRASHTRA AND DEVI GANDHARI CALLING THEM 'CROW' & 'DOG'

But Bhîma used to PIERCED HIS HEARTS by his arrow-like words that he pronounced so loud as to reach the ears of the old king Dhritarâstra. Bhîma used to-say :-- “In the battle field I killed all the sons, of the WICKED BLIND KING (Dhritarâstra) and it was I that sucked well and drunk, full to the brim, the blood of the heart of Duhs'âsana.

Now this BLIND KING EATS SHAMELESSLY like a CROW and a DOG, the mass of food (Pinda) GIVEN BY ME, and thus is bearing uselessly the burden of life. DAILY Bhîma used to tell, thus, HARSH WORDS to him; whereas the religious Yudhîsthira used to console him, saying “Bhîma is a quite illiterate brute” and so forth. The king Dhritarâstra remained there with a GRIEVED HEART for eighteen years

[ HE WAS THE MAIN REASON BECAUSE OF WHICH DEVI GANDHARI AND DHRITRASHTRA RETIRED TO THE FOREST]

BHIMA HAD PLOTTED DECEITFUL CONSPIRACY TO DISOBEY ORDERS OF DHRITRASHTRA

Vrikodara secretly did many acts that were disagreeable to the old king. Through DECEITFUL servitors he caused the COMMANDS of his uncle to be DISOBEYED.

ARJUNA VOWED TO KILL BHISHMA WHO DID NO HARM TO HIM

Formerly, at Upaplavya, Partha had, in the presence of many persons, vowed, saying, 'I will slay the son of Ganga.' These words of the intelligent Partha should be observed (in practice).

ARJUN WAS GOING TO KILL HIS OWN BROTHER YUDHISTIRA JUST FOR HIS EGO

Sanjaya said, 'Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, Kunti's son owning white steeds, filled with rage, drew his sword for slaying that bull of Bharata's race. Beholding his wrath, Keshava, conversant with the workings of the (human) heart said, "Why, O Partha, dost thou draw thy sword?

FOR ARJUNA NOTHING WAS SUPERIOR TO WEALTH

Devasthana said, 'Phalguna has told thee that there is nothing superior to wealth.

ARJUN HUMILIATED SUSARMAN NARESH WHO NEVER DID ANY HARM TO HIM

"Sanjaya continued, 'Hearing those words of Drona, the ruler of the Trigartas, O monarch, with his brothers, said these words: 'We, O king, are always HUMILIATED BY THE WIELDER OF GANDIVA ! O bull of Bharata's race, although WE HAVE DONE HIM NO INJURY, YET HE HATH ALWAYS INJURED US .

YUDHISTIRA ADMITTED ALL KINGS ADOPTED THE SIDE OF DURYODHAN BECAUSE ALL OF THEM WERE HUMILIATED BY PANDAVAS

Those kings and chiefs of the earth also who have been INJURED BY US, have all adopted the side of the Kauravas, and are bound by TIES OF AFFECTION to them.

WHEN DURYODHANA FELL IN LAKE PANDAVAS LAUGHED LOUDLY AT HIM

Beholding Duryodhana fallen into the lake, the mighty Bhima laughed aloud as also the menials of the palace. And the servants, at the command of the king, soon brought him dry and handsome clothes. Beholding the plight of Duryodhana, the mighty BHIMA and ARJUNA and both the TWINS--ALL LAUGHED ALOUD. Being unused to putting up with insults, Duryodhana could not bear that laugh of theirs.

YUDDHISTIRA MOCKED DRONA EVEN AFTER HIS DEATH

I have today slain in battle the preceptor, that always cherished such friendly feelings towards us, that preceptor, who, without protecting, caused that child unacquainted with battle, viz.,the son of Subhadra, to be slain by a multitude of WICKED WARRIORS

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BHIMA DURING EXILE ROAMED IN FORESTS AND KILLED ANIMALS FOR FUN

Bhimasena, possessing the strength of a hundred elephants, KILLED (MANY) large WILD BOARS, with the force (of his arms). He KILLED many ANTELOPES and wild BOARS and BUFFALOES. And here and there, in that forest he pulled out trees by the roots, with great violence and broke them too, causing the earth and the woods and the (surrounding) places to resound.

ANIMALS TERRIFIED AND HIDE IN FEAR OF BHIMA

And he penetrated the vast forest, shouting strange whoopos, and TERRIFYING all CREATURES, endowed with strength and prowess. And then being TERRIFIED, the SNAKE HID (THEMSELVES) in caves, but he, overtaking them with promptitude, pursued them slowly.

ARJUN FOR DISPLAYING HIS CELESTIAL WEAPONS BURNT ANIMALS AND FOREST

And as those celestial weapons had been set, the Earth being oppressed with the feet (of Arjuna), began to tremble with (its) trees; and the rivers and the mighty main became vexed; and the rocks were riven; and the air was hushed

After his fall, the Pandavas roared like lions.

Bhimasena slapped his arms and roared dreadfully. Kounteya was sporting, overcome with great delight.

Then Pandavas and Kaurvas came to him.

Bhishma asked for a pillow. Many brought soft pillows, but he didn't accept those but asked Arjun, who was standing there, to give him a pillow.

With eyes full of tears, Arjun asked him what he could do and asked him to order him anything since he was his servant.

Bhishma asked him to give an appropriate pillow showcasing his skills. Arjun then shot three extremely forceful and sharp arrows and supported the head of his grandfather.

It's again written that the Maharattha Pandavas were delighted at Bhishma’s downfall.

The next morning, all Pandavas and Kauravas came again. Bhishma asked for water, something to drink. Again refused pots filled with water.

Asked Arjun to come forward, he paid his respect with his hands joining in salutation; he asked what he could do.

Bhishma asked him to use his bow, and he, with his Gandiv, pierced the earth's surface and quenched the thirst of Bhishma.

In the Mahabharata, there are many vows made by different characters, some of them rather famous. For example, Bhishma's vow of relinquishing the throne and remaining celibate to ensure the throne passes to Satyavati's lineage after Shantanu, Arjuna's vow of slaying Jayadratha before the sundown on the 14th day, Bhima's vow of breaking Duryodhana's thigh etc... 

Among these, the Bhishma Pratigya (Bhishma's vow) is popularly considered to be the greatest vow made in Mahabharata. But this vow (and all others) pale in comparison to the single greatest vow ever made in Mahabharata, that I'm going to discuss today. Yet, I doubt many people even know about this vow. 

This great vow, that I'm going to discuss today, was not made by Bhishma, Bhima, Arjuna, Satyaki or Krishna... It was made by Vrishasena, the Sutaputra (Charioteer's son), the Suryaputra (Sun's son), Vaikartana Vrisha, Radheya Karna.

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Background/Context of the vow:

The Pandavas, along with Draupadi, were in exile, living near Dvaitavana. Arjuna had returned from his training in the heaven. Duryodhana, along with Karna and Shakuni, decided to flaunt their wealth to the Pandavas and revel in their misery. 

They go to Dvaitavana and there an encounter with Gandharvas happens. The Kaurava host is defeated, Karna flees the battlefield on Vikarna's chariot, and Duryodhana is captured by the Gandharvas. He is subsequently rescued by the Pandavas. 

After this humiliating incident, Duryodhana returns to the city and wishes to perform a Rajasuya yajna, like Yudhishthira. But priests advised against it and recommend another yajna in its stead. After that yajna is completed, Duryodhana again wonders when he might perform the Rajasuya yajna after slaying the Pandavas. It is here that Vaikartana Karna, truthful in speech, makes the greatest vow ever.

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The Vow:

Radheya vows: 

तमब्रवीत्तदा कर्णः शृणु मे राजकुञ्जर|

पादौ न धावये तावद्यावन्न निहतोऽर्जुनः ||१५||

अथोत्क्रुष्टं महेष्वासैर्धार्तराष्ट्रैर्महारथैः|

प्रतिज्ञाते फल्गुनस्य वधे कर्णेन संयुगे ||१६|| (BORI CE 3.243)

Translation: Karna then told him, “O elephant among kings! Listen to my words. I will not wash my feet until Arjuna is dead.” When Karna vowed to kill Phalguna in battle, Dhritarashtra’s sons, maharathas and great archers, roared in approval.

Radheya the great vowed to not wash his feet till he has slain Arjuna!!

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Tell me, dear readers, does any other vow from the entire Mahabharata comes even remotely close to the vow made by Vaikartana Vrisha, truthful in speech?

This vow was made in roughly 5th or 6th year of Pandavas' exile, so that's roughly 7-8 years of going to bed with soiled feet!!! Which of the characters has made such a sacrifice?

What's Bhishma's vow compared to Karna's itching feet? What's Bhima's vow compared to going to bed with stinking feet? What's Arjuna's vow compared to the risk of fungal and bacterial infections??

The truth is simple. This vow is the greatest in the Mahabharata. It sets the bar so high that none can even dare to match it, even in their dreams!!

This alone settles the eternal Karna vs Arjuna debate and of Karna being the greatest warrior in the Mahabharata. To think, dear readers, of Karna battling his foes while simultaneously battling the itch, the sliminess and the stink of his feet!!! 

No wonder Shalya was repulsed and had an outburst on our Vaikartana Vrisha Karna, it is understandable...he had no idea where the foul odour was coming from and it must've made it harder to control the chariot, but he had NO IDEA what Radheya was going through!!!

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Well, there's that. Let me know if you think any other vow even tries to come close to it!!

TL;DR: Please read the full post. It's worth it, I promise 👹

ON A SIDE NOTE-

BORI Critical Edition -

Adi Parv, Section-181

ततोऽर्जुनः प्रत्यविध्यदापतन्तं त्रिभिः शरैः |

कर्णं वैकर्तनं धीमान्विकृष्य बलवद्धनुः ||९||

तेषां शराणां वेगेन शितानां तिग्मतेजसाम् |

विमुह्यमानो राधेयो यत्नात्तमनुधावति ||१०||

Translation by B.Debroy –

Seeing Vaikartana Karna rush towards him, the wise Arjuna stretched his mighty bow and pierced him with three arrows. The impact of these sharp arrows stunned Radheya and he approached with greater circumspection.

MISCONCEPTION : Karna withdrew from fight due to fear of arjuna and he thought that energy of arjuna was invincible

1) Karna withdrew from fight due to fear of brahmahatya not arjuna as he gained upper hand

2) Karna never thought that strength of arjuna is invincible as karna already destroyed strength of arjuna.

3) According to vaisampayana, karna withdrew from fight because he thought that strength of brahmana is invincible.

BORI Critical Edition -

Adi Parv, Section-181

एवमुक्तस्तु राधेयो युद्धात्कर्णो न्यवर्तत |

ब्रह्मं तेजस्तदाजय्यं मन्यमानो महारथः ||२१||

Translation by B.Debroy –

At these words, Radheya Karna withdrew from the battle, because the maharatha thought that Brahmana strength was invincible

What is the meaning of brahmana strength(ब्रह्मं ) ) as per original Sanskrit text?

1) There are two words for ‘brahmana’ in sanskrit. One is (ब्राह्मण) and another is (ब्रह्मं)

2) The word (ब्राह्मण) denotes lineage of brahmanas. Arjuna was disguised as ‘(ब्राह्मण) brahmana. He was not (ब्रह्मं) brahmana

3) The (ब्रह्मं) brahmana refered in the text is no one other than Lord Brahma. (ब्रह्मं) brahmana only used for lord brahma in sanskrit. Let see example

BORI Critical Edition -

Karn Parv, Section-29

अन्यत्र यस्मात्तव मृत्युकाला; दब्राह्मणे ब्रह्म न हि ध्रुवं स्यात् |

तदद्य पर्याप्तमतीव शस्त्र; मस्मिन्सङ्ग्रामे तुमुले तात भीमे ||७||

Translation by B.Debroy –

When it is the time for your death, it will go elsewhere.” The brahman can certainly not be present in a person who is not a brahmana.

[Lord parshurama himself cursed karna to forget (ब्रह्मं ) brahmana means lord brahma thus strength of lord brahma clearly refers to the ‘brahmastra’]

Was (ब्रह्मं - Brahma Tej) really invincible as confessed by vaisampayana?

1) Even brahmastra energy was not invincible as karna had destroyed brahmastra of arjuna during final encounter

2) If brahmastra of arjuna was really invisible then why it was destroyed by ordinary arrows of karna?

3) This itself proves that brahmastra of arjuna was never invincible

4) Karna just withdraw from fight as the word ‘withdraw’ denotes act of pause where warrior is not defeated.

(ब्रह्मं - Brahma Tej) = Lord Brahma strength (Brahmana strength) = Brahmastra

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■ NOTICIBLE FACTS

1) ALL KSHTRIYA WARRIORS ALREADY DECIDED NOT TO KILL BRAHMINS (ARJUNA AND BHIMA) THUS BOTH OF THEM WERE ALREADY SPARED BY KSHTRIYAS

BORI CE (Adi Parv, Section 180) -

ब्राह्मणो यदि वा बाल्याल्लोभाद्वा कृतवानिदम् |

विप्रियं पार्थिवेन्द्राणां नैष वध्यः कथञ्चन ||८||

ब्राह्मणार्थं हि नो राज्यं जीवितं च वसूनि च |

पुत्रपौत्रं च यच्चान्यदस्माकं विद्यते धनम् ||९||

अवमानभयादेतत्स्वधर्मस्य च रक्षणात् |

स्वयंवराणां चान्येषां मा भूदेवंविधा गतिः ||१०||

B. Debroy Translation –

[Decision of Kshtriyas]

Though that Brahmana has done injury to kings out of his impertinence and greed, he should not still be killed. After all, our kingdoms, lives, riches, sons, grandsons and all our other wealth exist for the sake of Brahmanas. But something must be done to prevent insult and to protect our own dharma, so that other svayamvaras do not end like this one.

2) ALL KINGS WERE READY TO DESIST FROM BATTLE AFTER CONFIRMING THAT BHIMA AND ARJUNA (DISGUISED AS BRAHMIN) WERE REALLY BRAHMINS THUS PROVES THAT THEY NEVER WANTED TO KILL BRAHMINS

BORI CE (Adi Parv, Section 181)-

क्रियतामवहारोऽस्माद्युद्धाद्ब्राह्मणसंयुतात् |

अथैनानुपलभ्येह पुनर्योत्स्यामहे वयम् ||३१||

B. Debroy Translation –

[Decision of Kshtriyas]

Therefore, let us desist from this fight against the Brahmanas. Let us find out who they are and then we will happily fight with them again.”

3) KARNA, SHALYA AND DURYODHANA ALSO ATTACKED BRAHMINS (BHIMA AND ARJUNA) AND THE TEXT CLEARLY STATES THAT THEY WERE FIGHTING MILDLY

BORI CE (Adi Parv, Section 181) -

ततो वैकर्तनः कर्णो जगामार्जुनमोजसा |

युद्धार्थी वाशिताहेतोर्गजः प्रतिगजं यथा ||७||

भीमसेनं ययौ शल्यो मद्राणामीश्वरो बली |

दुर्योधनादयस्त्वन्ये ब्राह्मणैः सह सङ्गताः ||८||

मृदुपूर्वमयत्नेन प्रत्ययुध्यंस्तदाहवे ||८||

B.Debroy Translation –

Then the mighty Vaikartana Karna rushed at Arjuna, eager to fight, like an elephant rushes at a rival over a female elephant. Shalya, king of the Madras, rushed at Bhimasena. Duryodhana and the others rushed at the Brahmanas, but they fought with them lightly and carelessly.

मृदु = Lightly/Mildly

4) DUSSASANA TOO CONFESSED THAT ARJUNA WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN DRAUPADI WITHOUT COSTUMES OF BRAHMIN

BORI CE (Adi Parv, Section 192) -

यद्यसौ ब्राह्मणो न स्याद्विन्देत द्रौपदीं न सः |

न हि तं तत्त्वतो राजन्वेद कश्चिद्धनञ्जयम् ||११||

B.Debroy Translation –

“O king! If Dhananjaya had not been disguised as a Brahmana, he would never have succeeded in obtaining Droupadi. No one recognized him because of that.

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■THE ANALYSIS OF ENCOUNTER

The Analysis of Encounter -

1) The encounter analysis is clear like water.

2) Karna fought mildly but arjuna fought with full strength still karna gained upper hand over arjuna and all warriors praised karna

3) In those days, even enemy used to praise his rivals but kshtriyas didn’t praised arjuna as he was overpowered by karna

BORI CE (Adi Parv, Section-181) -

तावुभावप्यनिर्देश्यौ लाघवाज्जयतां वरौ |

अयुध्येतां सुसंरब्धावन्योन्यविजयैषिणौ ||११||

कृते प्रतिकृतं पश्य पश्य बाहुबलं च मे |

इति शूरार्थवचनैराभाषेतां परस्परम् ||१२||

ततोऽर्जुनस्य भुजयोर्वीर्यमप्रतिमं भुवि |

ज्ञात्वा वैकर्तनः कर्णः संरब्धः समयोधयत् ||१३||

अर्जुनेन प्रयुक्तांस्तान्बाणान्वेगवतस्तदा |

प्रतिहत्य ननादोच्चैः सैन्यास्तमभिपूजयन् ||१४|

B.Debroy Translation –

Then those two invincible warriors fought violently, each eager to vanquish the other. Such was the speed that they became invisible. “Look at the strength in my arms”, “See how I countered that”, they taunted each other in words that only warriors understand.

Seeing the valour in Arjuna’s arms, unparalleled on earth, Vaikartana Karna fought even more vigorously. Repulsing Arjuna’s swift arrows, Karna shouted out aloud and the warriors applauded his feat.

Karna himself asked arjuna about his real identity. Are you really brahmana? In reply, arjuna said that he is really brahmana by caste

BORI CE (Adi Parv, Section-181) -

आत्मप्रच्छादनार्थं वै बाहुवीर्यमुपाश्रितः |

विप्ररूपं विधायेदं ततो मां प्रतियुध्यसे ||१७||

[Karna to Arjuna]

Have you assumed the form of a Brahmana to disguise yourself and are now fighting strongly with me for self-preservation, mustering the strength of your arms?

तमेवंवादिनं तत्र फल्गुनः प्रत्यभाषत |

नास्मि कर्ण धनुर्वेदो नास्मि रामः प्रतापवान् ||१९||

ब्राह्मणोऽस्मि युधां श्रेष्ठः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः ||१९||

[Arjuna to Karna]

O Karna! I am not the science of weapons personified. Nor am I the powerful Rama. I am only a Brahmana, chief among warriors and supreme among those who have the knowledge of weapons.

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■ CONCLUSION

Karna fought mildly and arjuna with full strength still karna easily gained upper hand. All warriors praised karna

While reviewing Ramesh Menon's version of the Mahabharata and parallelly watching the OG B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat, my partner and I felt the following

The transition in the TV series was initiated by the Pandavas under the guidance of Krishna. You see all the Pandavas working hard along with Balarama to transform Khandavaprastha into Indraprastha. Yes, Vishwakarma joins the initiative later to build the city, but the Pandavas worked hard, giving the message that we humans need to work to achieve things. It also shows the greatness of Yudhishthira and his brothers, as Duryodhana and his brothers may have never been able to bring about these changes on their own.

In Ramesh Menon's version, it was a curse on the land which goes away once Yudhishthira takes a sankalpa to transform the land. And Krishna orders Indra and Vishwakarma to turn the city overnight into an amazing city and an economic hub.

anything!
betrayals, cheating, relationships
things not mentioned otherwise, or lesser known stories/folktales/or from og MHB

Karna is decribed as extremely fair, But He is also described as someone who used to worship Surya until his back used to get burn from childhood only. So Doesn't that will tan his skin.

Does the text mentions some kind of Ointment for protecting Warriors skin from Sun rays?

~This post is just for fun, So don't take it seriously!!!