After the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas spent a month outside Hastinapur city mourning. Among the many Rishis who visited them was Narada.

Narada approached Yudhishthira and praised him for following dharma, his bravery, and Krishna’s support, which helped him win the war and conquer the earth. Narada acknowledged Yudhishthira’s devotion to the kshatriya dharma and expressed hope that his victory would bring joy to his well-wishers. However, he noticed that Yudhishthira was troubled, despite his success.

Yudhishthira replied that although he achieved victory through Krishna’s strength, Bhima and Arjuna’s power, and the blessings of the nobles, he was overwhelmed by grief. He regretted the destruction caused by the war, which led to the death of countless relatives, including Abhimanyu and Draupadi’s sons. This sorrow weighed heavily on his heart, and his triumph felt hollow.

Yudhishthira revealed a deeper reason for his anguish: Kunti had not disclosed in time that Karna was her firstborn son, making him Yudhishthira’s elder brother. Yudhishthira lamented his ignorance, which led to Karna’s death in battle. He described Karna’s extraordinary qualities, including his strength, valor, and unwavering commitment to his promises. Karna’s loyalty to Duryodhana had prevented him from aligning with the Pandavas.

Kunti had tried to convince Karna to join her other sons before the war. Karna acknowledged her as his mother but refused to abandon Duryodhana, fearing dishonor. However, he promised Kunti that he would not harm her other sons, ensuring her safety. Karna told her that whether he or Arjuna died, she would still have five sons. This act reflected Karna’s sense of duty and complex loyalty.

Yudhishthira regretted that Karna’s true lineage remained a secret during the war. Arjuna unknowingly killed his elder brother in battle, fulfilling Karna’s promise to his mother. Yudhishthira believed that if Karna and Arjuna had fought together as brothers, they could have defeated any enemy.

He recalled moments of inexplicable kinship with Karna, such as feeling his anger dissolve when he saw Karna’s feet, which resembled Kunti’s. Despite Karna’s harsh words during the dice game, Yudhishthira suspected a deeper connection but never understood it until Kunti revealed the truth.

Yudhishthira was also troubled by the divine events surrounding Karna’s death. He questioned why Karna’s chariot wheel sank into the ground during battle. These unanswered questions deepened his sorrow and guilt over Karna’s death.

In his grief, Yudhishthira viewed his victory as a personal defeat. He mourned not only the loss of Karna but also the fractured relationships and devastating consequences of the war. He turned to Narada for clarity, hoping to understand Karna’s tragic fate and the greater cosmic design behind it.

Narada narrated to Yudhishtira about the two curses -one from a Brahmin and another from his guru, Parashurama- that caused Karna’s defeat.

Kunti also tried to console Yudhishtira. She urged him to overcome his sorrow and listen to her explanation. Kunti revealed that she and Surya Bhagavan had tried to inform Karna of his true identity as Yudhishthira’s brother. Surya Bhagavan even appeared in Karna’s dream to advise him as a well-wisher. However, Karna refused their pleas. His loyalty to Duryodhana and the enmity with the Pandavas made him reject any reconciliation.

Kunti explained that Karna was bound by destiny and his actions were driven by the forces beyond their control. Hearing this, Yudhishthira’s grief deepened. Tears clouded his eyes as he expressed his anguish, blaming Kunti for keeping Karna’s identity a secret.

In his immense sorrow, Yudhishthira cursed all women, declaring that they would no longer be able to keep secrets. This moment reflected his emotional turmoil and the weight of the revelations he had just learned.

Knowledge Bank

What is the lifespan of the universe?

4.32 billion years.

What is the meaning of hypocrisy?

It is called hypocrisy when someone pretends to have more knowledge or moral standards than he actually has. It is the holier-than-thou attitude.