Karna Parva — The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna

Sanjaya said On having satisfied Yudhishthira, Partha, bent upon slaying the son of Suta, cheerfully said unto Govinda:

Let my chariot be again got ready and let the best of steeds be harnessed thereto and let all sorts of arms be placed in that superb vehicle.

The horse, thoroughly trained by expert horsemen, have already refreshed themselves by rolling on the ground. Let them be forth with brought out and equipped in the trappings of the car. O Govinda, make headway, to take away the life of Suta's son.

O sovereign, on being thus addressed by the magnanimous Phalguna, Krishna said to Daruka-"Do all that has been said by Arjuna, the foremost of archers and the best scion of Bharata's race."

O best of kings, Daruka on being thus ordered by Krishna, equipped the chariot, covered with tiger-skins and ever awe-inspiring to the enemies. He then informed the magnanimous son of Pandu, that the chariot was ready.

Seeing the chariot equipped by the highsouled Daruka, Arjuna took leave of Yudhishthira and with the Brahmanas' blessings and performance of their many propitiatory rites, then proceeded to ascend his superb chariot.

On Yudhishthira, the righteous one and of great wisdom, having bestowed his benedictions Arjuna marched against Karna's chariot.

O Bharata, seeing that great archer start off for the field all the living beings believed Karna as already slain by the magnanimous Pandava.

O king, the whole universe turned calm for the time being. O lord of men blue jays (the king-fishers), wood-packers, herons, began to hover round the son of Pandu.

O king, a fight of birds, of beauty and good omen, called Pung, began to cackle merrily as if to urge Arjuna to hasten to the battle.

While O monarch, the portentous Kankas, vultures, cranes, hawks and revens flew before him in anticipation of food.

Besides these other auspicious auguries presaged the extinction of the hostile host and the doom of Karna.

While on his way to the field Partha began to perspire copiously and became deeply thoughtful as to how he would gain his end.

Then finding Partha proceeding in such a thoughtful mood Vasudeva's son, the slayer of Madhu, said these words to the wielder of Gandiva.

Vasudeva said O Wielder of Gandiva, there is no man in this world, who could defeat those you have defeated with your bow in the battle-field.

I have seen many a hero, valiant like Sakra, who have gone off to the highest regions having encountered you in the battle.

O gifted one, who, that is not equal to you, could in battle withstand Drona and Bhishma and Bhagadatta and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti and Sudakshina, the chief of the Kambojas and Shrutayudha of mighty prowess and Achyutayudha as well.

O Arjuna, you have heavenly weapons and dexterity of hand and energy; you are always clear-handed in the battle-field, well-versed in the science of war, unfailing in your aim and your ready-wit in emergencies and your martial manoeuvres are admirable. O Partha, you can vanquish the gods and Gandharvas together with the organic and inorganic creation.

There is no mortal warrior on earth who can be your rival in battle. There cannot be found any skilled archer like you, either among the invincible Kshatriyas or the gods.

Brahma, the creator of all beings, has himself made that powerful bow Gandiva, O Parthas, which you fight with. And that is why no one can outstrip you in battle.

However, O son of Pandu, I shall tell you words that would conduce to your well-being. O strong-armed one, do not think lightly of Karna, who is a glory of the field.

Karna is valiant, proud, an adept in the use of weapons, an expert charioteer, skilled in the tactics of war, a veteran warrior and an able diplomatist.

O son of Pandu, to you I need not say much; hear me tell you of him in brief. I regard that mighty car-warrior Karna as being equal, if not superior, to you in prowess. Therefore exert utmost caution in slaying his in the great battle.

He is valarous like Agni, swift like the speed of the wind, furious like the Destroyer, strong and powerful like the lion.

He is eight ratnis (i.e. about 168 inches) in height and of long arms. His chest is expanded and strong and he is almost invincible. He is, moreover, chivalrous and an eminent hero and of graceful figure.

He possesses all the necessary attributes of an warrior and is a dispeller of the fears of his friends, always hostile to the Pandavas and ever bent upon doing good turns to the sons of Dhritarashtra.

Methinks that the son of Radha cannot be slain by any one, not even by the gods with Vasava himself at their head, excepting by you alone. Therefore, do you slay the son of Suta today.

No one made of flesh and blood, not all the warriors, nor even the gods would succeed in defeating that inighty car-warrior in fight, even if they combine together to do so.

He is wicked, vicious and wanton and ever bears evil designs against the Pandavas. He has no self-interest in this quarrel with the Pandavas. Do you attain success today by slaying Karna in battle.

The son of a charioteer (Karna), the best chariot fighter thinks himself beyond the reach of Yama. Enslave him to Yama today. Kill Karna, the son of a charioteer today for the pleasure of Dharamraja, Yudhishthira.

O Partha! I am known to your might and valour toughest to bring down even for gods and monsters both. Karna, the wicked son of a charioteer humiliated Pandavas always under sheer influence of his super ego.

O Dhananjaya, the sinful Suyodhana poses himself as a hero only counting upon Karna's valour. Do you today strike at the root of all evils by slaying down that son of Suta.

O Dhananjaya, do slay that mighty Karna, who has the sword for his tongue, the bow for his mouth, the arrows for his teeth and who is moreover arrogant and energetic. Slaughter him.

I am fully aware of your chivalry and strength. Do, O hero, slay that Karna battle even as a lion kills an elephant.

Do in today's battle kill that Vaikartana Karna, counting upon whose prowess the sons of Dhritarashtra over look your manly virtues.