War Day 17 - Karn as Chief Army Chief - Day 2 (5)

After the Fall of Karn

The 17th day of war, the 2nd day of Karn as the Commander-in-Chief of Kaurav army, Karn is dead. 

After Karn fell, all the army started running away with the fear that Arjun or Bheem was following them. Their faces were pale, they were trembling, and they were running with a great speed. Seeing his army without Karn, Duryodhan broke into tears. Many warriors came there and surrounded Karn's fallen body. Shalya returned his chariot towards Duryodhan. He comforted Duryodhan - "Do not grieve so much, Duryodhan, it is destiny. Comfort yourself, victory can still be attained." Duryodhan said to his charioteer - "You take me to the back of the troops. If I fight Arjun from there he will not be able to know me." So his charioteer took him at the back of the troops. Then some soldiers proceeded to fight, but Bheem killed all of them. Arjun also killed many other chariot-riders. Seeing all this, all army of Duryodhan ran away. Then came Duryodhan and challenged all Paandav. Then Shalya said - "Let these troops retire. Sun is almost down. Remember that you are the cause of all this."

Shalya thus stopped Duryodhan, deeply afflicted with the death of his best friend, from fighting. Ashwatthaama also comforted him. Duryodhan returned to his camp looking back repeatedly at Karn's body. Karn's body was still lying there. Celestials had left the place and gone to their homes. Karn and his sons were killed by Arjun. Kripaa, Duryodhan, Susharmaa, Ashwatthaamaa all were drawing deep breaths on the sight of victory of Paandav. They all had returned to their camp in a very depressed mood.

Krishn and Arju blew their conchs - Paanchjanya and Devdatt, hearing them Kaurav's army got frightened and Yudhishthir got happy. Krishn said to Arjun - "Go and now report to the king about the killing of Karn for which you have been longing for years. During your fight with Karn, Yudhishthir came once to see you but could not stay in the field as he was not well." So both went to Yudhishthir and told him the way Karn was killed. Before going to Yudhishthir, Krishn asked Dhrishtdyumn, Yudhaamanyu, Nakul and Sahadev, and Bheem and Yuyudhaan to hold the front till they came back. Yudhishthir then came to battlefield to see Karn with Arjun and Krishn. He looked at his body for quite some time before he believed Karn was dead. Then he praised both of them and said - "Today we will sleep without worry after 13 years of wakeful nights."

Hearing all this account of war both Dhritraashtra and Gaandhaaree fell on the ground unconscious. Vidur and Sanjaya brought Dhritraashtra in senses and other Kuru women brought Gaandhaare in senses. Vyaas Jee says - "Who reads or hears this story of Arjun and Karn battle attains every kind of bliss, every kind of happiness. A Braahman by reading it would obtain the fruits of reading Ved, a Kshatriya would obtain the strength and victory, a Vaishya would obtain wealth and a Shoodra would obtain health and freedom from disease. Listening or reading the Karn Parv will give the results of donating cows with calves for a whole year.

After Karn fell, Dhritraashtra was also very sad. He said - "Many years ago, Vidur told me that your this son will be the cause of destruction of all Kshatriya's and population of the Earth. I did not agree then. Now all good Kshtriya are going one by one, so many innocent people have been killed in this war, only because of my foolishness. Tell me Sanjaya then what happened further in the battleground?"

Sanjaya said - "Duryodhan fell into a great grief after Karn was killed. He arrived in his camp accompanied by other kings. In spite of consoling by many people he was not at peace. He considered it as his destiny so he still resolved for battle, but he could not see any person to whom he could appoint his Commander-in-Chief. His condition was like a ship without a raft to save himself. His other brothers also ran away in fear. Then Kripaa tried to explain to Duryodhan - "It is all right for a Kshatriya to die in a battlefield, but tell me after Bheeshm, Drone, Karn, Dushaasan, your son Lakshman what are we going to do. Even when they were alive we could not do anything of Arjun. Your army has also run away. Whatever Bheem said in the dice game court, he has already fulfilled of its half, he will fulfill the other half also. He who is weak should go for reconciliation, he who is growing should go for war, this is Brihaspati's policy. So go for peace. Yudhishthir is righteous. At the request of Dhritraashtra and Krishn he will allow you to continue as king. His other brothers obey him. I am not saying all this to protect my life but only for your benefit." He said these words almost weeping and then he became unconscious.

First Duryodhan became silent for a few moments then said - "Whatever you have said to me has said like a friend. You have done everything for me during this war, but, however, your words do not please me. We have cunningly defeated Yudhishthir in dice game why should he trust me? When Krishn came to us as their Peace Messenger, we insulted Him, then why should He forgive us? Why Arjun should forgive me for Abhimanyu's death? Bheem will break but not bend. He will surely fulfill his vows. Who have seen Draupadee's insult in the court can never retreat from the battle. So this is the time not to retreat from battle but to fight. I have given many sacrifices, Dakshinaa, and charities. I have kept my servants always happy, I have repaid all debts, still there is no happiness. I have been a king and will attain Heaven like a king by fighting, not by slavery. So be ready to fight." 

Many people standing there admired the spirit of Duryodhan. Then they went to Saraswatee River, took bath in it and quenched their thirst. They retired for the night. Shalya, Chitrasen, Shakuni, Ashwatthaamaa, Kripaa and other kings had all resolved for fight.