Arjun vs Karna: Settling The Debate

 Karna Devotees And The Misinterpreted Mahabharat: Arjun vs Karna

Disclaimer: Very long article. This article is only for people who read Mahabharat, who are receptive and ready to change their preconceived notions by thinking logically. If you don’t like questioning the integrity of your hero and your ideas, please don’t read because it is futile for you. All the facts in the article are based on BORI CE (most accurate version of Mahabharat in existence) and the references are pasted as in the original version of the text.

Mahabharat is not just a historical record regarded as an epic, but it houses the soul and character of every human. It is like a mirror in which everyone can see their life’s reflection in one or the other way. The epic was written to differentiate dharma from adharma and give a new definition to dharma shattering all the preconceived notions of righteousness. But, with the advent of Kaliyuga, people started supporting and worshiping evil-minded ones as heroes disregarding the real heroes and their virtues. Karna being worshiped as a tragic hero giving Arjun and Krishna an image of betrayers who won over him through adharma is one such atrocity carried out by the misguided ones. TV serials and literary works played a main role in this, giving a heroic image to Karna and thereby developing a sense of being crushed in the common folks and relate to Karna thereby, exponentially growing their ratings and demands. This is pure content-selling- making viewers and readers accept their ideology depriving the audience and readers to think logically and critically analyze the epic and absorb the essence of Mahabhrat.

I once came across a group of comments and contents in social media praising Karna as invincible and disregarding Krishna and Arjuna as betrayers and cowards. This is absolute ignorance developed due to exposure to fake serials, youtubers and interpretations by authors. The real Mahabharat is something else and let us understand it. (All facts will be based on BORI CE, the most accurate source of Mahabharat developed by historians by analyzing thousands of manuscripts over a span of more than 100 years)

Was Karna invincible? Let us see..

Arjun vs Karna all encounters:

Virat war: Arjuna single-handedly defeated the entire Kaurava army including Bhishma, Drona and Karna (thrice). Quoting the verse from Mahabharat:

1st encounter:

Vaikartana attacked Pandava with twelve arrows. He pierced the bodies of all the horses and that of Virata’s son with those arrows. It was like a king among elephants being struck by an elephant. He took out sharp arrows from his quiver and stretching the string of the bow right up to his ear, pierced the body of the suta’s son with his arrows. With arrows unleashed like lightning from his bow, the destroyer of enemies pierced him in battle, in the arms, the thighs, the head, the forehead, the neck and in all the parts of the chariot. Thus wounded by the arrows shot by Partha, and scorched by Pandava’s arrows, like a swift elephant that has been defeated by another elephant, Vaikartana fled from the forefront of the battle.’ Vaishampayana said, ‘After Radheya fled, the others, with Duryodhana in the lead, attacked with their respective armies and showered Pandava with arrows.

2nd Encounter:

Grasping other arrows from his quiver, Karna pierced Pandava on the hand, so that his grip weakened. The mighty-armed Arjuna then sliced off Karna’s bow. He hurled a javelin at him, but Partha cut that down with arrows. Then Radheya’s large infantry attacked. But they were sent to Yama’s abode with arrows released from Gandiva. Bibhatsu then stretched his bow up to his ears and killed his horses with sharp arrows that could take a great weight. They fell down dead on the ground. The mighty-armed and valorous Kounteya took up another flaming arrow and pierced Karna in the chest. The arrow pierced his armour and penetrated his body. He was immersed in darkness and lost consciousness for some time. Suffering great pain, he left the field of battle in a northern direction. Arjuna and maharatha Uttara started to censure him.’ Vaishampayana said, ‘Having defeated Vaikartana, Partha told Virata’s son, “Take me to the army where there is a golden palm

Third Encounter:

Vaishampayana said, ‘Then Duryodhana, Karna, Duhshasana, Vivimshati, Drona and his son, and Kripa who was an atiratha in battle, returned angrily to the battle again, wishing to cause violence to Dhananjaya. They drew their sturdy and powerful bows. Having been thus covered from every direction with divine weapons, not even a space of two fingers could be seen on him. But maharatha Bibhatsu laughed and fixed his divine Aindra weapon on Gandiva. It was as radiant as the sun. In that battle, the diademed and powerful Kounteya covered all the Kurus with arrows that burnt like the rays of the sun. Gandiva was like lightning in the clouds, like fire in the mountains and as long as Indra’s weapon. It was like Parjanya’s showers and like lightning in the sky. Like a bird, Gandiva enveloped the ten directions. All the charioteers were completely terrified and sought peace. They were bereft of their senses. Losing their consciousness, all the warriors lost heart in the battle. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Thus, all the soldiers were shattered and fled in all the directions. They lost hope that they would remain alive.’

Fourth Encounter:

Karna saw that he was turning around. He also returned and tended to his wounded limbs. He advanced towards Duryodhana’s right flank and got ready to fight with Partha, the brave one among men, who was adorned in a golden garland. Shantanu’s son Bhishma also returned. He swiftly prodded his horses with golden harnesses and protected Duryodhana from the rear from Partha, the mighty-armed one who wielded a bow. Drona, Kripa, Vivimshati and Duhshasana also swiftly returned. All of them swiftly arrived with bows and arrows to protect Duryodhana. Partha saw those armies return, like heavy clouds. Like a swan advancing towards a descending cloud, the spirited Dhananjaya advanced towards them. They grasped divine weapons and surrounded Partha from every direction. They showered down arrows on him, like clouds showering rain on the summit of a mountain. The wielder of the Gandiva used weapons to counter the weapons of the bulls among the Kurus. The destroyer of enemies then made the weapon named sammohana appear. This was impossible to counter. He covered all the directions and all the smaller directions with sharp arrows that had fine tips and fine shafts. With the roar of the Gandiva, the immensely strong one struck terror in their minds. He then grasped the giant conch shell in both his hands, one that had a deep and trembling sound. Partha, the destroyer of enemies, used this to make the sound echo in the directions, the smaller directions, the sky and the earth. At the roar of the conch shell blown by Partha, the foremost among the Kurus fell down unconscious. They gave up their invincible bows and all of them resorted to peace. ‘When they had lost consciousness, Partha remembered Uttara’s words.

Karna himself accepted his defeat in a later conversation with Shalya:

The several Regents of the world, united together gave him their weapons of immeasurable energy, with which that lion among men quickly destroyed in battle those united Asuras, the Kalakhanjas. So also, in Virata's city, moving on a single car he vanquished all of us, and snatched from us that wealth of kine, and took from all the foremost of car-warriors (portions of) their garments. Challenging that foremost of Kshatriyas, that hero having him of Vrishni's race for his ally, that warrior who is endued with such energy and such attributes, I regard myself, O Shalya, to be the foremost of persons in all the world in point of courage.

Source :- Karna Parva: Section 79

Note: Karna had his Kavach and Kundal during Virat war but was defeated continuously by Arjuna

Fight with Gandharvas: Karna was defeated by Gandharva king Chithrasena, captured Duryodhana and Karna fled away. But Arjuna alone defeated Chithrasena and released Duryodhana. Some argue that Karna was drunk. This was made popular by the BR Chopra serial. In reality he was not drunk. If he was drunk, how did he manage to battle for a very long time and kill many? He was simply incapable of countering their group attacks and illusionary tactics. Arjun knew how to break illusions and to counter them. This is also a form of warfare. 

01#

And the herdsmen, well skilled in singing and dancing and instrumental music, and virgins decked in ornaments, began to minister to the pleasures of Dhritarashtra's son. And the king surrounded by the ladies of the royal household began cheerfully to distribute wealth and food and drinks of various kinds amongst those that sought to please him, according to their desires.

02#

And the king, piercing by his shafts those animals by thousands in deep forest, caused the deer to be caught in the more delightful parts of the woods. Drinking milk and enjoying, O Bharata, various other delicious articles and beholding, as he proceeded, many delightful forests and woods swarming with bees inebriate with floral honey and resounding with the notes of the peacock, the king at last reached the sacred lake of Dwaitavana.

Vana Parva: Section CCXXXVIII

Nowhere mentioned that Karna was drunk or somarasa was being distributed that affected his consciousness.

Also, if he was drunk, how did he manage to kill 100s of Gandharvas by his sharp shafts with great impetuosity?

And beholding the Kuru soldiers all flying from the field with their backs to the foe, the heroic Radheya alone fled not. And seeing the mighty host of the Gandharvas rushing towards him, Radheya checked them by a perfect shower of arrows. And the Suta's son, owing to his extreme lightness of hand, struck hundreds of Gandharvas with Kshurapras and arrows and Bhallas and various weapons made of bones and steel. And that mighty warrior, causing the heads of numerous Gandharvas to roll down within a short time, made the ranks of Chitrasena to yell in anguish. And although they were slaughtered in great numbers by Karna endued with great intelligence, yet the Gandharvas returned to the charge by hundreds and thousands.

Vana Parva: Section CCXXXIX

Why would a drunken man (Karna), carry sword and shield and how would they run towards another chariot for safety?

All the Gandharvas then, desirous of slaying Karna, rushed together by hundreds and thousands towards Karna. And those mighty warriors, desirous of slaying the Suta's son, surrounded him on all sides, with swords and battle-axes and spears. And some cut down the yoke of his car, and some his flagstaff, and some the shaft of his car, and some his horses, and some his charioteer. And some cut down his umbrella and some the wooden fender round his car and some the joints of his car. It was thus that many thousands of Gandharvas, together attacking his car, broke it into minute fragments. And while his car was thus attacked, Karna leaped therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and mounting on Vikarna's car, urged the steeds for saving himself."

Vana Parva: Section CCXXXIX

Some claim that Arjun was Chithrasena’s friend and Indra had sent him. This is utter nonsense.

Reference one :- Arjuna asked Gandharvas to free Duryodhan but gandharvas refused saying none other than the King of Gods Indra/ Shakra can command them.

But when Arjuna--that persecutor of foes--saw that the foolish soldiers of the king of Gandharvas could not be made to understand what was good for them by means of a light skirmish, he addressed those invincible rangers of the skies in a conciliatory tone and said, 'Leave ye my brother king Suyodhana.' Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the Gandharvas, laughing aloud, replied unto him saying, 'O child, there is but one in the world whose behests we obey and living under whose rule we pass our days in happiness: O Bharata, we always act as that one only person commandeth us! Besides that celestial chief there is none that can command us.

Vana Parva: Ghosha-yatra Parva: Section CCXLII

Reference 2:- Arjuna said either you free Duryodhan or he will rescue him on his might. This battle began between him and Gandharvas.

Thus addressed by the Gandharvas, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, replied unto them, saying, 'This contact with other people's wives and this hostile encounter with human beings are acts that are both censurable in the king of the Gandharvas and not proper for him. Therefore, leave ye these sons of Dhritarashtra all endued with mighty energy. And liberate ye also these ladies, at the command of king Yudhishthira the just. If, ye Gandharvas, ye do not set the sons of Dhritarashtra free peacefully, I shall certainly rescue Suyodhana (and his party) by exerting my prowess.' And speaking unto them thus, Pritha's son, Dhananjaya, capable of wielding the bow with his left hand also, then rained a shower of sharp pointed sky-ranging shafts upon those rangers of the firmament. Thus attacked, the mighty Gandharvas then encountered the sons of Pandu with a shower of arrows equally thick, and the Pandavas also replied by attacking those dwellers of heaven. And the battle then, O Bharata, that ranged between the active and agile Gandharvas and the impetuous son of Pandu was fierce in the extreme."

Vana Parva: Ghosha-yatra Parva: Section CCXLII

Reference 3:- In battle Gandharvas did atttack chariots of 4 Pandavas including Arjuna. But Pandavas and Arjuna countered it and then battles Gandharvas and chitrasena Fiercly and defeated him. Below is desciption of whole battle.

Vaisampayana said, "Then those Gandharvas decked in golden garlands and accomplished in celestial weapons, showing their blazing shafts, encountered the Pandavas from every side. And as the sons of Pandu were only four in number and the Gandharvas counted by thousands, the battle that ensued appeared to be extraordinary. And as the cars of Karna and Duryodhana had formerly been broken into a hundred fragments by the Gandharvas, so were the cars of the four heroes attempted to be broken. But those tigers among men began to encounter with their showers of arrows thousands upon thousands of Gandharvas rushing towards them. Those rangers of skies endued with great energy, thus checked on all sides by that arrowy down-pour, succeeded not in even coming near to the sons of Pandu. Then Arjuna whose ire had been provoked, aiming at the angry Gandharvas, prepared to hurl against them his celestial weapons. And in that encounter, the mighty Arjuna, by means of his Agneya weapon, sent ten hundreds of thousands of Gandharvas to the abode of Yama. And that mighty bowman, Bhima, also, that foremost of all warriors in battle, slew, by means of his sharp arrows, Gandharvas by hundreds. And the mighty sons of Madri also, battling with vigour, encountered hundreds of Gandharvas, O king, and slaughtered them all. And as Gandharvas were being thus slaughtered by the mighty warriors with their celestial weapons, they rose up to the skies, taking with them the sons of Dhritarashtra. But Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, beholding them rise up to the skies, surrounded them on every side by a wide net of arrows. And confined within that arrowy net like birds within a cage, they showered in wrath upon Arjuna maces and darts and broad-swords. But Arjuna who was conversant with the most efficacious weapons, soon checked that shower of maces and darts and broad-swords, and in return began to mangle the limbs of the Gandharvas with his crescent-shaped arrows. And heads and legs and arms began to drop down from above resembling a shower of stones. And at that sight, the foe was struck with panic. And as the Gandharvas were being slaughtered by the illustrious son of Pandu, they began to shower from the skies a heavy downpour of shafts upon Arjuna, who was on the surface of the earth. But that chastiser of foes, Arjuna, endued with mighty energy checked that shower of arrows by means of his own weapons and began, in return, to wound them. Then Arjuna of the Kuru race shot his well-known weapons called Sthunakarna, Indrajala, Saura, Agneya and Saumya. And the Gandharvas consumed by the fiery weapons of Kunti's son, began to suffer heavily, like the sons of Diti, while being scorched by Sakra's thunder-bolt. And when they attacked Arjuna from above, they were checked by his net of arrows. And while they attacked him from all sides on the surface of the earth, they were checked by his crescent-shaped arrows. And beholding the Gandharvas put in fear by Kunti's son, Chitrasena rushed, O Bharata, at Dhananjaya, armed with a mace. And as the king of the Gandharvas was rushing at Arjuna from above with that mace in hand, the latter cut with his arrows that mace wholly made of iron into seven pieces. And beholding that mace of his cut into many pieces by Arjuna of great activity, with his arrows, Chitrasena, by means of his science, concealed himself from the view of the Pandava and began to fight with him. The heroic Arjuna, however, by means of his own celestial weapons checked all the celestial weapons that were aimed at him by the Gandharvas. And when the chief of the Gandharvas saw that he was checked by the illustrious Arjuna with those weapons of his he entirely disappeared from sight by help of his powers of illusion. And Arjuna, observing that the chief of the Gandharvas was striking at him concealed from sight, attacked his assailant with celestial weapon inspired with proper Mantras. And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with wrath, prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon known by the name of Sabda-veda. And assailed with those weapons by the illustrious Arjuna, his dear friend, the king of the Gandharvas, showed himself unto him. And Chitrasena said, 'Behold in me thy friend battling with thee!' And beholding his friend Chitrasena exhausted in the battle, that bull among the sons of Pandu withdrew the weapons he had shot.

Clearly described how fierce the fight was and how despite being friend of Arjuna chitrasena attacked fiercely with mace and used Illusions and how Arjuna countered them with shabdbheda.

Conclusion:- No gandharvas never fought mildly. They fought fiercely. Chitrasena even rushed with mace but was exhausted and defeated in battle .

At Draupadi Swayamvar: Karna fought with Arjun but was defeated by Arjun and Karna retreated.

Seeing the Kshatriyas, with Karna leading them, furious to do battle, they fell upon them, like two elephants against hostile elephants. Eager to fight, those kings then said, “It is permissible to kill a Brahmana who is willing to fight.” Then the mighty Vaikartana30 Karna rushed at Arjuna, eager to fight, like an elephant rushes at a rival over a female elephant. Shalya, king of the Madras, rushed at Bhimasena. Duryodhana and the others rushed at the Brahmanas, but they fought with them lightly and carelessly.

Kshatriyas(Karna as a leader)Said “It is permissible to kill a Brahmana who is willing to fight.” So, it is clear that Karna wasn’t going to spare Arjun for avoiding the sin of Brahma Hatya(Killing of Brahmins).

Karna & Arjun rushed toward each other but Duryodhan & Brahmins were fightin lightly and carelessly[It were Brahmins who fought lightly].

Next:-

‘Seeing Vaikartana Karna rush towards him, the wise Arjuna stretched his mighty bow and pierced him with three arrows. The impact of these sharp arrows stunned Radheya31 and he approached with greater circumspection.

Karna was fighting mildly till the impact of these three arrows hit and stunned him;Later he fought more willingly.

. Then those two invincible warriors fought violently, each eager to vanquish the other. Such was the speed that they became invisible. 32 “Look at the strength in my arms”, “See how I countered that”, they taunted each other in words that only warriors understand. Seeing the valour in Arjuna’s arms, unparalleled on earth, Vaikartana Karna fought even more vigorously. Repulsing Arjuna’s swift arrows, Karna shouted out aloud and the warriors applauded his feat.

‘Karna said, “O foremost among Brahmanas! I am pleased with the strength of your arms, which do not tire in battle, and with your persistent control over weapons. O supreme among Brahmanas! Are you Rama, 33 the personification of the knowledge of weapons? 34 Or are you Harihaya35 himself? Or are you Achyuta Vishnu himself? Have you assumed the form of a Brahmana to disguise yourself and are now fighting strongly with me for self-preservation, mustering the strength of your arms? When I am angry in the field of battle, no one except Shachi’s husband36 and Pandava Kiriti 37 can withstand me.”

Karna fought more furiously & countered Arjun’s swift weapons and after seeing Arjun’s strength and control over weapons;he thought that he is fighting with ParashuRam or Indra the two among foremost weilder of weapon.Or Even Mahavishnu himself disguised as a Brahmin.

Then

” Hearing these words, Phalguni38 replied, “O Karna! I am not the science of weapons personified. Nor am I the powerful Rama. I am only a Brahmana, chief among warriors and supreme among those who have the knowledge of weapons. Through my preceptor’s grace, I have become skilled in the use of brahma and paurandara 39 weapons. O warrior! Wait for a bit. I stand here today, to vanquish you in battle.”—— At these words, Radheya Karna withdrew from the battle, because the maharatha thought that Brahmana strength was invincible.

Clearly, Karna retreated from the battle and it was a clear win for Arjuna.

Mahabharat war day 14: Arjuna slaughtered the Kaurava army and defeated Karna and Drona while hunting for Jayadratha. Nobody could stand against him on that day. He destroyed 7 akshauhinis that day. Even Satyaki and Bhima defeated Karna many times on day 14. 

 1st Encounter:

On the 14th day of the war, Arjuna intervened in Bhima’s fight against Karna. Arjuna released gold arrows and forced Karna to retreat. Karna then, mounted his car and fled away.

Then, Arjuna in rage, fired a fierce iron arrow towards Karna but, Karna was saved by Ashwatthama. Then, Savyasachi launched 64 arrows towards the son of Drona and wounded him. Hence, this was a direct defeat of Karna as he was deeply afflicted by Arjuna’s arrows and had to be saved by Ashwatthama.

‘“O king! The one with the ape on his banner was urged by Keshava and shot arrows that had been sharpened on stone at the son of the suta. Those arrows released by Partha were embellished with gold. They were shot from the force of Gandiva and penetrated Karna, like swans into Mount Krouncha. Those arrows released from Gandiva penetrated like snakes. Dhananjaya drove the son of the suta away from Bhimasena. His bow had been severed by Bhima and he was afflicted by Dhananjaya’s arrows. Karna mounted his giant chariot and quickly fled from Bhima. Bhima, bull among men, mounted Satyaki’s chariot and followed his brother, Pandava Savyasachi, in that battle. His eyes coppery red in anger, Dhananjaya swiftly dispatched an iron arrow towards Karna and it was like Destroyer urging Death. That iron arrow, released from Gandiva, swiftly sped towards Karna, like Garuda descending from the sky in search of a supreme serpent. Using his own arrow, Drona’s son severed the iron arrow in the air. The maharatha wished to free Karna from his fear of Dhananjaya. O great king! Arjuna angrily pierced Drona’s son with sixty-four arrows that were sharpened on stone. He asked him to wait and not run away. However, Drona’s son was afflicted by Dhananjaya’s arrows. He quickly penetrated an array that was full of crazy elephants and chariots. In the battle, the powerful Kounteya used the roar of Gandiva to drown the noises of all the other gold-backed bows.

2nd Encounter:

Arjuna cut off Karna’s bow and fired 9 arrows in quick succession towards his chest. Then, Arjuna fired a fierce arrow towards Karna which resembled sun but, once again Karna was saved by Ashwatthama. Hence, this was a direct defeat of Karna at the hands of Arjuna as he had to be saved by Ashwatthama.

In that battle, the mighty-armed Phalguna struck Vaikartana Karna with one hundred arrows that penetrated all the inner organs. The powerful son of a suta had blood flowing from all his limbs. However, the brave one pierced Phalguna back with fifty arrows. On witnessing his dexterity in battle, Arjuna could not tolerate it. The brave Partha Dhananjaya severed his bow and quickly struck him between the breasts with nine arrows. It was a time when speed was of the essence. Wishing to kill him in the battle, Dhananjaya then quickly shot an arrow that was as radiant as the sun. But as that arrow descended forcefully, Drona’s son severed it with a sharp arrow that was in the shape of a halfmoon. Severed, it fell down on the ground. The powerful son of the suta then took up another bow.

Third Encounter:

 Duryodhana had instructed his soldiers to go for Karna’s protection from Arjuna. Arjuna slew Karna’s 4 steeds, his charioteer and deprived him of his chariot. Karna was left confused and didn’t know what to do. Then, once again Ashwatthama came to Karna’s rescue and took him up on his chariot. All this happened in fornt of the wicked Duryodhana.

Hence, this was a direct defeat of Karna at Arjuna’s hands as he had to be saved by Ashwatthama once again.

‘“O king! Duryodhana addressed those on your side. ‘Make efforts to protect Radheya. Vrisha Radheya has told me that he will not retreat without killing Arjuna in this battle.’ O king! At this time, on witnessing Karna’s valour, he drew his bow back up to his ears and dispatched Karna’s four horses to the land of the dead with four supreme arrows. With another broad-headed arrow, he brought down his charioteer from the seat of the chariot. While your son looked on, he covered him with arrows. In that encounter, he was thus shrouded. His horses were slain. His charioteer was killed. Confounded by that net of arrows, he did not know what he should do. O great king! On seeing that he was without a chariot, Ashvatthama took him on his own chariot and continued to fight with Arjuna.

Duryodhana himself confirmed Karna’s defeat at Arjuna’s hands on the 14th day.

‘Sanjaya said, “O king! When Saindhava was killed, your son, Suyodhana, was distressed and lost all hope about defeating the enemy. His face was miserable and covered with tears. He thought that a warrior like Arjuna did not exist on earth. O venerable one! When he was enraged, Drona, Radheya, Ashvatthama and Kripa were incapable of standing before him. ‘Partha has vanquished all my maharathas in battle. He has killed Saindhava in the encounter and no one could counter him. This large army of the Kouravas has been completely destroyed by him. I do not see any protector, not even Purandara himself. In this battle, I depended on Karna. He raised his weapons in the encounter, but was defeated. Jayadratha has been slain. In the midst of the assembly hall, he spoke harsh words to the Pandavas. That Karna has been defeated in the battle and Saindhava has been brought down. I depended on his valour and regarding Achyuta as straw, refused him when he solicited peace. That Karna has been vanquished in the battle.’ O king! He was thus distressed in his mind and in search of recourse, glanced towards Drona.

Source :- Chapter 1102(125), Section 70, Jayadratha-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Fourth Encounter:

Arjuna slew Vaikartana’s steeds, his bow, his charioteer and forced him to descend from his chariot. Karna was afflicted by Arjuna’s arrows and ascended Kripa’s chariot. Seeing this, the Kaurava forces fled away in 10 directions.

Hence, this was a direct defeat of Karna as he was deeply afflicted by Jishnu’s arrows and had to ascend Kripa’s chariot.

O descendant of the Bharata lineage! The son of a suta released a shower of arrows. Dhananjaya smiled and countered that shower of arrows. O king! They showered down arrows at each other. Those great archers enveloped each other, wishing to outdo each other’s deeds. In that battle, there was a wonderful encounter between Karna and Pandava. They were angry, like wild elephants driven by desire. On beholding Karna’s prowess, Partha, the great archer, quickly severed the bow from his hand. With four broad-headed arrows, he dispatched his horses to Yama’s abode. The scorcher of enemies severed his charioteer’s head from his body. His bow was severed. His horses were slain. His charioteer was killed. Partha, Pandu’s descendant, pierced him with four arrows. With his horses slain, that bull among men swiftly got down from his chariot. Afflicted by those arrows, he quickly climbed onto Kripa’s chariot. ‘“O bull among the Bharata lineage! On seeing that Radheya had been defeated and afflicted by Dhananjaya’s arrows, those on your side fled in the ten directions. O king! On seeing that they were running away, King Duryodhana restrained them and spoke these words to them.

Fifth Encounter:

Duryodhana, Karna and Shakuni attacked Arjuna. Arjuna countered all their weapons with his own weapons. He then covered the entire battlefield with a shower of many arrows. Hence, this was a direct defeat of Karna at Arjuna’s hands.

‘Sanjaya said, “Thus urged by Bhima and Keshava, Savyasachi passed over Karna and Drona and attacked the army from all sides. Bulls among kshatriyas placed themselves at the forefront and were scorched. Those bulls among kshatriyas were brave. They resorted to their valour. But none of them were capable of resisting that raging conflagration. Duryodhana, Karna and Shakuni Soubala showered down storms of arrows on Dhananjaya, Kunti’s son. O Indra among kings! However, he was supreme among those who possessed knowledge of weapons. With his shower of arrows, he countered them and rendered all their weapons unsuccessful. Displaying the dexterity of his hands, Dhananjaya countered all those weapons with his own weapons. He pierced each of them with ten sharp arrows. A dust arose and the shower of arrows was like rain. In that darkness, a great and tumultuous sound arose. The sky, the earth and the directions could no longer be distinguished. Covered in darkness, the soldiers were confused and all of them seemed to be blind. O king! We could no longer distinguish each other, friend or foe. The kings continued to fight, on the basis of guessing. O king! As they clashed against each other, rathas lost their chariots. They were submerged in a mass of hair, armour and arms. Horses were slain. Charioteers were killed. The rathas lost all enterprise. When they were alive, they were seen to be afflicted by fear. Deprived of their lives, horses and their riders were seen to lie down against slain elephants that were like mountains.

Mahabharat war day 16: Arjuna countered Karna’s weapons with his own weapons. All the Kaurava forces including Karna withdrew from the battlefield. Hence, This was a direct defeat of Karna.

The Pandu forces were slaughtered by Karna’s energy. Most of them lost their weapons and their bodies were wounded. They retreated. Then, Arjuna himself countered Karna’s weapons with his own weapons. He enveloped the directions, the sky and the earth with his showers of arrows. Those arrows descended like clubs and bludgeons. Some were like shataghnis and others were as fierce as the vajra. The soldiers, the foot soldiers, horses, rathas and elephants, were destroyed. They closed their eyes, uttered woes of lamentation and fled distractedly in different directions. In that battle, horses, men and elephants were destroyed. The soldiers were killed by the arrows and terrified, fled. With all their horses, they therefore withdrew. O king! When the Kouravas departed at the end of the day, the Parthas were delighted in their minds at having obtained victory and also left for their own camps. They showed contempt for the enemy by sounding many kinds of musical instruments, roaring like lions, dancing and praising Achyuta and Arjuna. When the brave ones and all the soldiers retreated, all the lords of men pronounced benedictions on the Pandaveyas. Having retreated, the Kurus and the Pandavas were cheerful. The lords of men went to their camps in the night and rested.

Mahabharat war day 17: Karna fired an extremely sharp & flaming arrow towards Arjuna’s head. This arrow had the serpent ‘Ashwasena’ on it. Aswhasena wanted revenge from Arjuna for the Khandava-dahan incident. However, the snaky-shaft missed its target and instead it crushed Arjuna’s indestructible diadem ‘Kiriti’. Lord Krishna saved Arjuna’s life by using his strength to press down on the chariot with his feet. And then, Arjuna killed the serpent Ashwasena by firing 6 sharp arrows.

This can’t be called as a defeat for Dhananjaya as Lord Krishna didn’t give Arjuna the chance to counter Karna’s snaky-shaft otherwise Arjuna would have surely countered it with Garuda-astra or any other weapon else, he would have lost his life. Lord Krishna just performed the duty of being a charioteer and saved Arjuna in time. He must have thought that it was the best way of countering it.

Crushing someone’s crown and getting saved by the charioteer doesn’t mean that the warrior has been defeated.

Hence, this would be a draw between both the warriors.

However, though her body was destroyed by the arrows, he was in the sky, covered by her.’ The serpent was falling down from the sky. Jishnu severed the serpent with six sharp arrows. Mangled in its body, it fell down on the ground.

Final Encounter:

Savyasachi invoked an iron arrow with divine mantras. He also invoked ‘Raudrastra’ and united this iron arrow with it. Just then, one of the wheels of Karna’s chariot sinked into the ground. Then, Radheya invoked ‘Brahmastra’ but, Arjuna countered it with his own weapons. Arjuna then invoked ‘Agneyastra’ and Karna countered it with ‘Varunastra’. Then, Arjuna invoked ‘Vayavya-astra’ and also slew Vaikartana’s standard by firing a gold razor-sharp arrow.

And then, finally Dhananjaya invoked ‘Anjalikastra’ to slay Karna. He fired it towards Radheya and it beheaded him.

Hence, Arjuna killed Karna once and for all in this final/last encounter between the two. Hence, Arjuna conquered Karna in this battle.

Dhananjaya invoked an arrow with divine mantras. It was like a fire and the poison of a serpent. It was made completely out of iron. Kiriti united this with roudrastra and wished to shoot it. But, in that great battle, the earth swallowed up one of the wheels of Radheya’s chariot. “Radheya wept in rage.

“On seeing this, Karna again invoked brahmastra against Dhananjaya. He showered down arrows and tried to extricate his chariot. Pandava countered those weapons with his own weapons. Kounteya then released another weapon, beloved of the fire god, towards Karna. It blazed fiercely. Karna pacified the fire through a varuna weapon. He covered all the directions with clouds and it was as dark as a rainy day. Pandaveya was not frightened. While Radheya looked on, the valiant one used the vayavya weapon and dispelled all the clouds. The supreme one’s standard had the marks of an elephant’s housing. It was decorated with gold, pearls, jewels and diamonds. It had been crafted by excellent artisans over a long period of time. It was expensive and beautiful in form. It always inspired your soldiers and terrified and frightened the enemy. It was renowned in the world and blazed like the sun and the moon. Kiriti used a razor-sharp arrow that was gold-tufted and pointed. With that, he brought down the handsome and blazing standard of the great-souled maharatha, Adhiratha’s son. O venerable one! When that standard was uprooted, fame, dharma, victory and everything that was dear to the hearts of the Kurus also fell down. Great sounds of lamentation arose. “To ensure Karna’s death, Pandava took out an anjalika arrow. It was like the great Indra’s vajra, or like a rod that was made out of fire. It blazed in its rays, like the one with one thousand rays. It was capable of penetrating the inner organs and smearing itself with blood and flesh. It was extremely expensive and was like the fire and the sun. It could destroy men, horses and elephants and was three cubits long, with six tufts. It travelled straight and possessed a great force. In its energy, it was like the vajra of the one with one thousand eyes. It was as difficult to withstand as predatory beasts. It was like the pinaka and Narayana’s chakra. It was fearful and destructive of living beings. He invoked mantras and affixed that supreme and great weapon to Gandiva. He loudly said, ‘I am grasping this great weapon, which is in the form of an arrow. It is extremely difficult to withstand and is capable of destroying the body. If I have tormented myself through austerities and have satisfied my seniors, if I have listened to what my well-wishers have told me, through that truth, let this arrow slay my armoured enemy, Karna, and bring me victory.’ Having said this, for the sake of Karna’s death, Dhananjaya released that terrible arrow. It was as fierce as rites performed by Atharvan and Angiras. It blazed and was impossible to be endured in a battle, even by Death itself. Kiriti cheerfully said, ‘Let this arrow bring me victory.’ Wishing to slay Karna, bring about his end and convey him to Yama, he released the arrow, which was as radiant as the sun and the moon. Cheerfully, so that he could be conveyed towards victory, the one with the diadem and the garland shot the arrow. It was as radiant as the sun and the moon. He harboured feelings of enmity and wished to slay his enemy. That weapon, blazing like the sun, was shot. Like the sun, it lit up the earth with its radiance. The head of the commander of the army was severed. Like the sun, with a red disc, it seemed to set. The body of the one who performed generous deeds was always reared in happiness. Like a person who is reluctant to leave a house filled with great riches, the head parted from the body with great difficulty. Without the armour, the body was mangled by arrows and lost its life. Karna’s body was severed and fell down.

Clearly, Karna was not unarmed. He had his bow and fired Brahmastra at Arjuna, which Arjuna countered. Thus, the misconception of Arjuna killing unarmed Karna is debunked. Karna’s chariot wheel sank, but Karna had his bow and was fighting Arjun even after that. More about this in the later part of the article.

FOOTNOTES

Chapter 179, Section 12, Draupadi-Swayamvara Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 181, Section 12, Draupadi-Swayamvara Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 527(230), Section 39, Ghosha-Yatra Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 531(234), Section 39, Ghosha-Yatra Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 531(234), Section 39, Ghosha-Yatra Parva, Bibek Debroy ’s translation

Chapter 645(49), Section 47, Go-Grahana Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 652(56), Section 47, Go-Grahana Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 654(58), Section 47, Go-Grahana Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 657(61), Section 47, Go-Grahana Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1092(115), Section 69, Jayadratha-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1097(120), Section 69, Jayadratha-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1097(120), Section 69, Jayadratha-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1111(134), Section 69, Jayadratha-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1138(161), Section 71, Drona-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1138(161), Section 71, Drona-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1171(21), Section 73, Karna-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1195(45), Section 73, Karna-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1216(66), Section 73, Karna-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1216(66), Section 73, Karna-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Chapter 1217(67), Section 73, Karna-Vadha Parva, Bibek Debroy’s translation

Who was better?

Abhimanyu’s death: 

Abhimanyu defeated Karna many times during the war and he was invincible for anyone so he along with 7 other warriors through betrayal jointly attacked him like a coward. But on 17th day Arjun challenged the entire army to protect Karna's son Vrishsena and killed him in front of Karna in a one-to-one battle.

Then Karna and Kripa, and Drona and Drona's son, and the ruler of the Gandharas, and Sala and Salya, and Bhurisravas and Kratha, and Somadatta, and Vivinsati, and Vrishasena, and Sushena, and Kundavedhin, and Pratardana, and Vrindaraka and Lalithya, and Pravahu, and Drighalochana, and angry Duryodhana, showered their arrows upon him. Then Abhimanyu, excessively pierced by those great bowmen with their straight shafts, shot shafts at Karna which was capable of piercing through every armour and body. That shaft, piercing through Karna's coat of mail and then his body, entered the earth like a snake piercing through an anthill. Deeply pierced, Karna felt great pain and became perfectly helpless. Indeed, Karna began to tremble in that battle like a hill during an earthquake.

Drona Parva: Abhimanyu-badha Parva: Section XXXV

Result:- Karna trembled and hit badly and defeated and was helpless.

With his shafts whetted on stone and furnished with sharp points, the son of Arjuna, cutting off the bows of many heroic warriors, began to afflict Karna in return. With shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison and shot from his bow drawn to a circle, Abhimanyu quickly cut off the umbrella, standard, the charioteer, and the steeds of Karna, smiling the while. Karna then shot five straight arrows at Abhimanyu. The son of Phalguna, however, received them fearlessly. Endued with great valour and courage, the latter then, in a moment, with only a single arrow, cut off Karna's bow and standard and caused them to drop down on the ground. Beholding Karna in such distress, his younger brother, drawing the bow with great force, speedily proceeded against the son of Subhadra.

Drona Parva: Abhimanyu-badha Parva: Section XXXVII

Result:- Abhimanyu defeats karna by cutting of karna's bow and standard and karna’s younger brother rushes to help him.

Sanjaya said, 'Then the younger brother of Karna, uttering loud roars, bow in hand, and repeatedly stretching the bow-string, quickly placed himself between those two illustrious warriors. And Karna's brother, with ten shafts, pierced invincible Abhimanyu and his umbrella and standard and charioteer and steeds, smiling the while. Beholding Abhimanyu thus afflicted with those arrows, although he had achieved those superhuman feats in the manner of his sire and grandsire, the warriors of thy army were filled with delight. Then Abhimanyu, forcibly bending the bow and smiling the while, with one winged arrow cut off his antagonist's head. That head, severed from the trunk, fell down on the earth. Beholding his brother slain and overthrown, like a Karnikara tree shaken and thrown down by the wind from the mountain top, Karna, O monarch, was filled with pain. Meanwhile, the son of Subhadra, causing Karna by means of his arrows to turn away from the field, quickly rushed against the other great bowmen. Then Abhimanyu of fierce energy and great fame, filled with wrath, broke that host of diverse forces abounding with elephants and steeds and cars and infantry. As regards Karna, afflicted by Abhimanyu with countless shafts, he fled away from the field borne by swift steeds.

Drona Parva: Abhimanyu-badha Parva: Section XXXIX

Result :- Abhimanyu caused karna to run away and karna was defeated.

Sanjaya said, 'Phalguni's son once more pierced Karna in the car with a barbed arrow, and for angering him still further, he pierced him with fifty other shafts. The son of Radha pierced Abhimanyu in return with as many shafts. Covered all over with arrows, Abhimanyu, then, O sire, looked exceedingly beautiful. Filled with rage, he caused Karna also to be bathed in blood. Mangled with arrows and covered with blood, the brave Karna also shone greatly. Both of them pierced with arrows, both bathed in blood, those illustrious warriors then resembled a couple of flowering Kinsukas. The son of Subhadra then slew six of Karna's brave counsellors, conversant with all modes of warfare, with their steeds and charioteers and cars.

Drona Parva: Abhimanyu-badha Parva: Section XLVI

Result:- Abhimanyu defeated karna and killed his 6 counselors in front of his eyes and karna went back to Drona.

Karna, afflicted with the shafts of Arjuna's son, once more said unto Drona, 'Exceedingly afflicted with the shafts of Abhimanyu, I am staying in battle, only because (as a warrior) I should stay here. Indeed, the arrows of this south of great energy are exceedingly fierce. Terrible as they are and possessed of the energy of fire, these arrows are weakening my heart.'

Arjuna was ambidextrous: He was the only warrior who could use both right and left hand for using weapons that earned him the name Savyasachi.

Arjuna was the only warrior to wield the mighty Pashupatastra in dwapara yuga, which could destroy the entire cosmos; the only warrior to fight Lord Shiva and impress him. If you read Kirata parva, Lord Shiva said, that no one except him and lord Vishnu from all the three worlds could defeat Arjuna 

'Thou wert in thy former life Nara, the friend of Narayana. In Vadari wert thou engaged in fierce ascetic austerities for several thousands of years. In thee as well as in Vishnu--that first of male beings--dwelleth great might. Ye both, by your might, hold the universe; O lord, taking up that fierce bow whose twang resembled the deep roar of the clouds, thou, as well as Krishna, chastisedest the Danavas during the coronation of Indra. Even this Gandiva is that bow, O son of Pritha, fit for thy hands. O foremost of male beings, I snatched it from thee, helped by my powers of illusion. This couple of quivers, fit for thee, will again be inexhaustible, O son of Pritha! And, O son of the Kuru race, thy body will be free from pain and disease. Thy prowess is incapable of being baffled. I have been pleased with thee. And, O first of male beings, ask thou of me the boon that thou desirest. O chastiser of all foes, O giver of proper respect, (to those deserving it) not even in heaven is there any male being who is equal to thee, nor any Kshatriya who is thy superior.'

'O powerful one. I will give to thee that favourite weapon of mine called the Pasuputa. O son of Pandu, thou art capable of holding, hurling, and withdrawing it. Neither the chief himself of the gods, nor Yama, nor the king of the Yakshas, nor Varuna, nor Vayu, knoweth it. How could men know anything of it? But, O son of Pritha, this weapon should not be hurled without adequate cause; for if hurled at any foe of little might it may destroy the whole universe. In the three worlds with all their mobile and immobile creatures, there is none who is incapable of being slain by this weapon. And it may be hurled by the mind, by the eye, by words, and by the bow.'

“‘The illustrious god said, “You were Nara in an earlier body, the companion of Narayana. You spent many ayuta285 years in fearful austerities in Badari.286 There is supreme energy in you, like that in Vishnu, supreme among men. The universe is held up through the energy of the two of you, foremost among men. O lord! At the time of Shakra’s consecration, you and Krishna oppressed the danavas and you took up the great bow that thunders like clouds. O Partha! This Gandiva is fit for your hands. O supreme among men! It was that which I snatched from you, using my powers of maya. O Partha! These two quivers will again be inexhaustible, as they used to be for you. O Partha! I am pleased with you. Truth is your valour. O bull among men! Accept a boon from me. What is it that you desire? You are the one who shows respect. There is no one on earth who is your equal. Nor is there anyone in heaven. O conqueror of enemies! The kshatriyas find their chief in you.””

Reference - Kairata Parva, The Mahabharata Critical Edition Translated by Bibek Debroy.

Arjuna was the only warrior who knew all the five tattvas/elements of Archery( fifth one is the ability to give back life)

Dhanur Veda, the holy scripture of archery starts by praising lord Shiva, lord Rama and Arjuna 

Arjuna single handedly killed 30 million Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas whom even Ravan couldn't defeat. 

 Arjuna was Nara, the partial incarnation of lord Vishnu himself.

Arjuna is known as Gudakesha, one who has absolute control over sleep. He could sleep whenever wanted and fight continuously without sleeping or getting tired. This is an account of absolute mental stability and control. 

Arjuna is the only warrior who could shoot arrows accurately and fight in complete darkness.

Debunking all the myths and arguments glorifying Karna:

Indra taking away Kavach and Kundal: Indra could have given equally powerful armor(kavach) to Arjuna as he is also a demigod like Surya. He knew the power of his son but wanted to ensure a fair battle as Karna has a divine protection(which of course, is obtained not because of his skill but as a boon). This would make the battle completely based on skills and weapons and not on boons. Just think, many demons got boons by which they could not be killed easily, eg: Hiranyakashipu, Madhu and Kaitab etc. But does that make them more powerful than lord Vishnu, never... just loopholes to escape death. Also he exchanged it for an even more powerful weapon that puts Arjun in more danger. Exchanging one for another is not daana, it is a trade. Karna was defeated many times with his Kavach and Kundal by Arjuna himself, Bhima during Rajasuya Yaga when he conquered Anga and by Gandharvas. Thus, it is clear that Karna was not invincible with Kavach and Kundal but he won’t die. If Karna was alive after the war, Yudhishtira after knowing that Karna is their elder brother would surrender the kingdom to him, which was undesirable. Thus Indra took away his armor not to save Arjuna, but to ensure Karna’s death. 

Over glorified Vasavi Shakthi and Bhargavastra: Vasavi Shakthi was not the most powerful weapon. Indra had much more powerful weapons like the Vajra, which he gave to Arjuna before he went to conquer the Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas. Along with it Arjun had the weapons of all the demi gods like Varuna Pasha, Yama Danda, Aindrastra and the weapons of the holy trinity like the mighty Pashupatastra, Brahmashira, etc. Do you think all these are inferior to Vasavi Shakthi? Moreover, Pashupatastra is the highest and most powerful weapon a warrior could acquire. Arjuna was always hesitant to use celestial weapons. Arjuna could have countered Vasavi Shakthi with any of his higher celestial weapons but, the energy released would have caused huge destruction and casualties among both the armies, considering Pandava army was less in number, such an effect was undesirable. Also Krishna was apprehensive of Gatotkacha being alive after war. Because it would allow the infiltration of demons in the kingdom after the war, Krishna wanted to eliminate him also. That is why he made a master plan to divert Vasavi to a warrior who doesn’t know how to counter it and at the same time eliminate the asura infiltration threat. Now, Karna did not fire Bhargavastra at Arjuna, instead at the Pandava army . If he did he would have countered with other celestial weapons which, as mentioned earlier, would cause huge destruction. Also, Arjun went to see Yudhishtir as he was injured and accordingly to change the strategies of war. 

On your words, the mighty-armed one went out for weapons. Partha has obtained from Rudra a great and unrivalled weapon. It is known as Brahmashira and Rudra obtained it after great austerities. That terrible weapon arose with the ambrosia and Savyasachi has now obtained it, together with the mantras for withdrawing, repulsing and releasing it. O Yudhishthira! O descendant of the Kuru lineage! The infinitely powerful Partha has obtained other divine weapons too—like vajra and danda—from Yama, Kubera, Varuna and Indra.

Let us talk about Arjuna’s celestial weapons before glorifying Vasavi and Bhargavastra:

1. Mahadev's favourite and topmost version of Pashupatastra

I will give to thee that favourite weapon of mine called the Pasuputa. O son of Pandu, thou art capable of holding, hurling, and withdrawing it. Neither the chief himself of the gods, nor Yama, nor the king of the Yakshas, nor Varuna, nor Vayu, knoweth it. How could men know anything of it?And then that hero, of eyes like lotus leaves, and possessed of great energy, said these words for the benefit of Pandu's son who had resolved upon the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus, 'O Partha, there is an indestructible, supreme weapon of the name of Pasupata. With it the god Maheswara slew in battle all the Daityas!

~Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL and Drona Parva: Abhimanyu-badha Parva: Section LXXX

Vaishnavastra and all the weapons of Vayu, of Agni, of the Vasus, of Varuna, of the Marutas, of the Siddhas, of Lord Brahma, of the Gandharvas of the Uragas, of the Rakshasas, of Indra and of the Nairitas

Do thou, O Bharata, repairing unto my abode learn all the weapons of Vayu, of Agni, of the Vasus, of Varuna, of the Marutas, of the Siddhas, of Brahma, of the Gandharvas of the Uragas, of the Rakshasas, of Vishnu and of the Nairitas; and also all the weapons that are with me, O perpetuator of the Kuru race.' Having said this unto me Sakra vanished at the very spot.

~Vana Parva : Tirtha-yatra Parva: section CLXVII

Brahmashirastra

The son of Bharadwaja then addressed the illustrious and mighty car-warrior Arjuna and said, 'Accept, O thou of mighty arms, this very superior and irresistible weapon called Brahmasira with the methods of hurling and recalling it.

~Adi Parva: Sambhava Parva: Section CXXXV

Raudrastra

And being afflicted by those innumerable ones, equipped in weapons and skilled in fight, I was pained in that mighty encounter and a terrible fear seized me. Thereupon collecting (my energies) in fight, I (bowed down) unto that god of gods, Raudra, and saying, 'May welfare attend on all beings!' I fixed that mighty weapon which, celebrated under the name of Raudra, is the destroyer of all foes.

~Vana Parva : Tirtha-yatra Parva: section CLXXII

Brahmastra

Thereupon, Partha shot the Brahma weapon and nearly exterminated them all. Hundreds upon hundreds of arms with bows and arrows and bowstrings in grasp, cut off from trunks, and hundreds upon hundreds of standards and steeds and charioteers and car-warriors, fell down on the ground.

~Drona Parva: Dronabhisheka Parva: Section XXV

Agneyastra, Varunastra, Vayavyastra, Parjanyastra, Bhaumastra, Parvatastra, Antardhanastra.

"Vaisampayana continued, 'When the spectators, excited with delight, had somewhat regained their equanimity, Vibhatsu began to display his lightness in the use of weapons. By the Agneya weapon, he created fire, and by the Varuna weapon he created water, by the Vayavya weapon, he created air, and by the Parjanya weapon he created clouds. And by the Bhauma weapon, he created land, and by the Parvatya weapon, he brought mountains into being. By the Antardhana weapon all these were made to disappear.

Adi Parva: Sambhava Parva: Section CXXXVII

Prajapatyastra, Aindrastra, Yamyastra, Kauberastra

Those great-souled ones roamed on that field of battle, using Prajapatya, Aindreya, the extremely terrible Agneya, Koubera, Varuna, Yamya and Vayavya weapons. All the beings who witnessed the battle were astounded.

~BORI CE Mahabharata section 655 (59),Go-harana Parva

Kshura, Naracha, Vala, Vipatha weapons

And Arjuna became celebrated for the firmness of his grasp (of weapons), for his lightness of motion, precision of aim, and his proficiency in the use of the Kshura, Naracha, Vala and Vipatha weapons, indeed, of all weapons, whether straight or crooked or heavy.

~Adi Parva: Sambhava Parva: Section CXLI

Paurandrastra

I am only a Brahmana who is the foremost of all warriors and all wielders of weapons. By the grace of my preceptor I have become accomplished in the Brahma and the Paurandara weapons. I am here to vanquish thee in battle. Therefore, O hero, wait a little.'

~Adi Parva: Swayamvara Parva: Section CLXLII

Sthurnakarnastra, Suryastra/Saurastra, Indrajalastra, Saumyastra.

Then Arjuna of the Kuru race shot his well-known weapons called Sthunakarna, Indrajala, Saura, Agneya and Saumya. And the Gandharvas consumed by the fiery weapons of Kunti's son, began to suffer heavily, like the sons of Diti, while being scorched by Sakra's thunder-bolt.

~Vana Parva: Ghosha-yatra Parva: section CCXLIII

Mahadeva’s Gandiva bow and 2 inexhaustible quivers given by Agnideva.

Having obtained the bow Gandiva and this couple of inexhaustible quivers I also am ready to conquer in battle the three worlds. Therefore, O lord, blaze thou forth as thou likest, surrounding this large forest on every side. We are quite able to help thee.'

~Adi Parva: Khandava-daha Parva: Section CCXXVII

Lord Kubera's personal Antardhanastra.

Vaisampayana continued, "After both Varuna and Yama had given away their celestial weapons, the lord of treasures having his home on the heights of Kailasa, then spake, 'O son of Pandu, take then this favourite weapon of mine called Antarddhana. Endued with energy and prowess and splendour, it is capable of sending the foe to sleep.

~Vana Parva :Kairata Parva section XLI

Lord Varuna's infallible noose

Then Varuna, the lord of all aquatic creatures, blue as the clouds, from a summit he had occupied on the west, uttered these words, 'O son of Pritha, I am Varuna, the lord of waters. Hurled by me, my nooses are incapable of being resisted. O son of Kunti, accept of me these Varuna weapons along with the mysteries of hurling and withdrawing them.

~Vana Parva : Kairata Parva section XLI

Lord Yama's personal staff/ Kaladanda

O Phalguna! Your fame will remain eternal in the world. You have pleased Mahadeva himself in a great battle. Along with Vishnu, you will lighten theburden of the earth. O mighty-armed one! Accept the staff, my weapon that cannot be repulsed. With this weapon, you will accomplish great deeds.” "O Janamejaya, the son of Pritha then received from Yama that weapon duly, along with the Mantras and rite, and the mysteries of hurling and withdrawing it.

~BORI CE Mahabharata section 339(42), Kairata Parva

Indradeva's special Maghavan weapon.

Then, O Bharata, I took up that favourite weapon of the lord of the celestials, Maghavan by name, prime and of fiery energy and by the energy of that weapon I cut into a thousand pieces the Tomaras, together with the swords and the tridents hurled by them.

~Vana Parva : Tirtha-yatra Parva: section CLXIX

Vishoshanastra

And touching heaven and the entire earth, and incessantly falling on the ground, the showers bewildered me. Thereupon, I discharged that celestial weapon which I had learnt from Indra--even the dreadful and flaming Visoshana: and by that the water was dried up.

~Vana Parva : Tirtha-yatra Parva: section CLXX

Salila and Shaila weapons

When the shower of rocks was destroyed by me and the shower of water dried up, the danavas used maya to unleash wind and fire. I destroyed all the fire with a weapon named salila. I countered the force of the wind through a great weapon named shaila.

~BORI CE mahabharata section 464 (168)

Higher level Brahmastra.

The wrathful and mighty Bhima, blazing up with rage, addressed Arjuna of sure aim and said, "People say that thou art a master of the high brahmastra, that mighty means (for achieving the destruction of foes). Do thou then, O Savyasaci, use another weapon of the same kind." Thus addressed by his brother, Savyasaci used a second weapon of the kind. With that, Partha of abundant energy shrouded all the points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary, with arrows sped from gandiva that resembled fierce snakes and were like the blazing rays of the sun.

~Karna Parva chapter 89

Vajra/Vajrastra of Indradeva

Hearing those words of his, I then discharged the favourite weapon of the king of the celestials--the dreadful vajra (thunderbolt) And inspiring the Gandiva with mantras, I, aiming at the locality of the crags, shot sharpened iron shafts of the touch of the thunder-bolt.

~Vana Parva : Tirtha-yatra Parva: section CLXXI

Shabda Bhedastra

And Arjuna, observing that the chief of the Gandharvas was striking at him concealed from sight, attacked his assailant with celestial weapon inspired with proper Mantras. And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with wrath, prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon known by the name of Sabda-veda.

~Vana Parva: Ghosha-yatra Parva: section CCXLIII

Sammohanastra

And warding off with weapons, all the weapons of those bulls among the Kurus, the wielder of the Gandiva who was capable of enduring all foes, evolved another irresistible weapon obtained from Indra, called Sanmohana.

~Virata Parva: Go-harana Parva section LXV

Mahendrastra

Then drawing with his two hands and with great force his beautiful bow Gandiva of immeasurable energy, he invoked with proper mantras the highly wonderful and terrible Mahendra weapon and caused it to appear in the welkin.

~Bhishma Parva Bhagavat-Gita Parva section LIX

The weapons appertaining to Soma (Moongod), Agni, Varuna, Soma, Vayu, and Lord Vishnu, as also those appertaining to Indra, Lord Pasupati, and Paramesthi, and those of Prajapati, Dhatri, Tashtri, Savitri, and Vivaswat.

The weapons appertaining to Agni, Varuna, Soma, Vayu, and Vishnu, as also those appertaining to Indra, Pasupati, and Paramesthi, and those of Prajapati, Dhatri, Tashtri, Savitri, and Vivaswat, all these are known to Dhananjaya alone in this world of men! Krishna, the son of Devaki, also knoweth them. But there is none else here that knoweth them.

~Bhishma Parva Bhagavat-Gita Parva section CXXIII

Tvashtra

Causing wrinkles to form themselves on his brow, sure indications of wrath, the son of Pandu blew his prodigious conch, called Devadatta, and then he shot the weapon called Tvashtra that is capable of slaying large bodies of foes together. Thereupon, thousands of separate forms started into existence there (of Arjuna himself and of Vasudeva).

~Dronabhisheka Parva section XIX

Jyotishkastra and Adityastra

Then a thick darkness appeared and covered Arjuna's car, and from within that gloom harsh voices rebuked Arjuna. The latter, however, by means of the weapons called Jyotishka, dispelled that thick and awful darkness. When that darkness was dispelled frightful waves of water appeared. For drying up those waters, Arjuna applied the weapon called Aditya.

~Dronabhisheka Parva section XXVIII

Indrastra (it is different from Aindrastra. Arjuna used Indrastra to neutralise Aindrastra of Ashwatthama)

Beholding that shower of arrows spread over the welkin through the aindra weapon, Partha, endued with great activity, O king, taking up his bow gandiva, and fixing on his bowstring a mighty weapon created by Indra, destroyed that aindra-shower of arrows. Having baffled that arrowy shower caused by the aindra weapon, Partha soon covered the car of Drona's son (with his own arrows).

~Karna Parva section 64

These Divine weapons - Kakudika, Suka, Naka, Akshisantarjana, Santana, Nartana, Ghora, and Asyamodaka

Therefore, O king, besides such weapons as Kakudika, Suka, Naka, Akshisantarjana, Santana, Nartana, Ghora, and Asyamodaka, are placed on the string of that best of bows called Gandiva, go thou unto Dhananjaya, laying aside thy pride Struck with these weapons, men always yield up their lives. Indeed, these weapons have other means corresponding with the eight passions, such as lust, wrath, covetousness, vanity, insolence, pride, malice, and selfishness.

~Udyoga Parva: Bhagwat Yana Parva section XCVI

Salavastra and Asmavarshastra

However, O king, exerting myself more vigorously, I again covered that being with a mighty multitude of shafts. Then taking Sthunakarna, and Varuna and Salava, and Asmavarsha weapons, I assailed him, profusely showering shafts. But, O king, he instantly swallowed up even all these weapons of mine.

~Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva CLXVI

Arjuna also learnt from Indradeva the 5 types of weapons (Mukta, Amukta, Muktamukta, Yantramukta, Mantramukta) and other 10 weapons (Shula, tomara, gada, parashu , mudgara, vajra, chakra, kshepini, asi, and bhindipala) of Indradeva along with the Prayaschitta connected with them.

And, O Partha, together with (a knowledge of) the five modes, using (them), thou hast obtained five and ten weapons and, therefore, there existeth none, who is thy peer. And thou hast perfectly learnt the discharge (of those weapons) and (their) withdrawal, and (their) re-discharge and re-withdrawal, and the Prayaschitta connected (with them), and also their revival, in case of their being baffled.

~Vana Parva : Tirtha-yatra Parva: section CLXVII

Anjalika astra (he used it to kill Karna)

Indeed, O king, with that excellent Anjalika weapon inspired with mantras into a mighty weapon, the son of Indra cut off the head of Vaikartana in the afternoon. Thus cut off with that Anjalika, the trunk of Karna fell down on the earth.

~Karna Parva section 91

Nalika astra.

Rubbing his two arms and the string also of gandiva, that fierce bowman, Arjuna, then sped showers of cloth-yard shafts, and nalikas and arrows equipped with heads like boar's ears and razors, and anjalikas, and crescent-shaped arrows.

~Karna Parva section 89

Shakrastra

At this, maharatha Partha invoked the Shakra weapon. From this, thousands of arrows with drooping tufts were released. Those arrows that were created struck those two great archers. On seeing that Shrutayu had been killed and that Achyutayu had also been killed, everyone in the world wondered.

~BORI CE Mahabharata section 1045(68), Drona Parva

Nagastra and Sauparnastra

Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Pandu, paralysed the legs of the samsaptakas by repeatedly invoking, O monarch, the weapon called Naga. Thus tied with those foot-tying bands by the high-souled son of Pandu, all of them stood motionless, O monarch, beholding his army thus paralysed, quickly invoked the weapon called Sauparna. Thereupon numerous birds began to come down and devour those snakes.

~Karna Parva: Section 53

Lower level Pashupatastra (which Drona, Ashwatthama and Karna also possessed)

When Drona failed to gain any ascendency over the son of Pandu, the son of Bharadwaja, that warrior acquainted with the course of all weapons, invoked into existence the Aindra, the Pasupata, the Tvashtra, the Vayavya, and the Yamya weapons. As soon as those weapons, issued from Drona's bow, Dhananjaya destroyed them quickly. As a blazing fire consumeth a forest in the hot season, so, exhibiting diverse courses, I will hurl those great weapons called Sthur-karna, Pasupata, and Brahma, and all those that Sakra gave me, all of which are endued with fierce impetuosity.

~Drona Parva: Drona Vadha Parva section CLXXXVIII and Udyoga Parva: Sanat Sujata Parva section XLVIII

It is mentioned 2 times that Arjuna had each and every weapon possessed by Indradeva. Ist time in Khandava Daha parva

Partha asked for the boon that he might get all of Shakra’s weapons. Then Shakra fixed the time for the receiving. “O Pandava! When the illustrious Mahadeva will be pleased with you, that is when I will give you all the weapons. O descendant of the Kuru lineage! Because of your great asceticism, I will then bestow on you all my agneya and all my vayavya weapons and all my other weapons and you will accept them.

~BORI CE Mahabharata chapter 225, Khandava Daha Parva

It is also mentioned in Kairata Parva also that Arjuna had each and every divine missile of Indradeva.

Please grant it to me as a boon. I wish to obtain from you today the knowledge of all weapons.” The great Indra smilingly replied, “O Dhananjaya! “O son! When you have seen the lord of all beings, the three-eyed Shiva who wields the trident, I will then give you all the divine weapons. O Kounteya! Act so that you are able to see the supreme god.

~BORI CE Mahabharata section 335(38), Kairata Parva

Arjuna also possessed Prajanastra (it is different from Parjanyastra), Saptarishiastra, Garudastra, Sharvarshastra, Shalbhastra, Ashmavashastra, Bhaskara, Praswapanastra, Pramohanastra, Gandharvastra, Paurandastra, Guhyakastra, Sambodhanastra

Note that Arjuna had the greatest number of divine weapons in Dwaparyuga after Bhagwan Shri Krishna primarily due to his dedication, hardwork, severe austerities and secondarily due to the Pratismriti Vidya which he had obtained from Yudhishtira Maharaja.

I shall, therefore, O chastiser of all foes, tell thee what thou art to do now. I have obtained a science from Krishna Dwaipayana. Used by thee, that science will expose the whole universe to thee. O child, attentively receive thou that science from me, and in due time (by its aid) attain thou the grace of the celestials. And, O bull of the Bharata race, devote thyself to fierce asceticism.

~Vana Parva: Arjunabhigamana Parva: section XXXVII

Are you still believing Arjuna was incompetent to counter Vasavi Shakthi and Bhargavastra? He tried to avoid using them.

Arjuna shot and killed unarmed Karna while his chariot sank: This is the biggest misconception created by fake serials and interpretations. Let us look at the original verse from Mahabharat:

Here is the exact BORI extract about the very last fight of Karna and Arjuna. Moments before the quoted incidents, Karna’s chariot had stuck in earth and he had wept and asked Arjuna for a recess. But Krishna was unmoved and reminded Karna of his wrongdoings. Karna understood, Arjuna won’t spare him —

“On seeing this, Karna again invoked brahmastra against Dhananjaya. He showered down arrows and tried to extricate his chariot. Pandava countered those weapons with his own weapons. Kounteya then released another weapon, beloved of the fire god, towards Karna. It blazed fiercely. Karna pacified the fire through a varuna weapon. He covered all the directions with clouds, and it was as dark as a rainy day. Pandaveya was not frightened. While Radheya looked on, the valiant one used the vayavya weapon and dispelled all the clouds. The supreme one’s standard had the marks of an elephant’s housing. It was decorated with gold, pearls, jewels and diamonds. It had been crafted by excellent artisans over a long period of time. It was expensive and beautiful in form. It always inspired your soldiers and terrified and frightened the enemy. It was renowned in the world and blazed like the sun and the moon. Kiriti used a razor-sharp arrow that was gold-tufted and pointed. With that, he brought down the handsome and blazing standard of the great-souled maharatha, Adhiratha’s son. O venerable one! When that standard was

uprooted, fame, dharma, victory and everything that was dear to the hearts of the Kurus also fell down. Great sounds of lamentation arose. ‘ “To ensure Karna’s death, Pandava took out an anjalika arrow. It was like the great Indra’s vajra, or like a rod that was made out of fire. It blazed in its rays, like the one with one thousand rays.800 It was capable of penetrating the inner organs and smearing itself with blood and flesh. It was extremely expensive and was like the fire and the sun. It could destroy men, horses and elephants and was three cubits long, with six tufts.801 It travelled straight and possessed a great force. In its energy, it was like the vajra of the one with one thousand eyes. It was as difficult to withstand as predatory beasts. It was like the pinaka and Narayana’s chakra. It was fearful and destructive of living beings. He invoked mantras and affixed that supreme and great weapon to Gandiva. He loudly said, ‘I am grasping this great weapon, which is in the form of an arrow. It is extremely difficult to withstand and is capable of destroying the body. If I have tormented myself through

austerities and have satisfied my seniors, if I have listened to what my well-wishers have told me, through that truth, let this arrow slay my armoured enemy, Karna, and bring me victory.’ Having said this, for the sake of Karna’s death, Dhananjaya released that terrible arrow. It was as fierce as rites performed by Atharvan and Angiras. It blazed and was impossible to be endured in a battle, even by Death itself. Kiriti cheerfully said, ‘Let this arrow bring me victory.’ Wishing to slay Karna, bring about his end and convey him to Yama, he released the arrow, which was as radiant as the sun and the moon. Cheerfully, so that he could be conveyed towards victory, the one with the diadem and the garland shot the arrow. It was as radiant as the sun and the moon. He harboured feelings of enmity and wished to slay his enemy. That weapon, blazing like the sun, was shot. Like the sun, it lit up the earth with its radiance. The head of the commander of the army was severed. Like the sun, with a red disc, it seemed to set.

—Debroy, Bibek. Mahabharata: Volume 7 (Kindle Locations 4960-4983). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

There are two very important elements to note here —

Karna was fighting while trying to extricate his chariot wheels. He even used Brahmastra! He was armored.

Arjuna invokes divinity saying if he has been righteous and truthful, he should be able to kill Karna.

Karna exhausted all his weapons and was left with none. Thus, in order to extend time and save himself he started lifting the chariot. Arjuna killing Karna without chariot is never unfair because Arjuna fought on ground many times against warriors on chariots.

As earlier quoted, Karna’s chariot was blasted many times, and he procured a backup chariot. What was his problem on day 17? 

Do you know Arjuna’s chariot sank too after Ashwasena’s attack and Krishna extracted it out manually. 

“Later, after snake Ashwasena had been cut off by Arjuna, the lord Keshava himself, raised up with his massive arms that car from the earth. Whilst he was thus engaged, Karn glancing obliquely at Arjuna, pierced Krishna with nine arrows” - Karn Parv, 67 (35)

Arjuna fought on the ground without any chariot against warriors on chariots. Day 14 of Kurukshetra war, Krishna dismantled his chariot to refresh his exhausted horses. He did not mouth dialogues of dharma and adharma but fought against the enemies attacking him.

People would argue pointing to Karna’s curses. Let us look at them:

1. A Brahimin’s curse

While Karna was studying under Parshuram’s guidance, he incurred a Brahmin’s curse. Here is the exact reference —

O illustrious one! I have unwittingly killed your cow. Please show me your favours.’ However, the Brahmana censured him and angrily spoke these words, ‘O wicked one! O evil-minded one! You should be killed. Therefore, reap this fruit. You have always sought to rival , and you have been striving against him every day. Because of this crime, when you are fighting with him, the earth will swallow up the wheel of your chariot. O worst of men! When you clash against your foe and are distracted because the wheel of your chariot has been devoured by the earth, he will exhibit his valour and sever your head. O stupid one! Leave this place.

—The Brahmana’s curse: Shanti Parva, Chapter 1330(2)

Few important points —

Why did Brahmin really curse Karna?

Brahmin says — Karna would be distracted — Karna was distracted.

Brahmin says — Your enemy will exhibit valour — Arjuna did.

Being distracted is a personal state of weakness.

Can killing someone distracted be unfair? Moreover, he is pretending to be distracted with his bow still in his hands. Did Brahmana say his death would be unfair?

WHAT DID MAHADEV SAY?

Victory of the great-souled Vijaya is certain. He is spirited, powerful and brave. He is skilled in the use of weapons and is rich in austerities. Great energy is manifested in him, especially in dhanurveda. Through his greatness, he is capable of overcoming destiny. He is capable of controlling and overcoming the worlds. When the two Krishnas are angered, no one is capable of standing before them.

—Debroy, Bibek. Mahabharata: Volume 7 (Kindle Locations 4710-4713).

Simple logic, why couldn’t he counter Anjalika while standing on the ground? Nowhere mentioned he forgot his knowledge. He was simply incapable. 

4. Karna was shamed by his caste as Sutaputra and Draupadi rejected marrying him in Swayamvar: 

The caste system and inequality did not exist during ancient times. All these developed during the medieval period. Karna was trained under Kripacharya and Dronacharya just like other Princes. He was a student of Drona and was present at the time of Arjun’s perfect eye shot at Gurukul. He was always envious of Arjun, thus went on to train separately under Parashurama. Caste was not an issue for being a warrior or ruling a kingdom. As Krishna said in Gita:

“Chaturvarnyam maya srushtam guna karma vibhagasha”

People were categorized on the basis of their work/Karma not by birth. Keechaka was a suta, yet he was the commander in chief of Matsya Kingdom, Drona and Parashurama were Brahmins but they were warriors who lived like Kshatriyas. Nobody restricted them from warfare. Ashwadhama was a Brahmin still he ruled half of Panchal. The caste inequality was an interpolation and imagination by modern-day liberals to misinterpret and misguide us about the notions of Mahabharat and ancient Indian culture. Karna was restricted from participating in the competition among the princes because it was organized within the family. Think of an art fest in a school/college. It is for the students of that institution not for outsiders. Karna was just trying to show off all because of his envy towards Arjuna.

Draupadi rejecting Karna as Suta Putra is absolute nonsense. Think logically, Draupadi, Drupada and Krishna did not know in which get up Arjun would show up. He could have come as a charioteer (suta), brahmin or as a trader. Thus, they would have kept the competition open for all irrespective of their caste. In fact, authentic versions clearly record that Karna was allowed to participate but failed in the Swayamwar competition:

Others among them, who lived by their wisdom and were wise, told each other, “O Brahmanas! If Kshatriyas like Karna and Shalya, who are famous in the world, have great strength and are well versed in Dhanur Veda,22 could not string the bow, how can this weakling Brahmana, with no knowledge of weapons, succeed?

Source : BORI CE Mahabharata Adi Parva Droupadi-svayamvara Parva ch 179 translated by Bibek Debroy.

Note: Karna is referred as Kshatriya here. He was a warrior and was given the status of Kshatriya. Thus the caste inequality is debunked here.

5. Karna suffered a lot: No. Karna lived a luxurious life as a king (but as a slave of Duryodhan with his skill and valor of no use.) He got the care of adopted parents at least. Pandavas lost their father and lived like nobody in their own kingdom. They lived a major part of their life in the forest. Arjun, once to save cattles of a brahmin from Takshak, knowing that he would have to go for exile, went to Draupadi’s room and took his bow. This shows that he was a selfless hero.

6. Karna ordered the disrobing of Draupadi: Yes he did. See original verse:

When the noise died down, Radheya, who was almost senseless with anger, gripped his lustrous arms 212 and uttered these words, “I have witnessed many distortions in Vikarna. Like fire destroys the block from which it has been kindled, his destruction will come from the fire he has created. Though urged by Krishna, those who are assembled here have not uttered a word. I consider that Drupada’s daughter has been won in accordance with dharma, and so do they. O son of Dhritarashtra! Out of childishness, you alone are being torn to bits. Though but a child, you speak in this sabha what should be spoken by elders. O Duryodhana’s younger brother! You do not know the reality of what dharma is. Like one with limited intelligence, you proclaim that Krishna has not been won, when she has been won. O Dhritarashtra’s son! How can you think that Krishna has not been won? In this sabha, the eldest Pandava staked everything he possessed. O bull among the Bharata lineage! Droupadi is included in all his possessions. When Krishna has been won in accordance with dharma, how can you think she has not been won? Droupadi was mentioned in the speech and the Pandava approved. According to what reason do you then think that she has not been won? If you think that bringing her into the sabha when she is clad in only a single garment is against dharma, listen to the words I have to say in response. O descendant of the Kuru lineage!

It has been ordained by the gods that a woman should only have one husband. However, she submits to many and it is therefore certain that she is a courtesan. It is my view that there is nothing surprising in her being brought into the sabha in a single garment, or even if she is naked. In accordance with dharma, Soubala has won all the riches the Pandavas possessed, including her and themselves. O Duhshasana! This Vikarna is only a child, though he speaks words of wisdom. Strip away the garments from the Pandavas and Droupadi.”

Karna being unable to win her in swayamwar, is showing off his frustration, envy and vengeance and orders to disrobe Draupadi. He is inventing his own version of dharma so are Karna devotees.

7. Karna’s digvijay: It is mentioned that Karna conquered the whole world. Think logically, this itself is a hyperbole and exaggerated statement. Did he cross seas to conquer other continents? He did not even conquer the Indian subcontinent. Do you believe he was capable of defeating Krishna and winning over Dwaraka? All this happened when Pandavas were in exile. By the way, what was the need of that conquest?? Already all the Kingdom’s were under Duryodhan after Pandavas lost the dice game. Already Pandavas conquered all the directions. 

 Through the strength of your own arms and your valour, you did what brought pleasure to Dhritarashtra’s son. O Karna! You went to Rajapura and killed the Kambojas.20 You went to Girivraja21 and vanquished the kings, with Nagnajit at the forefront, and the Ambashthas, the Videhas and the Gandharas. O Karna! In earlier times, you brought those who dwelt in the Himalayas and Kiratas, who were harsh in battle, under Duryodhana’s suzerainty.

Section Sixty-Five Dronabhisheka Parva

What was the need of defeating Gandharas? Shakuni, the king of Gandhara was already an ally of Kauravas? This is either a flattering statement or just an exaggeration. Also Videha was already under the Kurus and Karna defeating them again doesn’t make any sense. By the way if he was that strong, why couldn’t he stop Bhima from conquering Anga, his own Kingdom during Pandava’s Rajasuya conquest.

8. Vijaya bow was lord Shiva’s bow and its wielder is invincible: No. Vijaya bow was not lord Shiva’s bow:

Karna himself explained the origin of his “Vijaya” bow.

My bow, called Vijaya, is the foremost of all weapons (of its kind). Desirous of doing what was agreeable (to Indra), it was made by Vishakarman (the celestial artificer) for Indra. With that bow, O king, Indra had vanquished the Daityas. At its twang the Daityas beheld the ten points to be empty. That bow, respected by all, Sakra gave to Bhrigu's son (Rama). That celestial and foremost of bows Bhrigu's son gave to me. With that bow I will contend in battle with the mighty-armed Arjuna, that foremost of victorious warriors, like Indra fighting with the assembled Daityas. That formidable bow, the gift of Rama, is superior to Gandiva. It was with that bow that the Earth was subjugated thrice seven times (by Bhrigu's son). With that bow given to me by Rama I will contend in battle with the son of Pandu. I will, O Duryodhana, gladden thee today with thy friends, by slaying in battle that hero, viz., Arjuna, that foremost of conquerors.

Karna Parva: Section 31

It was a bow made for Devaraj Indra by Vishakarman.

Devaraj Indra used this bow to vanquish the Daityas.

Devaraj Indra gave this bow to Lord Parashurama.

Lord Parashurama used this bow to subjugate earth for 21 times

Karna received it from Lord Parashurama.

The bow of Lord Shiva is “Pinaka”. He used Pinaka to destroy Tripura

that wielder of the Pinaka and cleanser of all sins--the illustrious Hara--assuming the form of a Kirata resplendent as a golden tree, and with a huge and stalwart form like a second Meru, and taking up a hand some bow and a number of arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison, and looking like an embodiment of fire, came quickly down on the breast of Himavat.

Kairata Parva: Section XXXIX

Is the wielder of Vijaya invincible? No. Never.. Even Bhima defeated Karna with Vijaya bow.

Forcibly drawing the bow-string to his very ear, the son of the Wind-god, that great bowman, filled with wrath and desirous of making an end of Karna, sped that shaft. Thus sped by the mighty Bhima, that shaft, making a noise loud as that of the thunder, pierced through thunderbolt Karna in that battle, like the thunderbolt itself piercing through a mountain. Struck by Bhimasena, O perpetuator of Kuru's race, the Suta's son, that commander (of thy forces), sat down senseless on the terrace of his car. The ruler of the Madras then, beholding the Suta's son deprived of his senses, bore that ornament of battle away on his car, from that fight. Then after Karna's defeat, Bhimasena began to rout the vast Dhartarashtra host like Indra routing the danavas.'"

Karna parva: Section 50

Note: This is Karna parva and Karna wields Vijaya bow on day 17 i.e, during Karna parva. Vijaya bow is not the bow of Mahadeva. And whether the bow is Vijaya or some other bow it never guarantees victory to anyone. It is a warrior who fights battles not bow. Victory and defeat depends on warriors. Karna himself was defeated on 17th day by Bhima with Vijaya bow in hand. 

9. Evil Doings of Karna:

Karna plotted to murder the Pandavas in their childhood, prior to the introduction of Kripa (by vaisampayana).

Quote:

"Then Duryodhana, Karna and Subala’s son Shakuni tried many other means to kill the Pandavas."

Analysis: Karna's name is clearly mentioned over here, separately from Duryodhana's and Sakuni's. So it was not Gandhari's son karna, Yuyutsu karna or a different karna etc. It was Radheya Karna. Some karna fans just deny this fact for some reason but karna's crime over here was that he wrongfully targetted the Pandavas (people who at this point in time never did anything bad to him, yet he still targetted them.

Source: Adi Parva Section 119

Poisoning of Bhima

He was a part of conspiracy to kill Pandavas in Varanavart

Karna jointly attacked and was involved in the adharmic killing of Abhimanyu

Karna ordered the disrobing of Draupadi

According to BORI CE, Karna is the trunk of passion (fury) while Arjuna is the trunk of righteousness.

The most self-centred character was Karna. He was neither a good friend (ran away from Gandharvas leaving Duryodhan and promised not to kill other four Pandavas) nor a loving brother.

He attacked and injured weaponless Krishna when Krishna was trying to lift Arjun’s chariot wheel. Thus, he considering himself being attacked without a chariot as adharma is baseless. 

More Misconceptions debunked:

Virat war is interpolation: Virat war is not an interpolation. It is mentioned in all the authentic versions of Mahabharat like BORI CE, KMG and Gitapress. Some say that Arjuna defeating Kurus and later hesitating at Kurukshetra and Uttara not being injured as points prove it fake. But, we should understand that Arjun’s sole aim in Virat war was to retrieve cattle and defeat them. But in Kurukshetra he had to kill them. That is why he hesitated. Also, Uttara was injured as much as Arjun in Virat war. It is clearly stated in the beginning of the article as the original verse. Why didn’t Karna use Vasavi Shakthi? Because he knew that Arjun would counter it. Arjuna had the mighty Vajra of Indra. Vasavi was just another celestial weapon. It is not superior to any of Arjun’s astras. If Arjun had used Pahupatasta, the Kurukshetra war would have been finished within seconds. Arjuna knew its impact and the casualties it would result in. Thus he avoided using higher celestial weapons. Thus, Virat war was not an interpolation, it happened and Arjuna emerged victorious.

Indra sent Gandharvas and they fought mildly with Arjun: Gandharvas claim that they only obey Indra. They were not sent by Indra. It was clearly proved from the verse that they fought valiantly with Arjuna with vigor, but were defeated. Karna was clearly defeated by Gandharvas. Many claim he was drunk. No he wasn’t. Nowhere mentioned he was drunk. If he was, how could he kill so many Gandharvas? Why didn’t he use any divyastras against Chithrasena? He was incapable of countering Maya. But Arjun was able to counter Maya. This makes it clear that Arjun was capable of fighting Gods and Gandharvas by breaking their Maya.

Pashupatastra cannot be used against humans: Yes, it cannot be used against ordinary warriors but it can be used to counter celestial weapons. Pashupatastra or Brahmashira could counter Vasavi Shakthi and Bhargavastra very well. As mentioned earlier, Krishna wanted to eliminate Gatotkacha and avoid casualties, that is why he did not give chance to Arjuna to counter it. As proved earlier, Vasavi was not Indra’s strongest weapon. It was Vajra and Arjun had it. In fact, he had all the special weapons of all the demi gods like Varuna pasha, Yama danda etc which were superior to Vasavi Shakthi. Krishna calls himself Vajra among weapons too.

Krishna was overjoyed after Karna used Vasavi Shakthi and admitting that Bhishma, Drona and Karna were killed by adharma : As mentioned earlier, Krishna eliminated Gatotkacha (to prevent asura infiltration after the war) and Vasavi Shakthi. It is always better to avoid casualties right? Now Krishna saying Karna was invincible with Shakthi was to check on Arjun’s and Pandava’s pride. This would create a sense of guilt and prevent them from developing any head weight after the war. As, with that guilt, they won’t develop a sense of supreme and would serve people better. Krishna was a master tactician. His actions always had other intentions. In the same chapter, Krishna compared Jarasandha and Ekalavya with lord Kartikeya. He also says Krishna himself cannot defeat Karna?Does that make any sense?? Karna was vanquished many times with Kavach kundal as proved earlier. Thus, Krishna’s statements to Pandavas were mere exaggerations to prevent them from going rogue. Afterall, Mahadev himself confirms in Kirata Parva that Arjun was the greatest warrior in all three worlds.

Karna pushing Arjun’s chariot is a made-up story and it is not mentioned in any of the authentic versions.

Karna had the habit of running away from battlefield, thus Bhishma Pitamaha called him Ardha Rathi (lower than the lowest level of warrior)

Ekalavya would have been better than Arjun if he had not lost his thumb: No.. Never. Thumb is not necessary to practice archery. Archers use only the index and middle finger to shoot arrows. Dronacharya did it to make Ekalavya develop a sense of hatred towards him and leave the place. Drona was commissioned by Kurus and teaching a Nishada prince would be betrayal to the Kingdom. Also, Ekalvya was an adharmi who joined Jarasandha and was killed by lord Krishna himself. Arjun, afterall started practicing with left arm too out of this grief, and became ambidextrous. Thus, all these happened as a part of the process of sharpening Arjuna.

Conclusion: Arjun was a gem. An ideal role model for students and youngsters. The recipient of Gita was the epitome of kindness, discipline, righteousness, humbleness and valor. He was invincible, but his thirst for knowledge never ceased. He was a nityavidyardhi (forever student), he competed with himself, sharpened himself, earned a friend like Krishna who enlightened him with supreme knowledge. Shouldn’t he be our hero? Even in the deepest deepest danger, he did not stoop to use Brahmashira or Pashupata. He did not plead leniency. He did not mouth dialogues of dharma and adharma to fend away his enemies. No excuses uttered. He is getting forgotten and criticized, just because he overcame setbacks instead of cribbing about them. Arjun was a mirror held up to Karna, giving him the clear insight of what he wanted to be and could never become nor better. In the age of Kaliyuga, glorifying evil-minded ones, use your logic to rise above the fake statements nailed on to our head and follow the path of real heroes.

yatra yogeśhvaraḥ kṛiṣhṇo yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ

tatra śhrīr vijayo bhūtir dhruvā nītir matir mama

Wherever there is Shree Krishna, the Lord of all Yog, and wherever there is Arjun, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be unending opulence, victory, prosperity, and righteousness. Of this, I am certain.

                                                                                   - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 78