Sanjaya continued his solemn narration to Dhritarashtra, revealing that before the long-awaited encounter between Karna and Arjuna commenced, an extraordinary assembly unfolded in the celestial realms. The gods themselves gathered to witness the decisive hour that would determine the destiny of kings, the restoration of righteousness, and the fulfilment of divine purpose. What was about to occur on the battlefield had already stirred the heavens, where every word carried the weight of eternal truth.
Indra addressed Brahma with reverence and said, “O Lord, You have already declared that victory shall belong to Krishna and Arjuna. Their triumph is not merely for personal glory but for the preservation of the world and the restoration of Dharma. Karna, though destined to fall, shall attain the exalted worlds reached by Bhishma and Drona, for his courage, generosity, and unwavering adherence to his chosen path have earned him celestial merit. Arjuna, who has endured exile, humiliation, hardship, and countless trials for the sake of righteousness, shall in due course enjoy the royal prosperity that has long been denied to him.”
Brahma replied with serene wisdom, “Why should we prematurely concern ourselves with victory and defeat before the warriors have met in battle? Yet understand this well. Krishna and Arjuna are born of one divine resolve. Though they appear as two, they are united by a single purpose, sharing one glory without the slightest division. As you have rightly observed, no good can come from opposing them. Their victory is certain because it rests upon the eternal foundation of Dharma.”
Then Lord Shiva, the great witness of creation and dissolution, affirmed Brahma’s words. “Their triumph shall indeed be revealed before all beings. No force in the three worlds can overturn what has been ordained by righteousness itself.”
Hearing these declarations, Indra turned towards the hosts of sages, celestial beings, Gandharvas, Siddhas, Yakshas, and all the divine assemblies. “You have heard the unanimous word of the Supreme Powers. You now know what alone is beneficial for the welfare of the universe. Let every thought and intention proceed in harmony with this divine decree.”
With one voice the celestial hosts answered, “So shall it be. How can we choose a different course when the will of the Supreme has already been declared?”
Immediately the heavens blossomed with showers of fragrant flowers. Divine drums resounded through the skies. Conches, celestial trumpets, and heavenly instruments echoed across the worlds as every cosmic element turned its attention towards Kurukshetra. The earth, the heavens, the guardians of the directions, the rivers, mountains, winds, and stars seemed to pause, eager to witness the greatest duel ever fought between two archers whose fame had already become immortal.
Upon the battlefield stood Krishna and Arjuna upon one chariot, while Karna and Shalya occupied the other. Fully armed and adorned for combat, they sounded their mighty conches whose thunder rolled across the plains like the roaring of oceans. From both armies arose the deafening sounds of war bugles, kettle drums, tabors, cymbals, horns, and countless martial instruments until the very sky trembled beneath their echoes.
Then an extraordinary silence descended. Warriors on both sides stood motionless, overwhelmed by unspoken expectation. Every eye was fixed upon the two foremost heroes whose encounter would decide the fate of nations.
Above Arjuna’s chariot fluttered the glorious Kapidhwaja bearing Hanuman, while Karna’s standard displayed the magnificent elephant emblem obtained through prolonged austerities and divine favour. Though these standards were fashioned from inanimate materials, they shone with the living presence of the divine powers they represented, illuminating the battlefield with supernatural brilliance.
Krishna and Shalya alone could directly behold the subtle movements of these celestial manifestations. Their hearts recognised that invisible forces had already begun to shape the outcome of the conflict. As Karna and Arjuna gazed upon one another with unwavering intensity, their piercing eyes revealed far more than ordinary determination. Within Krishna and Arjuna rested unshakable confidence born of divine purpose, while hidden beneath the courage of Karna and the composure of Shalya lingered the shadow of approaching destiny.
Karna then turned to Shalya and asked, “If Arjuna should somehow overcome me today, what course will you follow?”
Shalya answered proudly, “Should such an impossible event occur, I myself shall surround both Krishna and Arjuna and overwhelm them with relentless showers of arrows.”
Meanwhile Arjuna addressed Krishna with the same question. The Lord smiled gently and replied, “Even if the sun were to fall from the heavens, the earth were shattered into fragments, or mighty Mount Meru were overturned from its eternal foundation, still you shall never be defeated by Karna.”
Krishna continued with affectionate confidence. “Even if the impossible you imagine were somehow to arise, do you think I could calmly witness such a sight? Karna and Shalya would be crushed within my hands as easily as insects. I would destroy the Kaurava hosts without restraint, bury their pride beneath the earth, and install Dharmaraja upon the throne that is rightfully his.”
Arjuna smiled at these words and replied playfully, though every syllable carried unwavering conviction. “My beloved friend, I alone possess the power to erase the Kaurava army without leaving a trace. Until now I have restrained my full strength, awaiting the proper hour to avenge the unspeakable humiliation inflicted upon Draupadi in the royal assembly. Even if the three great gods themselves were to stand against us, my resolve would not falter. With celestial weapons I shall annihilate Karna’s divisions, sever his head, and shatter forever the pride of Duryodhana. Watch these events as though they were a sport. The wives of Karna and Shalya shall mourn their fallen husbands, while you, smiling with satisfaction, shall carry these joyous tidings to Draupadi, Dharmaraja, and our mother Kunti. Just as a mighty elephant uproots a tree without resistance, so shall I bring about Karna’s inevitable fall.”
While these intimate words were exchanged, warriors on both sides witnessed astonishing celestial visions. The gods themselves appeared dancing across the heavens. None among the assembled armies dared blink, lest they miss these wondrous manifestations.
Karna and Duryodhana remained steadfast, neither astonished nor distracted. Their minds were completely absorbed in the immense burden of the approaching battle. The Pandava forces stood firmly behind Arjuna, while deep within the Kaurava ranks an unspoken fear arose at the sight of Krishna guiding Arjuna’s chariot. The bows of both Karna and Arjuna shone with radiant splendour as each prepared to fulfil his destiny with unyielding determination.
At that solemn moment Ashwatthama approached Duryodhana. Speaking with affection and sincere concern, he said, “Bhishma and my father Drona, the greatest masters of warfare, have already been overcome by Arjuna, the wielder of Gandiva. Karna is certainly no greater warrior than they. He cannot prevail against Arjuna. Permit me to approach Arjuna personally. He will not reject my request for peace. Restrain Karna from entering this battle. If you yourself speak respectfully to Dharmaraja, every difficulty will disappear. Krishna too will welcome such reconciliation. Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva will gladly obey Dharmaraja’s decision. My counsel serves the welfare of our people, our lineage, our commanders, and every warrior assembled here. Consider it carefully.”
Ashwatthama continued with painful honesty. “Do not imagine that Kripacharya and I possess the strength to defeat Vijaya. The belief that we cannot easily be slain offers no assurance of victory. Once everyone believed Bhishma and Drona were invincible, yet because Krishna stood beside Arjuna, they too were defeated. All these calamities have arisen from jealousy. Even after Krishna came to our court as an envoy seeking peace, we rejected His words. Yet that mistake need not prevent reconciliation even now. Dharmaraja will surely honour Dhritarashtra as king and divide the kingdom justly among the sons of Pandu. He will never allow anyone to insult you or your followers. Karna himself will heed my counsel if you permit it. While life remains, every blessing remains possible. Therefore abandon jealousy, forsake destructive thoughts, and establish peace. Surely an honourable alliance is better than inevitable defeat.”
Duryodhana listened carefully before answering in a firm and unwavering voice. “Son of Drona, you know well the terrible oath taken by Bhima. One part of that vow has already been fulfilled with the death of Dushasana. Do you truly believe he will abandon the remainder? Knowing all this, your attempt at reconciliation is understandable, but it cannot succeed. How can Karna now withdraw from battle? How can you expect such a course after everything that has transpired? Do not pursue this effort any further.”
Though Ashwatthama’s words were filled with compassion and wisdom, Duryodhana’s heart had become immovable. Courtesy remained in his speech, but determination governed his actions. Having rejected the final opportunity for peace, he turned once more towards the path that would lead to irreversible destruction.
Thus Sanjaya faithfully reported every astonishing event to Dhritarashtra—the deliberations of the gods, the certainty of destiny, the noble yet futile counsel of Ashwatthama, and the unwavering resolve of Duryodhana. The curtain had risen upon the final and most glorious duel of the Mahabharata, where heaven, earth, and all creation stood united in silent anticipation of the triumph of Dharma.
