164. Karna Killed and Yudhishtra Curses No Woman Can Keep Secrets

Recap of Previous Episode :

Karna consoles a devastated Duryodhana after Dushasana’s death. Karna wounds Yudhishtra but spares his life due to his promise to Kunti. A fierce quarrel breaks out between Arjuna and Yudhishtra but Krishna prevents disaster. Arjuna symbolically “dies” through self-praise, enabling his destined victory over Karna. On the battlefield, the final duel begins, and Arjuna narrowly escapes Karna’s Nagastra with Krishna’s intervention.

The Wheel Sinks — The Curse Unfolds

After the failure of the Nagastra, another catastrophe strikes Karna. His chariot wheel sinks deep into the mud. The moment he sees it, Karna recalls the curse of the grieving Brahmin whose son he accidentally killed — a curse foretelling that Karna would be helpless when he most needs support.

Shalya abandons him and walks away. Karna steps down, desperately trying to lift the wheel.

Krishna Commands Arjuna

Krishna urges Arjuna to strike immediately.

Karna appeals for a pause in battle, citing the rules of righteous warfare.
But Krishna reminds Arjuna that Karna himself violated dharma when the Kauravas butchered the weaponless Abhimanyu.

Now is the moment of justice, not sentiment.

Karna attempts to invoke Brahmastra, but cannot remember the mantra — the result of another curse, this one from Parashurama, who pronounced that Karna would forget the knowledge at the most crucial moment.

The Merit That Protects Karna

Arjuna attacks with divine astras, but astonishingly, the weapons transform into garlands of flowers as they touch Karna.

Krishna explains that Karna’s lifelong charity and selfless giving have created a protective shield of punya (merit) around him.

Krishna Takes Away Karna’s Punya

To help Arjuna fulfil destiny, Krishna takes the form of a poor Brahmin and requests Karna to give away all his accumulated punya.

True to his nature, Karna donates every bit of merit, including the merit he gains through that act of giving.

Krishna then reveals his divine form and blesses him.

Sheltered no more, Karna is hit by Arjuna’s blazing arrows and falls dead.

Kunti’s Grief Shatters the Battlefield

Kunti is praying when she hears the news. She rushes to the field, howling uncontrollably: “Karna, my son!”

The Pandavas, Draupadi, Duryodhana and Shakuni gather in shock.

The Truth Revealed

Kunti declares publicly that Karna is her firstborn.

The Pandavas stand stunned. Duryodhana is heartbroken — he sees the lifelong agony Karna must have carried while still remaining loyal to him.

He commands that the final rites will be performed by him alone, and forbids the Pandavas from participation.

Yudhishtra’s Bitter Curse

Yudhishtra turns to Kunti in anger. Had they known earlier, the war might have taken a different course.

He curses that henceforth women shall never be able to keep secrets, and leaves in grief.