Karna Describes His Love For Duryodhana To Kunti : Episode 123

Recap of Previous Episode :

Duryodhana refuses Krishna’s plea for peace. Krishna reveals to Kunti that Karna is her firstborn son and urges her to try to bring him to the Pandava side. Kunti meets Karna and begs him to return to his brothers, but Karna refuses out of loyalty to Duryodhana, who gave him dignity when others rejected him.

Karna Speaks of Loyalty and Gratitude

Karna continues speaking to Kunti, recounting defining moments of his life shaped by Duryodhana’s trust and affection. He recalls how Duryodhana once asked for his help in abducting Bhanumati, the daughter of Chitrangada, king of Kalinga, during her swayamvara. Jarasandha and Shishupala were among the suitors.

At Duryodhana’s command, Karna defeats Jarasandha effortlessly, and Duryodhana carries Bhanumati away. Later, Duryodhana justifies his act by referencing Bhishma’s abduction of the Kashi princesses for Vichitravirya’s sake.

Bhanumati and Shubhangi

Karna describes Bhanumati as gentle, noble, and radiant like Draupadi. She considers Karna her brother and works with Duryodhana to elevate his status by arranging a kshatriya bride for him in addition to Vrushali, his first wife from the charioteer clan. Together, they visit Chandrasailam and ask for the hand of Princess Shubhangi.

Bhanumati speaks to Shubhangi of Karna’s virtues, while Duryodhana assures the king of Karna’s esteemed position in Hastinapura. With joy, the king agrees, and Karna marries Shubhangi.

A Test of Trust

Karna also shares a delicate moment that reveals Duryodhana’s magnanimity. One day, while Bhanumati and Karna play chess, they exchange playful teasing. Just then, Duryodhana enters. Bhanumati stands to greet him, but Karna, thinking she wishes to avoid defeat, playfully pulls her jeweled garment. The stitches snap, and pearls scatter across the floor. Both freeze in dread. Duryodhana smiles and says lightly, “Shall I collect the beads, or shall I string them too?” The tension dissolves. Karna never forgets that trust.

Kunti’s Pain and Karna’s Boons

Having shared these memories, Karna asks Kunti if she still expects him to abandon Duryodhana and be branded a traitor. Kunti finally understands the chains of gratitude that bind him. She blesses him and rises to leave.

But Karna’s heart breaks watching her depart empty-handed. He senses she came to ask something and offers her two boons. With hesitation, Kunti requests that he spare her sons. Karna is torn. He cannot promise that — his rivalry with Arjuna is destiny itself. Instead, he vows to spare all the Pandavas except Arjuna.

She asks as her second boon that he not use the Nagastra twice against Arjuna. Karna understands immediately whose guidance lies behind the request, yet agrees. He assures her she will always have five sons, whether Arjuna survives or he does.

As Kunti turns to go, Karna asks one final question — if he sought Arjuna’s mercy, would she plead with Arjuna as she has pleaded with him? Kunti stands silent, tears burning. Karna understands the answer without hearing it.

He now asks his boons — she must not reveal his identity until his death; and when he dies, she must cradle his head and weep aloud, “Oh my son!”, so the stain of his birth is washed away. Kunti blesses him and leaves, shattered. From the balcony, Shakuni watches her departure.

The Cost of Peace

Kunti meets Krishna and tells him everything. She asks if all her sons can be saved. Krishna says yes — if she speaks publicly against the war. But doing so means the Pandavas must spend their lives in exile, and their honor will never recover. Their humiliation will follow them forever, and Draupadi will live with unbound hair. Kunti refuses that fate. Krishna reminds her she now knows the price — one son must be lost.

Bhishma’s Oath

Krishna leaves for Virata, where the Pandavas await Him. On the way, Bhishma intercepts Him and asks if there is any way to avoid death at the hands of Shikhandi. Krishna explains that Shikhandi, once Amba, earned a boon from Shiva to become the instrument of Bhishma’s destruction. Bhishma pleads that he would rather fall to Arjuna or even to Krishna Himself. Krishna quietly reminds him of His vow not to raise weapons in the war. Bhishma then vows with fierce pride that he will force Krishna to break His word and take up arms in battle.