Bhishma Parvam

[Guest guest]

!! Sri Rama Jayam !!

 

This episode is borrowed from Bhishma Parvam of " Mahabharata " by Sri Vyasa Deva

" Karna - Bhishma Samvadam "

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Karna was beside himself with grief. When the news of the fall of Bhishma

reached him. His sorrow was immense. He was overwhelmed with grief and tears

were rolling down his cheeks. Bhishma was his kin and best disciple of

Parashurama, his guru. Then Duryodhana came and he was sobbing uncontrollably.

Karna consoled him, suppressing his own grief. Now the times had come when he

would have to face his brothers in the battlefield. Duryodhana went away. But

Karna sat long time thinking. The night had advanced.

 

Karna's steps were quick and silent as he walked towards the field when the

ancient Kuru had fallen. Karna reached there and then stood at Bhishma feet. His

tears fell on Bhishma's feet. He asked that who was there shedding so hot tears.

These tears sting me more than the arrows in my body.

 

Karna said in his voice choked with tears, " My lord, I am Karna. I have come to

pay respects to you. It has been my great misfortune that I could never win your

love and affection. I waited for the night to advance as I was afraid you may

not like my presence and say some harsh words. I did not want to hear those

words in presence of others. " Bhishma's voice was full of love and compassion.

He said, with his eyes full of tears, " No my child, you could not understand me.

You are the greatest warrior and archer on the earth. You are the best pupil as

by blessed guru Parashurama. No one, except Krishna, can excel you. I was harsh

to you, as I wanted to ensure that you do not become too proud. I also did not

like too much devotion to Duryodhana's cause. He is not on the path of dharma.

But do not harbour the notion in your mind for a moment even that I do not like

you. You are my grandson and you are as dear to me as Yudhisthira or

Duryodhana. " Saying this Bhishma embraced Karna like a favourite child. Karna

was amazed at Bhishma's knowledge about his birth. He asked, " Grand father how

do you know about my birth? For how long did you know about it? " , Bhishma said,

" I knew it for a quite a long time. Sage Vyasa had told me. Vidura too knew it

but my lips were sealed. Fate had been unkind to you. She made you suffer so

much for no fault of your. The Pandavas are your brothers join them. You shall

have the kingdom of the earth. Brothers like Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula

and Sahdeva. Krishna will be there to guide you. Let my death be the cause of

the end of the enmity between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. You are the perfect

bridge for this. No one is there in both the side who would not listen to you. "

 

Karna said, " My dear grandfather, if only it could have been possible to obey

your command. The fate has dictated a different course than we would wish to

see. I have promised to Duryodhana to do anything for him. Relying upon me, he

embarked upon this war. I can give whatever I have for Duryodhana. Duryodhana

will not stop. I have to fight for him and die in the battle. Despite the kind

words your revere self has used for my skills in warfare the Pandavas are under

the protection of Krishna. Where Krishna is there is Dharma, there is victory.

No one can conquer them. Krishna is the supreme lord he has sealed our fates.

Let me die a brave's death in the battlefield. I want nothing except my fair

name. I have said so many harsh words to cause pain to your blessed self. I beg

your forgiveness for all the things. I said against you. The great should

forgive the small and the ignorant. "

 

Bhishma embraced Karna and said, " Go in peace my child. How can a grandfather be

angry with one's grandchild?, I bless you whole heartedly. Do your duty as a

Kshatriya and die a heroes death in the war. You will get what you want. Your

name shall last forever on this earth as the greatest warrior and the greatest

giver and the noblest of heroes. I shall join you in heaven. I have to wait for

the coming of Uttarayana. "

 

Karna touched the feet of his grandfather and said, " Grandfather, I have to ask

you a boon. " What it is my child? Just tell me, said Bhishma. " Kindly do not

tell the Pandavas about my birth " , said Karna.Bhishma said, " Yes, I will tell

Duryodhana only so that he may know the extent of your love and affections for

him. I will ask him to keep it a secret. " Karna returned to his tent. Tomorrow,

was going to be a terrible day.

 

Sri Krishnarpanamastu

 

Hare Krishna

Hare Rama