The conversation between Karna and ShriKrishna continues....
Karna says, I pray to you, O Hrishikesha, that the warriors of the royal dynasties perish honorably. Let them die on the most sacred of places, Kurukshetra. The achievements accomplished on this battlefield shall open the heavenly realms for those who die on this hallowed ground. As long as the rivers, hills and mountains last, so will the brahmanas recite this great warfare of the Bharatas. The fame achieved in this battle will be the only wealth that the kshatriyas will obtain. O Keshava, bring Kunti's son, Arjuna, before me in combat, and keep our discussion a secret forever.
Lord Krishna then instructed Karna, When you return, say unto Bhishma, Drona and Kripa, that the present month is a pleasurable one. It is spring time, and there are ample fruits and vegetables. The roads are dry, and it is neither too hot nor too cold. Seven days after today is the new moon. Let the battle commence on that day. Speak unto all the kings who have sided with Duryodhana. Tell them that I will fulfill all their desires. When they obtain death by the Pandava's weapons, they will attain the heavenly realm.
Without doubt, O Krishna, Karna replied, a mammoth and ferocious war will take place which will bloody the entire earth. O slayer of Madhu, I see evil omens for the Kurus and auspicious ones for the Pandavas. O descendent of the Vrishni dynasty, that vindictive planet of great effulgence, Saturn, is afflicting the constellation Rohini. This will cause suffering to the living entities of this earth. The planet Mars is heading toward the constellations Anuradhas and Jeshthya, indicating a great slaughter of friends. The planet Mahapat is afflicting the constellation Chitra, and Rahu is attacking the sun. They say that the appearance of these evil portents produces a great carnage. All the auspicious birds like the swans, peacocks and cranes are following the Pandavas, while vultures, hawks and crows follow the chariot of Duryodhana. The gods are showering flesh and blood upon the followers of Duryodhana, and a black circle is appearing about the sun globe. The jackals are howling and fierce birds utter terrible cries. These omens indicate the downfall of the Kauravas and victory for the Pandavas.
I have seen a vision of Yudhisthira ascending to a palace supported by a thousand columns. His brothers were accompanying him, and they were all dressed in white robes. I have also seen the sons of Dhritarastra, along with myself, headed for Yamaraja's abode. I have no doubt that the warriors aligned with Duryodhana shall have to enter the fire of the Gandiva bow.
The destruction of the world is at hand, Lord Krishna prophesied, when My words do not become acceptable to the heart. When the destruction of human life approaches, men take right for wrong and wrong for right.
If, O Krishna, Karna replied, I live through this great battle, then we shall meet here again. Otherwise, O Hrishikesha, we shall certainly meet in mystical worlds above. O sinless one, I think this is the only way we shall meet again. Saying this much, Karna embraced Lord Krishna, and ascending his own chariot, he returned to the presence of Duryodhana, feeling exceedingly disheartened. Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, having finished his business on behalf of King Yudhisthira, then left Hastinapura and returned to the city of Upaplavya.
Karna says, I pray to you, O Hrishikesha, that the warriors of the royal dynasties perish honorably. Let them die on the most sacred of places, Kurukshetra. The achievements accomplished on this battlefield shall open the heavenly realms for those who die on this hallowed ground. As long as the rivers, hills and mountains last, so will the brahmanas recite this great warfare of the Bharatas. The fame achieved in this battle will be the only wealth that the kshatriyas will obtain. O Keshava, bring Kunti's son, Arjuna, before me in combat, and keep our discussion a secret forever.
Lord Krishna then instructed Karna, When you return, say unto Bhishma, Drona and Kripa, that the present month is a pleasurable one. It is spring time, and there are ample fruits and vegetables. The roads are dry, and it is neither too hot nor too cold. Seven days after today is the new moon. Let the battle commence on that day. Speak unto all the kings who have sided with Duryodhana. Tell them that I will fulfill all their desires. When they obtain death by the Pandava's weapons, they will attain the heavenly realm.
Without doubt, O Krishna, Karna replied, a mammoth and ferocious war will take place which will bloody the entire earth. O slayer of Madhu, I see evil omens for the Kurus and auspicious ones for the Pandavas. O descendent of the Vrishni dynasty, that vindictive planet of great effulgence, Saturn, is afflicting the constellation Rohini. This will cause suffering to the living entities of this earth. The planet Mars is heading toward the constellations Anuradhas and Jeshthya, indicating a great slaughter of friends. The planet Mahapat is afflicting the constellation Chitra, and Rahu is attacking the sun. They say that the appearance of these evil portents produces a great carnage. All the auspicious birds like the swans, peacocks and cranes are following the Pandavas, while vultures, hawks and crows follow the chariot of Duryodhana. The gods are showering flesh and blood upon the followers of Duryodhana, and a black circle is appearing about the sun globe. The jackals are howling and fierce birds utter terrible cries. These omens indicate the downfall of the Kauravas and victory for the Pandavas.
I have seen a vision of Yudhisthira ascending to a palace supported by a thousand columns. His brothers were accompanying him, and they were all dressed in white robes. I have also seen the sons of Dhritarastra, along with myself, headed for Yamaraja's abode. I have no doubt that the warriors aligned with Duryodhana shall have to enter the fire of the Gandiva bow.
The destruction of the world is at hand, Lord Krishna prophesied, when My words do not become acceptable to the heart. When the destruction of human life approaches, men take right for wrong and wrong for right.
If, O Krishna, Karna replied, I live through this great battle, then we shall meet here again. Otherwise, O Hrishikesha, we shall certainly meet in mystical worlds above. O sinless one, I think this is the only way we shall meet again. Saying this much, Karna embraced Lord Krishna, and ascending his own chariot, he returned to the presence of Duryodhana, feeling exceedingly disheartened. Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, having finished his business on behalf of King Yudhisthira, then left Hastinapura and returned to the city of Upaplavya.