Karna Parva (The Book of Karna)

Summary

The Karna Parva covers the 16th and 17th days of the Kurukshetra War. Following Drona's death, Karna is appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava army. King Shalya of Madra is persuaded to become Karna's charioteer, though he initially demoralizes Karna with praise of Arjuna.

This parva features some of the most brutal fighting in the epic. Bhima fulfills his terrifying vow by killing Dushasana and drinking his blood in the open battlefield to avenge Draupadi's humiliation. The climax is the legendary duel between Arjuna and Karna. Despite his valor, Karna is haunted by his past curses: his chariot wheel sinks into the earth, and he forgets the mantras for his celestial weapons. While Karna struggles to lift his wheel, Krishna urges Arjuna to disregard the rules of fair play—just as Karna had done during Abhimanyu's death—and strike. Arjuna shoots the Anjalika weapon, beheading Karna and bringing a tragic end to the life of the generous but conflicted warrior.

Key Events

• Karna's appointment as the third Commander-in-Chief.
• Shalya becoming Karna's charioteer and their argumentative relationship.
• Bhima killing Dushasana and drinking his blood.
• Yudhishthira's retreat and his harsh words to Arjuna.
• The final confrontation between Karna and Arjuna.
• Karna sparing the lives of Nakula, Sahadeva, and Yudhishthira (keeping his promise to Kunti).
• The curses taking effect: The chariot wheel sinking and memory loss.
• Krishna's instructions to Arjuna to kill the unarmed Karna.
• The death of Karna.