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In the midst of the Mahabharata war, a monumental clash between two renowned warriors, Arjuna and Karna, unfolds on the battlefield, showcasing their exceptional skills and divine guidance.
Characters in the story:
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshiped as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
Arjuna: Arjuna is a skilled and virtuous warrior prince and one of the central characters in Mahabharata. He is renowned for his archery prowess and is a key figure in the Kurukshetra War, where he faces moral dilemmas on the battlefield, eventually receiving divine guidance from Lord Krishna.
Karna: Karna is a prominent character in Mahabharata. He is known for his valor, generosity, and tragic fate, as he was the son of the sun god Surya, but was abandoned at birth and raised by a low-caste charioteer.
On the 15th day of the Mahabharata war, the battlefield was filled with anticipation as the epic confrontation between Arjuna and Karna unfolded. Both warriors were known for their exceptional skills and unwavering determination, and this battle was destined to be one for the ages.
As the sun blazed overhead, Arjuna drew his powerful bow, Gandiva, and let loose an arrow with immense force, aiming directly at Karna’s chariot. The arrow sailed through the air, leaving a trail of fiery light in its wake, and struck Karna’s chariot with a deafening impact. The chariot shuddered under the power of Arjuna’s attack and was pushed back nearly *ten meters, leaving everyone on the battlefield in awe of the Pandava prince’s prowess.
However, Karna was not one to be easily shaken. The formidable warrior, possessing remarkable composure, drew his own bow, the Vijaya, and unleashed a counterattack upon Arjuna’s chariot. With exceptional precision and strength, his arrow struck Arjuna’s chariot with a resounding thud, causing it to move back only a mere *two meters.
To the surprise of everyone present, including Arjuna himself, Lord Krishna, who was Arjuna’s charioteer, applauded Karna’s display of skill and strength. Addressing him as “अतिउत्तम कर्ण” (astounding Karna), Krishna expressed his admiration for the valor and abilities of Karna.
Perplexed and humbled by Krishna’s praise of his rival, Arjuna couldn’t comprehend the basis for it. He wondered aloud why Krishna would commend Karna when his own attack was far more forceful and impactful, almost uprooting Karna’s chariot from the ground.
In response, the all-knowing Krishna smiled gently at Arjuna and began to enlighten him about the deeper truth behind the apparent display of strength. He reminded Arjuna of their unique and extraordinary situation. While Karna’s chariot was indeed moved back by Arjuna’s arrow, it was essential to consider the context.
Krishna revealed that he, as the divine charioteer, bore the weight of the entire universe upon his shoulders, a burden that no mortal could even fathom. Additionally, Lord Hanuman stood guard upon Arjuna’s chariot, protecting it from all forms of harm with his boundless strength.
Understandably, such divine protection rendered their chariot seemingly immovable, as it carried the weight of the cosmos. Yet, Karna’s sheer strength and exceptional archery skills were so remarkable that he managed to push the chariot back by 2 meters despite the immense weight it bore. This feat demonstrated the unparalleled mastery Karna possessed as an archer, making him truly exceptional even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
As Krishna concluded his explanation, Arjuna’s realized the significance of Karna’s accomplishment and why Krishna praised him so highly. There was a newfound respect for his rival, and he admired Karna’s unwavering determination and extraordinary abilities.
* The distance serves only as a point of reference.
