161. Shalya To Be Karna's Charioteer

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Recap of Previous Episode :

Karna reels under Shakuni’s accusations and vows to kill Arjuna. He demands Shalya as his charioteer. Krishna is confident that discord between Karna and Shalya will weaken Karna. Kunti seeks Karna’s mercy, but Karna prepares to unleash the Nagastra, promising she will always remain mother to five sons.

Shakuni Seeds Distrust

The sixteenth day ends in turmoil. Shakuni relentlessly taunts Karna about sparing Nakula and accuses him of secretly supporting the Pandavas. Duryodhana stands speechless — torn between his loyalty to Karna and doubts planted by Shakuni.

Shakuni questions why Karna surrendered his kavacha-kundala to an unknown Brahmin, suggesting that Karna values fame for charity more than loyalty to Duryodhana.

Karna Demands a Worthy Charioteer

Deeply wounded, Karna demands to know whether Duryodhana truly trusts him. He vows: “Tomorrow I will kill Arjuna. Give me just one thing — a competent charioteer.”

He asks for King Shalya, whose mastery of horses is legendary. Shalya initially refuses but later recalls Krishna’s enigmatic advice that destiny brings each person to the role they are meant to play. Believing divine purpose at work, he reluctantly agrees to drive Karna’s chariot.

Krishna’s Insight

Krishna is delighted by Shalya’s appointment. He tells the Pandavas that Karna and Shalya — both proud, fiery warriors — will clash in temperament rather than work in harmony. Their conflict will weaken Karna in battle.

A Moment Between Two Mothers

Gandhari removes her royal ornaments and hands them to Kunti, prepared for the grief she knows is inevitable.

Kunti implores her not to abandon her queenly dignity and vows that Gandhari will forever remain the queen, whatever may happen.

Karna Meets Kunti

Karna approaches Kunti with respect and asks for her blessing. Kunti begs Karna to spare Arjuna’s life. Karna, emotionally torn but resolute, replies:

“Mother, I have already spared Nakula and Bhima. Tomorrow I will use the Nagastra. The outcome may be in God’s hands, but you will always remain mother to five sons — never four.”

He bows to her and departs for the battlefield.

Short Note: Who Was Vikarna?

Vikarna was the third Kaurava brother and the only one who openly opposed the humiliation of Draupadi in the Kuru assembly. He protested boldly against adharma, earning admiration even from the Pandavas. Though loyal to his family, Vikarna fought reluctantly on the Kaurava side in the war. Bhima kills Vikarna with deep sorrow, honouring him as a righteous adversary who stood for justice when others remained silent. Vikarna is remembered as the lone voice of conscience among the Kauravas.

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